Following on from Arsenal’s Under 18’s draw with Fulham on Saturday, manager Steve Bould has given his thoughts on the games key talking points, in his after match interview with Arsenal TV.
Bould initially reflected on the state of his travelling squad, which saw his outfit robbed of several key names. This pressed the early inclusion of Under 16 starlets Danny Boateng and Benik Afobe, with the latter coming on to bag the crucial equaliser.
Benik was brought into play after an injury to Luke Freeman, the second Gunners player to leave the field with a problem. The other, James Shea, was knocked out when coming to claim a cross, meaning defender Luke Ayling had to pick up the gloves and defend the goal.
“James gets injured, and we had no back up, so Luke went in goal. We didn’t have a lot of subs today, but it was a great chance to look at some young kids.”
When pressed further on Afobe’s powerful header – which levelled proceedings, Steve diluted his praise towards the individual, instead sharing it among the team, before finishing on an educational note.
“It was a great move, started at the back. Benik is one of the young kids about, and it was a terrific finish. He will look back and realise he could have had one or two more, but he’s one of the boys we have a lot of hopes for.”
The main sour note was that awful injury to first choice stopper Shea, but the boss had some encouraging news when speaking to Arsenal TV’s ‘Academy Show’.
“James is fine, he returned to the ground later on, and has had some little stitches in his lip. But he’s fine.”
The weekend brings a fresh challenge for the Under 18’s, as a competitive Norwich travel to London Colney looking to maintain their good start to the season. A full Match Preview will be available on Friday morning.
Article By – J.Sanderson
He should play in the Arsenal U18’s side from now on
It still baffles me why Afobe is still playing for the u16
The u18 game is at Norwich.
Why no Aaron Ramsey article?? Arsenal fan base and players are multi-national.He was wonderful v Engalnd. It is now clear he is no holding player but an attacking midfielder in the Cesc mould.
Remember he’s still 15, and Freeman, Sunu and Murphy can all still play at u18’s level so instead of wasting good playing time on the bench, playing at u16’s keeps his confidence up aswell as adds goals to his tally.
His real chance will probably come next season, Murphy and Sunu will be ineligible so my guess is that Freeman and Sunu will lead the line..
http://www.arsene-al.co.uk
My bad, Freeman and Afobe, got Sunu on the brain..
http://www.arsene-al.co.uk
Would I be right in thinking that the u16’s play on the same day and time as the u18’s.Which would tell you why Afobie plays more for the u16’s.
Ramsey is a top player but not a youth or reserve player. Hasn’t played a single match for them and this is a site about that. Regarding Shea, how good is he at the moment? I know it is harder to judge keeper as they peak late but how good id his skills currently? Thanks.
Who’s the Arsenal player in the picture?
Hello neither are the loan players. He is a 17 1/2 yr old young gun….end of.Jack is a first team squad player, these things are matters of fine margin but enjoy the moment …eh JS??
This guy in Fulham shirt in the picture used to go to my school. Well he still does but i left long time ago. Ha ha I hated looking at that guy anyway. good riddance. But if he makes it I have to look at him again….Grr.