Arsenal U18s reached the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup last night with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Cambridge United, and, like many of their games in the competition this season, the young Gunners had to show excellent resilience in order to prevail.
Despite taking an early lead through a superb strike from Ethan Nwaneri, Arsenal found themselves 2-1 down at one stage and in danger of being eliminated by a spirited Cambridge side.
However, once again Arsenal responded, with Amario Cozier-Duberry equalising from the penalty spot before Michal Rosiak netted a late winner to avoid the need for extra-time.
Again, Arsenal’s overall performance was far from perfect as they lacked their usual composure in possession, but there is such a strong sense of unity amongst these players and they refuse to give up.
There could be even tougher tests to come, especially at Manchester City are still involved in the competition, but Arsenal have done very well to get to the semi-finals for the first time since 2018.
Jack Wilshere has some very talented players to call upon, such as schoolboys Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly as well as older prospects like Amario Cozier-Duberry, who again caught the eye at Emirates Stadium last night.
Michal Rosiak, meanwhile, has been hugely important in the Youth Cup this season, and scored the winner last night to add to his goals against Millwall and Watford.
Arsenal’s dream of winning the Youth Cup for the first time since 2009, when Wilshere was part of the team, is still alive.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Would love for Super Jackie Wilshere to lift the trophy as a coach- circle of life kinda moment for him if it transpires.
Wilshire as a coach still has more chance of winning a trophy this season than Totnumb.
Good man Jack, get Matt Smith in for a team talk tell them what winning a trophy is all about.