Arsenal took on their Tottenham counterparts in the Quarter-Finals of the F.A Youth Cup this evening, with a large crowd at a bouncing White Hart Lane anticipating an exciting North London Derby. Both Arsene Wenger and Harry Redknapp were among the spectators.
Steve Bould kept faith with the usual XI that has seen his side cruise past Aston Villa, Wolves and Sunderland, with just the substitutes bench showing changes. Luke Freeman was named among the subs for the first time in the competition, whilst fellow striker Rhys Murphy passed a fitness test to start.
Shea
Eastmond – Bartley – Ayling – Cruise
Coquelin – Frimpong
Wilshere – Thomas – Watt
Sunu
Subs – Mann – Evina – Blackwood – Freeman – Murphy.
Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham – Match Report
The two teams appeared a little nervous in the opening stages, but as the crowd found their voice, the fierce challenges began to flow, and the fixture had a real derby feel to it.
It was the visitors who imposed themselves early on, yet despite having the majority of the ball, they failed to find any reward. A break involving Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and Sanchez Watt was ended on 5 minutes, and the consequences would be telling for Bould’s outfit.
Townsend took possession and attacked Bartley down the left, before whipping a deep cross towards the penalty spot. Jonathon Obika got a yard on Thomas Cruise, and slid the ball beyond a stranded Shea from close range. Advantage Tottenham.
Goal – Jon Obika (5)
Arsenal looked to hit back instantly, but their passing was sluggish, and Tottenham – buoyed by the crowd – were very tenacious in their duties.
The midfield was becoming a mine field, so Frimpong’s lob over the Spurs backline was an innovation in the play. Gilles Sunu was adjudged to have have been offside, but replays showed he was clearly on.
Bould’s boys kept the pressure on. Wilshere found space in the middle, and released Sunu down the right with a perfectly weighted ball. The Frenchman drove an early effort into the box, but the sliding Watt failed to convert from 4 yards.
Both sides were counter attacking each other, and with the Arsenal full backs trying to get forward to support the midfielders, Spurs looked the deadlier. That said, after Townsend lost possession up one end, a swift move saw Emmanuel Frimpong win a corner with a low drive.
A scrappy spell of 10 minutes after the goal brought few chances. Obika dragged a couple of sitters wide, and it quickly became apparent that poor defending could be the difference between the two sides.
Spurs were putting so much pressure on the ball, that with every 3 forward passes, the player in possession was forced to play it back. The midfield battle was being won by the visitors, but patience was needed in the search for the equaliser.
Some superb interplay in the middle released Wilshere through the centre, he skipped his way beyond two challenges before seeing a deflected drive go out for a corner. Jack was booked later on the in the play when he petulantly lashed the ball into the crowd after a free-kick was given.
A brief break for an injury to Townsend presented the chance for both coaches to have words with their players. Arsenal seemed to benefit most, as Wilshere fed Sunu through the middle, and only a firm save from Jansson denied a certain goal.
As half time approached rapidly, Tottenham sat back, and were asking to be attacked. The Gunners were prepared to do so, and even threw big Kyle Bartley up front to aid the efforts. The former Bolton centre back dragged one shot at the goalkeeper, and won a flick on for Wilshere to volley at Jansson moments later.
Corner number 7 was racked up before the break, but the delivery combined with over complicated play was harming Arsenal’s chances.
The whistle blew, meaning there was just 45 minutes left to keep the dream alive.
Half Time – Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
There may have been a break in the proceedings, but there was no break in the way Arsenal were playing. They still struggled to find the killer pass, and this seemed to revitalise Spurs.
They won their first corner 3 minutes into the half, and Ryan Mason was unlucky not to have doubled the lead after volleying the rebound over. Arsenal then went up the other end and won a corner of there own, and this time, it was decisive.
Coquelin’s curling ball from the left picked out Bartley who saw the ball clip of the back of his head and into the corner of the net. Tottenham had their goal 5 minutes into the first half, Arsenal had theirs 5 minutes into the second.
Goal – Kyle Bartley (50)
The hosts were stunned, and the visitors were prepared to take full advantage. Emmanuel-Thomas came thundering out from the back with possession, and won a 9th corner with a powerful drive from range. Wilshere then mirrored the attack moments later.
John Bostock then went on a mazy run and worked Shea from the edge of the box, as the momentum of the tie began to swing back and forth quickly. Shea was then called into action to deny Townsend from a corner, but up the other end Thomas released Watt through the middle, the resulting shot fizzed over the bar.
The final 20 minutes saw both sides try and win the game. Sunu and Emmanuel-Thomas could have had the crucial decider, but equally as could Townsend and Mason as both defences began to tire.
