Arsenal U18s commenced their FA Youth Cup campaign in emphatic style yesterday with a 7-1 win at home to their Crewe Alexandra counterparts.
After falling a goal behind in the first half, Jack Wilshere’s side responded in the second period, with the hugely impressive Ethan Nwaneri scoring five goals, while Luis Brown and substitute Omari Benjamin also got on the scoresheet.
Arsenal will face Fleetwood Town or Liverpool away in the fourth round as they look to go all the way in the competition after being beaten in the final last season.
Having been deployed as a striker in the first half, Nwaneri was outstanding in the second period after moving into midfield, with Crewe simply unable to cope with him.
The 16-year-old linked play extremely well and demonstrated excellent composure in front of goal, while he also showed good strength and technique.
It was the first time that Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly had played for the U18s this season and the pair deserve an immense amount of credit for their attitude and application.
Substitutes Benjamin, Kamarni Ryan and Ismeal Kabia all made significant contributions off the bench, demonstrating the depth that Wilshere has in his squad.
Wilshere will be pleased with how his side responded to going behind and will be buoyed by by the fact that his team once again showed a never-say-die attitude.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
keep improving
Extraordinwaneri!
Any way to see the highlights? Would love to see a bit of what the hype is about with this kid
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iM5BULWZwXU
Merci. Kid looks real good, that level seems too much of a cakewalk for him though, it looks like he’s playing FIFA with the level set to easy and he’s the only one who knows where the ball is coming to each time
JW must be only person in the world who thinks Nwaneri should play striker!
I guess he’s helping him to learn new skills and what it feels like playing up top. In the end he’ll surely play further back.
Can do a job at False 9