1. James Shea – (4) – Seemed to feel the nerves of the whole occasion – especially when the crowd found their voice in the second half. Helpless with the Liverpool goal but could have conceded more after racing from his goal chasing a lost cause late on.
2. Craig Eastmond – (5) – Had a mixed evening. Stood his ground well on occasions and made a handful of good tackles but failed to read the play or track runners on the Liverpool goal. Much improvement needed.
3. Thomas Cruise – (5) – Bombed forward well but like his fellow full back Eastmond, he has lots to learn. Commitment to the cause is 100% and that transmitted in his play.
4. Emmanuel Frimpong – (N/A) – Terribly unlucky. Almost certainly ruled out for the second leg after being on the wrong end of a crunching challenge in the opening quarter of an hour. Never really had time to impose his massive talent and energy which could have spurred the team onto more goals.
5. Kyle Bartley – (7) – Unlucky to have deflected Kacaniklic’s shot right back into his path to make it 2-1 but comfortably read whatever danger the visitors offered. Didn’t really have much to do but he looked quality when called upon.
6. Luke Ayling – (7) – Mr efficient was again solid at the back if a little predictable. His partnership with Bartley will no doubt be one of the notable reasons why the Gunners lift the Cup (if they see off Liverpool in the second leg).
7. Henri Lansbury – (9) – The midfielder was absolutely everywhere. Ran the channels well but really looked exceptional when he moved inside. Him and Wilshere pulled the strings in the middle and their excellent one-two to set up Sunu for the opener was brilliant. Also did the dogged defensive stuff and looked ready to play some part in the first team.
8. Francis Coquelin – (6) – Quiet by his standards but still tidy when called upon. He really seemed to thrive operating alongside Wilshere in a central midfield battle. The Frenchman’s tenacity looked to have fazed Liverpool.
9. Gilles Sunu – (7) – Took his goal beautifully and ran the flanks really well. Still work to do but clear signs that playing down the middle is his best position. The Youth Cup has helped showcase the best of Sunu and his opening goal came at a real crucial stage of the game.
10. Jack Wilshere – (8) – Many have lauded him ‘Bergkampesque’ and with a performance like that he certainly showed signs of the Iceman. Helped lead the side when Liverpool had possession and epitomized the way Steve Bould wants to play the game with his lovely, classy touches. Converted the penalty expertly.
11. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas – (7) – Quiet by his standards in the first half but exploded into life in the second. His powerful running and dribbling had Steve Irwin running for cover. Jay’s header for the final goal was superb, but the celebration dance was not. He’ll no doubt be warming up his arms ahead of surly lifting the trophy next week.
Substitutes –
14. Sanchez Watt – (8) – Changed the game when he came on and notched the goal which killed off Liverpool. Unlucky to have missed out on a start after having an excellent end to the campaign but made the most of it and could have had a strike within the first 20 seconds of his arrival.
15. Rhys Murphy – (6) – Very unlucky not to have got a goal as replays showed his late strike was two-yards onside. Has put himself in contention to start the return leg.
16. Conor Henderson – (N/A) – Came on in the 90th minute.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is a little diaby esque… he looks good in patches but also really lazy as well n sometimes thinks he has too much time than he has. cant see him makin it to first team.
lansbury n wilshire class, sunu ran his socks off.
cant see either of full backs makin it to arsenal first team either tho.
one thing he showed yesteday was brute strength; he held off everyone and didn’t let them near the ball when he was in control. That’s somethind diaby cant do, but yeah they are a bit similar.
For me Henri Lansbury was MOTM agree.
Jay; Glad to see that someone else rates Lansbury and thought he played excellently last night. I have high hopes for a few of the players, Henri is apparantly goin on loan again next season. If thats true, then I hope its to a Prem team, Like Wigan, as Steve bruce plays the game the right way…
JET WILL make it too, IMO…
I think Jay Emmanuel-Thomas will probably make it. He has the physique already, his touch is quality and he looked really composed last night, I was at the game and I was really impressed with our lads. After watching them at White Hart Lane last week and then again last night, the players I have highest hopes for are Wilshere (obviously), Thomas, Coquelin and Lansbury. I would liked to have seen more of Frimpong last night because he looked a quality player against Spurs.
I rate Bartley too….
i REALLY wanted to see that game but had to work from 5 til 10!
i live in bristol so getting to games is a bit expensive and all, but i really think i might start having to get more into the youth team. i’ve been vaguely following them from blogs like this (thanks!) but i think if i started going to the odd game i’d get really into it. if only i lived locally i’d be there all the time! :(
Wonderful performance. High hopes for Wilshere and Lansbury making it to the first team. The spell at Scunthorpe(?) was obviously very successful for Lansbury.
