Arsenal U23s lacked cohesion in their 2-2 draw away to Brighton & Hove Albion last night, but it certainly has to be taken into consideration that several members of Steve Bould’s side are still adjusting having joined the club this summer.
Salah-Eddine, Tim Akinola and George Lewis were all in the starting lineup against Brighton, and, as a consequence of the unfamiliarity in the side, Arsenal couldn’t play their usual brand of slick passing football as some players didn’t combine effectively and others didn’t make the right runs.
Over time it is anticipated that matters will improve, and Bould still has to embed former Tottenham defender Jonathan Dinzeyi into the side.
William Saliba played the whole game and produced a mixed performance as he took some unnecessary risks at times while on other occasions he played some excellent passes.
Ryan Alebiosu, another player who is rather new to U23 football after stepping up from the U18s, acquitted himself well at right-back, although the performance of the comparatively experienced Tolaji Bola at left-back left a lot to be desired.
Ben Cottrell and James Olayinka got Arsenal’s goals, but it is clear that there is room for improvement for Bould’s side. As his players get used to playing with each other, performances and results should begin to pick up.
—
Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Hi Jorge. Always read your on blog btw. Can you provide some more detail on Saliba’s performance. What were the unnecessary risks?
Also, in your opinion, does Cottrell have what it takes to force himself into the 1st team picture, and what kind of timescale if you think he does? What are the limitations in his game? I think he is a really interesting prospect.
Thanks
One more thing. I.ve seen the Omari Hutchinson skills video from when he was like 10 years old, just wow. Does he have what it takes to be a 1st team player in the future?
For the penalty that Brighton scored Saliba gave away the ball a few moments earlier. A couple of times he played the ball to Ballard when it was quite risky, but he also had some very good moments as well.
Cottrell is a good prospect. The main concern is that he isn’t tall or strong so gets pushed off the ball quite easily at times, but he is very good technically. I think he could be involved in some cup games this season and could be involved more heavily within the next couple of years.
Hutchinson is very talented. I think he certainly has a chance of making the breakthrough eventually.
Thanks Jorge
What kind of player would you describe Cottrell as? I see him as a Nasri type, is that fair?
Taking into account that the first team consistently play ‘risky’-ish passes to each other at the back (but know how to position themselves and recieve the ball in tight spaces) is that more a consequence of other players not being good enough to play that level of ‘game’?
I before E, except after C ;))
Fair point though, it probably doesn’t look so risky if your making the passes to KT