Arsenal made it through to the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup with a hard-fought 4-3 win at home to Brighton & Hove Albion last night.
Miguel Azeez, who recently returned from injury, scored the pick of Arsenal’s goals with a fine volley, while the young Gunners also benefitted from a mistake by Brighton goalkeeper Roco Rees, who scored an own goal.
It was the performance of Sam Greenwood, however, which was the biggest talking point, with the forward producing an excellent display that saw him score two goals.
Greenwood’s first came from inside the area after he and Ryan Alebiosu had both been denied in quick succession moments previously.
The England youth international then scored from the penalty spot as he played a significant part in helping Arsenal to progress in this prestigious competition.
Greenwood’s all-round performance was of a very high standard as he demonstrated his excellent technique and played some slick passes.
Having spent much of the game up front, Greenwood moved to the right wing for the closing stages as Arsenal just about managed to see out the game.
During the first half in particular Greenwood linked up very well with midifelder Ben Cottrell and showed that he is continuing to develop apace having done very well since joining from Sunderland in 2018.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Has he signed a new contract? If I recall correctly he only had a year or two left last I read about him.
Yes he signed it in the end. Although youth team players contract tend to be only short extensions.
Really liking the look of Greenwood, Azeez, Cotterell and Denis. Exciting times at Arsenal due to Wenger’s longterm plans coming to fruition. I hope he comes back in some capacity one day so he can truly see it for himself
What actual Arsenal fan would thumb down this? Explain your dumb foolery at once!
Well actually it is not unreasonable to question how much input Wenger has had on youth development. He had 20 years at the club and the only real academy success I can remember is Ashley Cole
Wilshere? Sure he’s not the same player after all the injuries but the lad played almost 50 games for us at 18. Bellerin, Szczesny, Iwobi all came through the academy. The current crop of Saka, Nelson, Willock, etc. would all have been developed while Wenger was in charge as well.
This. The idea that Greenwood’s progress is down to Wenger is risible. I might as well claim the credit myself. ?
Throughout Wenger’s time the Academy produced very little in comparison with times past. Cole and Wilshere were the only two.
Gibbs we nicked from Wimbledon and Walcott was signed from Southampton. Actual home grown talent was tantamount amount to non existent.