The derby spirit was really showing. Thomas on Bostock, Cox on Sunu and Frimpong on Townsend were all fierce challenges. The latter wasn’t punished, and Emmanuel picked out the darting Sunu, who’s driven cross came to nothing. Arsenal were back on top.
Ayling had to make a last ditch tackle to stop Obika from bagging his second, but as the chances began to dry up, Bould hauled Rhys Murphy off the bench in place of Gilles Sunu. Wilshere then moved behind Murphy, while Watt went out to the right.
Thomas glanced a Wilshere corner wide in the final stages of the game, and it was soon apparent that extra time and penalties would be needed to separate these two.
But that would be underestimating the talent of skipper Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, who booked Arsenal’s place in the semi’s with minutes remaining.
Goal – Jay Emmanuel-Thomas (89)
There was just enough time for Rhys Murphy to apply a slick finish into the corner to finish off a shell shocked Tottenham.
Goal – Rhys Murphy – (92)
The better side won on the night. Oh To Be A Gooner.
Article By – J.Sanderson
That’s just too quick JS. Even for you. :-D
damn that was fast
Great report J, that was about a minute after the match finished!
Extremely impressive mate. I was just watching the match on a stream. A great performance, Jay really shone tonight, and I thought Bartley was also top class. Great victory, and looking foward to the semi now.
Do you know when the draw is J?
Great game, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought Arsenal dominated, 2-1 would have been just. 3-1 well I’d take that any day against sp*rs.
Very quick post! Watched it on tele, Jay Emmauel Thomas was fantastic, next Vieira! And Frimpong too, bossed the midfield. Thomas can solve our DM position
Just oh. my. fucking. god. Frimpong was so fucking good i just cannot come up with words to describe it. The tackles, the precision in his passing. gaaaaah
I don’t think Sunu deserved to be taken off, unless it was because he worked his ass off all game. Didn’t have fantastic chances, but played well for others and played like Henry did the games where he couldn’t score, set up and played for others. Frimpong played incredibly well also, he put in some absolutely awesome tackles, and JET dominated the midfield for parts of the second half along with Wilshere who got better as it went on as he seemed to realise he couldn’t win it by himself. But i definitely think that the aforementioned players will make it for Arsenal, or rather i hope they do, along with Coquelin and Bartley.
The FA cup and the FA Youth Cup is making its way to the Emirates this year. Who we got next?
BEST PLAYERS TONITE
frimpong
coquelin (first half exceptional imo)
JET
WATT (neva knew this guy was that good)
SUNU (very quick and strong good touch also)
bartley
townsend
there CB cant remember his name
How did Wilshere play?
bartley was just immense. I got no other words.
I liked luke ayling at that back we better sign hi before othe clubs come in for him. Thomas Cruise surprised me hes actually a very good LB. He did not get beaten by thier winger on one on one situations. He was very good attacking. BEST PLAYER WAS FRIAMPONG OUTSTANDING. HIS TACKLING WAS UNBELIEVABLE AT TIMES. THE NEW ESSIEN
Coquelin was brilliant, but that THomas… New Gullit? Great finish by Murphy, really great…
Introducing next season’s carling cup kids. bar 2 or 3 maybe
sooo happy!
fuck yea!
I was shocked how massive Jay Emmanuel-Thomas looked. He is HUGE
Is J Bostock any good?
How did Wilshere play?
whats the story with arsenal tv online we cant get it in ireland anyone know whats going on
watched it in the mariners, 2 gooners and 3 spuds. We have Man city or norwich in next round.
WOW 2 MINS AT THE END OF THE GAME,U POSTED IT VERY VERY SLOW LOL
GREAT JOB
COME ON U PINKS
LOL JOKIN
can we confirm frimpong was the best player on the day. after that ill say thomas. den sunu.i really like townsend tho their midfielder.
frimpong is a beast, coqquelin played good aswell
n i like ayling
How did Thomas score? Missed the game but nice to see Frimpong do well and seems he has good technique. The full backs seem a weakness, would like to see Ayling moved right to shore up things but who can replace him in the centre?
FRIMPONG WAT A PLAYER WOW I SHOULD OF GONE??////////?/
i thought ayling was outstanding, shows lots of promise and a good attitude.
secondly, that was very quick match report. Well Done!!!
Great match! J E Thomas, Ayling and Coquelin was outstanding ;D love the prospect of Coquelin!!
Great game and great play from our midfield, Eastmond looked like he was getting the run around from the Spurs left midfielder but he played a lot better after the break. I thought we were certainly the better team and Sunu, Emmanuel-Thomas, Frimpong and Bartley were great tonight. Well done lads!
Never seen Luke Ayling play before but i thought he was very good particularly in the last 20 mins. Looks big, willing to put his body onthe line and makes runs from the back. Reminded me a bit of Adams after Wenger came.
frimpong cleared house with his tackling!! and they simply couldnt get the ball off JET without fouling him
WHAT A GAME!