Him and Wilshere are my midfield maestros in 2015 at my FM08 save! Let’s hope for that happening in RL too!
Everyone knows Lansbury has excellent stamina but in terms of quality and decision making Wilshere was MOTM by miles followed closely by Watt & Sunu whose movement off-the-ball and composure the midfielders options to pass the ball forward. Lansbury’s performance was good but his composure & ball manipulation needs improving with JET being more patchy. The defence and Coq swallowed Liverpool attacks big time [r u listening Tom Ince].
Arsenal coaches have saying for a while that if he thomas improves his workrate, concentration and defensive game that he has a massive future but he must do those things.
I run an under 10’s team and we took the whole squad down as an end of season treat. The boys were mesmerised by the speed of the game and ferocity of tackling especially in the first 15/20 minutes by Liverpool. However once the game settled down, for me the stand outs were Bartley , Ayling, Lansbury,Wishere, and Coquelin.These 5 consistently made the right decisions. Jay Emmanuel Thomas was heavily pressed in the first half as Liverpool came out of the traps rapidly. But in the second half he was all over them. Other than size and skin colour he is nothing like Diaby, he did’nt run into cul de sacs and did not repeatedly give the ball away and he scores regularly. The only thing I would say is he seemed to enjoy showing his obvious strength last night, an advantage he would not neccessarily have in the 1st team agaoinst men. Sunnu did well upfront and loooked dangerous, but Watt brings frightening pace and his finish was first class. It was a shame Murphy’s goal was wrongly chalked off as the boys movement is exceptional. Our full backs do need to go back to the drawing board
http://www.footylatest.com/arsenal-sign-argentinian-goalkeeper-arrives-this-week/
Anything on this, J or anyone? Cause he sounds very exciting, an international goalkeeper for a top country…He’d be great in the Youth Cup next year.
You have players who have hunger, drive, technical ability etc. but at the moment, most except Wilshere, Coquelin and slowly Lansbury lack the understanding, decision making in a team situation. But they are young and getting better.
Also for the midfielders, they need to understand how to shield, get a good first touch etc. JET still relies on his physique which is a shame. Anyone else think Cruise could make a decent central midfielder? Probably not at Arsenal though.
Saying that, it was a much better performance. They are slowly understanding what is required and how to be disciplined. Lansbury doesn’t have to be like Gerrard all the time to be effective and he showed that last night. Watt was good too.
Too early to say who will make it but Wilshere, Coquelin and Merida are definites, Lansbury, JET, Ayling, Henderson, Frimpong in the next batch. Watt, Sunu, Murphy, Bartley can go either way.
What about the CB combination of Bartley and Ayling? The two reminds me of Keown/Bould and Tony Adams in their time. The understanding between them and the constant communication was a delight to watch. The two are the main reason the defence is so solid that the GK is often on holiday in most of their games. They won the league with 25 points ahead.
I think both Bartley and Ayling have a chance to make it but it all depends on Arsene Wenger; he will need to unload some of his players to pave way for them boys in the immediate future.
AW himself has given two reasons for letting players move on for younger players.
1. When he feels the young players’ development is being blocked by a senior player ahead of him. This is the case where the junior player’s performance is almost at par with the senior but the junior is not getting enough chances.
2. When the finances don’t allow him to keep two/three players in the same position.
At LB, Gibbs has a chance in a year or two as Clichy might probably move on with Madrid and Milan already chasing him.
Coquelin/Frimpong/JET may be the boys who might force Denilson, Diaby and Song to leave.
I’m also hopeful for Sunu, Murphy and Watt.
Next season, all these players will be in the CC games and if players like Denilson, Song, Bendtner, Diaby, Eboue don’t improve further, I can see all of them leaving in 2010/11 season to pave way for Jack Wilshere and his group of achievers.
JS wat is ur opinion on Cruise? I think he looks a top class prospect. He kept david amoo failry quiet apart from one run in the first half when wilshere gave the ball away. I like his compsure and inteligence. Hes not the quickest but hes great in the air and very strong. I like to see him at Centre half where i think hes best at
No doubt that Wilshere played better than Lansbury yesterday IMO
do you think murphy can make it he seems really good whenever i see him, the type you think can score at any time.
I have high hopes for our young players, BUT out of all of em, the ones I have least hope for making it at Arsenal are the goalkeeper and the fullbacks. All the others have a chance, IMO. Some more than others.
A few could surprise us though. I mean, who thought Gibbs would come good???
randall;
Murphy is a tidy likkle players, very clinical and his ‘goal’ yeaterday was quality.
I loved his goal celebration v the spuds too!!!
