Arsenal’s wait to win the FA Youth Cup for the first time since 2009 will continue after they were knocked out by Liverpool tonight with a 7-1 defeat in the fourth round.
The young Gunners travelled to Merseyside in excellent form but were simply unable to cope with Liverpool’s outstanding attack.
Ethan Nwaneri scored to make it 1-1 but Arsenal lacked cohesion and end up suffering an early exit from a competition that they reached the final of last season.
Nwaneri was excellent in the first half and often pushed forwards well but as a collective Arsenal were far from at their best, with Liverpool taking full advantage.
The 7-1 scoreline perhaps isn’t totally reflective of Arsenal’s performance but Liverpool were undoubtedly the better team and seized upon some avoidable errors while also showcasing their qualities going forwards.
Schoolboy striker Chido Obi-Martin was given an opportunity up front and came close to scoring with an effort that was deflected onto the crossbar but overall this was a hugely frustrating night.
This is a deeply disappointing defeat for Arsenal, who must now focus on the Premier League Cup, where they will face Manchester United in the knockout stages.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
This is Arteta’s fault for not playing the U18s in Premier League matches to give them the experience needed to perform at U18 level.
How many Liverpool U18s players have Premier League experience?
It was a joke. Not sure why such a high proportion of people voting on the post didn’t understand it.
My bad. It was even a good one!
Is it possible under EPL to give Chido Martins a pre-contract at his age?
I believe we do not need to buy a striker when we have a larger than life/age striker that can be incorporated into the first team gor free
The guy is 16yo, it’s gonna take years before he’s ready for the first team. If he ever will.
That’s one hell of a thrashing and there was some real talent in that team. Wilshere should be reflecting on that, it’s hugely disappointing. Is he any good as a coach or is or just a really bad day at the office?