They all did well .. but Thomas, Frimpong were brillant.
And it’s great for Murphy to score, a few weeks after his injury.
Great report JAMIE!!
Keep the good work ;)
and vive la france!
Thomas and Frimpong…England’s midfield future…
What a pair of absolute BULLIES…
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!!!
Coquelin and Frimpong freakin awesome today!!!!!!!! I think JET is ready for take -off in the 1st team. Bartley and Ayling working w/ Gallas/Toure in practice will reap great rewards for the future. I’m so excited!!!!
Peace, Matt & Maeve in Delmar NY USA
Just came back from the match, we dominated the match with our patient build-up play, they showed resilience and ability to conquer Spuds so very good news indeed. Townsend was by million miles their best player.
i was there tonight and it was really good. emannuel thomas is an absolute monster and played quality. so did frimpong and wilshere
Frimpong, then next Song?
Mightily impressed with Frimpong tonight. Though Ayling put in some very good tackles and interceptions too, but fuck me, Eastmond is a pile of shite… my mum would’ve done better than him. If a guy like Townsend is constantly running at you, don’t give him 20 yards of space to control the ball and go at you. Other than him, 10 promising performances and one horrendous one.
Jay Thomas was very impressive tonight. Wilshere is almost back to his best, so easy on the ball. Great game from Frimpong too.
It was not Bostock’s night , but he has potential no doubt about it. Townsend was very good tonight, even if I doubt he’ll ever make it to the top level
That was mental!!!!! The Arsenal fans were insane, the spurs fans made like no noise compared to us. I don’t think I’ve been to a game where the away fans dominated so hard from start to finish. Big up to the players and 12th man today, truly an epic performance
I was there too just like the old days the atmosphere was immense.the boys did well
How many British players were in the Arsenal line up, just out of curiosity ?
Congrats to the whole team, done well in a hostile enviroment.
One thing that is clear, while the team have individual talent in defence – the coaching and organization of them leaves a lot to be desired.
And in offence.. a better formation needs to be found to take advantage of the unorthodox styles of some of the players.
J, u forgot to mentioned how jay thomas score his goal. you report everything in details but not the 2 goals in the last 2 minutes.
The Kids, the kids , the kids beat the y*ds !
na i think townsend wud mae it benjamin.
£3 a ticket everyone should have been there. Never miss a bargain…
2,500 fans outsing plenty more spurs fans. Was electric. Beats the huge amount of armchair fans at the Emirates. wish it was more electric at home.
What a game, what a goal by murphy, OMG Shea is tiny and there LB was the smallest footballer I have ever seen. Wilshere towered him :)
bould says he expects either JET or coquelin in the first team in the future, im leaning towards coquelin but that is a pretty big complement for them. with wilshere as well, some major prospects
Jino – Thats cos there are far more Gooner fans than Spuds living in the Tottenham area. Most Spud fans live in Hertfordshire and Essex.
I’m gonna keep it relatively short and sweet…..
First of all…..thank the mighty lord for Luke Ayling. That boy is a REAL defender. I don’t think people realise just how emphatic he was. How many times he covered his three defensive partners’ shortcomings. How many interceptions he made, while calmly playing it out to the midfield and instigating yet another red and white onslaught. How he always performs to this level. We could have lost this game if it wasn’t for him. Make no mistake about it.
I personally think Bartley is too clumsy and his distribution and concentration is more often than not poor, to say the least. Poor Tom Cruise and Craig Eastmond….big liabilities in this side and i can see them going down the same route as Agogo and Steer (straight out the door and struggling to make it in the lower leagues) unless they both make some drastic improvements….and quick. Cruise needs some pace and i just dont know if Eastmond will ever cut it at the top level. I hope i’m proved wrong.
Spud fans love to hype Bostock and Parrot (yeah i know that aint how its spelt but he was made to look like one yesterday….ha). Well they both got new a***holes torn earlier on by a couple of monsters by the names of Manny Frimpong and Franny Coquelin. Absolutely overrun. Magnificent!!
Poor Sunu was knackered come the 75th min. I was screaming out for Rhys at that time. I had a feeling he’d score and boy he didn’t let us down, and all he had was 5 mins on the pitch, if that? (great pass Francis, top finish Rhys). Now stay fit boy!!
I’ll end my piece with this question….Imagine if Lansbury was about still and played CM with Frimpong, moving Coquelin to RB in place of poor Eastmond, imagine how much worse it could have been for the sorry bas****s? Still, i aint complaining.
Sh**….i’m starting to drool just at the thought of it. I’m out. Peace Gooners….what a lovely day!!!!
P.S. So much for short and sweet huh? That’s what pure excitement mixed with some serious tiredness’ll do to you. Ha!
Respect J.Sanderson.
Any chance you’ll have links up to some video of the goals for those of us who couldn’t watch? That’d be great!
Any day we beat Spurs is a GREAT day.
You are my Arsenal, my only Arsenal… you make me HAAAAAAAAPPY when skies are gray. You’ll never know dear, how much I love youuuuuu, so please don’t take my Arsenal away! Timely reporting J.S. cheers m8.
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Are the Semis played over 2 Legs?
Arsene Wenger should give a PRO contract 2 Ayling as he was outstanding , AW should replace Djourou with Ayling .
All i like to say was the gooner crowd was amazing last night think they underestimated the amount of gooners that would go to watch about 2500 of us. well played
shall we pretend we scored a goal ………..yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!
great match and even greater report. J, I see you becoming a great journalist in the future. Just don’t work with the sun or daily mail ;D
http://soccerfanbase.com
I got to say what a performance by the players, matured and composed performance after going a goal down. JET, Coquelin and Frimpong were great.
I think we should start a petition, get Tim Sherwood off Setanta as he is clueless and get Stewart Robson on board, the man is very intelligent and knows what he is talking about. I am sick of Sherwood and his complete bias comments. He claimed Bostock looked good (don’t know what game he was watching) and that Spurs were even with the Gunners. Nutty Nige was graceful to both teams. Arsenal are pure class.
FRIMPONG = ANIMAL
highlights ??
all the players did really well. I was so impressed with them especially after goiong 1-0 down away at spurs. we just looked confident and composed. spurs could only rely on the break because they could not keep the ball thanks to our excellent closing and tackling.
All the front 6 were mighty impressive. Coquelin, Thomas, Frimpong, and Wilshere were great in midfield. sunu and watt always gave us options up front. in the second half the defence improved and grew as well. Murphy’s finish was clinical.
clearly these boys are young but in time I really have high hopes for most of them in terms of progression to the first team. consistency will be the key.
I really enjoyed watching that game and I cannot wait for the semi. spot on.
Well done lads!!
anywhere except for Arsenal TVO where I can watch highlights?
Frimpong and bartley were different class and excactly what the first team needs!
I agree some of frimpongs and bartleys tackles were out of thi world. They should be given a chance.
A really good, well written report.I trek over here from Arseblog to see what’s what in the Youth team and your reports on both players and matches are always excellent.
When I was watching the match I had a feeling we would win.
Not much mention of wilshere did he have a quiet game then?
Great report mate, as ever!
Gotta say personally i though Bartley looked immense. Definately one for the Carling Cup next year. Cruise played well, Frimpong was aggressive and crisp, and JET looked class.
All in all a great evening!
Thanks for yet another superb report on our young guns.
DutchGooner10/Holland
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Video Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eR67RXMlvE
i think ayling can become a arsenal first team player in the future, and i dont assess it from this game only..
the limelight has always been on other players, but u could see in the derby, he delivers professional performances in the background
awesome
anyone konw where to watch the highlights ?????
I dunno if it was the atmosphere in the stadium but seeing those ‘kids’ in that game – they looked like strong professionals who I genuinely believed could make it for the first time. (Obviously I knew the score re: Wilshere+Coquelin before though.) They played like men. And when I say they played like men, I’m not using it in that hyper masculine Alan Shearer way but to mean grown up, composed, trying to out smart the opposition. Sure, most obviously won’t make it, some will have to work very hard to come close to our standard but looking at Manu-Thomas, Frimpong and Coquelin boss the midfield, it was like Bert-Vieira-Edu for 90 minutes. Obviously 90 minutes is a lot different to sustaining it but I hope they get their heads down, work hard and convince Arsene to make them Arsenal’s future. They certainly have my support after that game (especially J-ET, he’s rapidly showing himself too good for his current level and I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t get a kind of high profile loan next season like Traore at Pompy – scouts love watching our kids looking for superstars.)
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I agree with these posts FRIMPONG was sick! Great Tackler. I can’t wait to see him in the first team! Just what Arsenal need!
Highlights-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eR67RXMlvE
bartley and frimpong were different class.. real gems.
A really good, well written post about team
seb: thanks to share video
Wow. Thanks for the share
thx for the vid highlights
Excellent site, Toon fan here, Arsenal have some good young guns as do we :D
Keep up the great work ;)
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thanks for that
Yay, another goal for JET. Just out of interest exactly how good is Bostock cuz there was some major hype about him last season (or the season before, cnt rememba now), when he joind spuds and turned us down. I rememba there was a link to his myspace from an article on the BBC (i think) and he sounded like a right prat…
Good Times, your friend Nicolas Ramos Pintado
i agree with alot of these comments and i thought the match was terrific.. and im looking forward to seeing the kids again! i thought cruise, ayling, bartley and wilshere were terrific however the left side looked a little slow, especially cruise and ayling.