The Brain
I have my doubt about Merida.Which position? Central midfield? He’s too slow and can’t put his foot in. I don’t see him competing with Fabregas, Wilshere, JET, Coquelin, Lansbury, Watt and Frimpong in that talented packed midfield. I don’t see it happening in 2 years time.
So far I’ve not talked about Song, Eboue, Denilson and Diaby because I don’t think they’re good enough to stay in the first team in 2/3 years time with all these competition coming up.
Song haS improved massively this season, Denilson has done well, but been way over used due to Wenger not signing a player to replace falmini/Diarra/Gilberto…
Hopefully that will be rectified next season and cesc will have a quality experienced partner and Song and Denilson can come in when required and after their experiences this season, we now know they can come in a do a decent job when needed.
I thought the 2 centre backs were excellent. Bartley reminds me of Rio and Ayling was a surprise as I had never thought that highly of him. Both get serious distance on their headed clearances even when standing still and Bartley is a rock.
I wasn’t so sure about Lansbury. He had a great game but was not focused on his position. Both lansbury and Thomas don’t look suited to the wing and Wenger will always go with atleast one flying winger of the Ljungberg/Overmars/Walcott type if not 2 with Pires as well.
Rhys Murphy is better than giles sunu in my opinion. Murphy always gets into goal scoring chances and always seems more likely to score. He came on for 15 mins he missed two chances and had a disallowed goal. I can only remeber sunu having one shot and he scored. Sunu very direct and full of running. Sunu got massive potential but murphy has serious world class potential. hes got skill, pace, trickery, strength hes got evrything
I like em both John, I thought Sunu had a very good game and apart from the goal was all over the place, running into channels, etc… makin the Liverpool CBs work hard
Sunu had a good game outside the box he didnt really create chances. Murphy came one and had about three one on ones. His movement is better and hes natural goal scorer.
Hopefully, there’ll be a place for both of em mate!
“11. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas – (7) – Quiet by his standards in the first half but exploded into life in the second. His powerful running and dribbling had Steve Irwin running for cover. Jay’s header for the final goal was superb, but the celebration dance was not. He’ll no doubt be warming up his arms ahead of SURLY lifting the trophy next week.”
I would have thought he would be really happy lifting the cup!!!
BTW Jack did just shade MOM.
What a horrible match rating. Did we see the same game?
i hope JET will not turn into “diaby”. he should be all rounder and the general in midfield like steven gerard. he got great physical qualities, his touch is good, he can shoot, pass and head well so please use your gift wisely.
Занимательная интересная статья Да и в отличие от большинства других подобных советов воду в уши не льешь
i am longing this result for big team
I agree. I think JET has it all. I just hope he understands the ‘team’ ethos required and Arsenal and improve decision making. He’s got so much talent I truly hop he ain’t another Diaby, and I hope he makes central midfield his position, as there’s no way he’ll make it here with no defined role.
Jay thomas reminds me of bendtner when he played for the youth teams. Bendtner was strong quick skillful it was so easy for him but then when he started playin in the premiership its not as easy. Top level football is not only about quality but hard work. bendtner is now starting to put in graft and hard work. Jay thomas has got alot of hard work to do.
i was at the emirates last night and i cant get over how huge JET is and how strong he is as well. And on top of that he has got skill. I was really impressed with him and if people are saying he played lower than usual standards, then wat a player he is.
Nicklas bendtner was brilliant at dribbling past players for fun and it was so easy for him but he also had end product he scored alot of goals and set up alot of goals. I think gooners will be amazed by bendtner next season. Hes starting to score goals but hes got much more to offer
I’ve always rated Nicklas very very highly. He’ll be world class in a couple of years. Hope he’s patient.
Sunu has the needed ingredient to play on the flank in the future not as a striker, competion upfront is fierce. He is 5ft 11 which taller than our current flank players, quick, good dribbler, manipulates the ball well and he is efficient with passes. Wenger will slowly change the physique of the team back to physique of the invincible team without reducing the technical requirement.
Sunu a good player but murphy just different class. Hes got the tricks, movement, to score goals. Just been so unlucky with injuries. Giles SUnu is powerful strong, skillful and very athletic.
http://arsenalcolumn.wordpress.com/2009/05/22/lansbury-may-have-to-reign-free-instinct-in-order-to-break-through/#comment-1402
A couple points:
Re: People saying Song isn’t good enough while youngsters will replace him – Remember he is playing in the Premiership and Champions League where the game is intense and pacy, whereas tonight the opposition looked freaked by the amount of space and a crowd. Most DM’s don’t make a name for themselves until about 24, and Song is already starting to look worthy of a top 4 team. Of all the out field positions, DM is most probably the one that takes the longest to peak at because much of yr learning comes from yr mistakes. To put it in percpective, no-one knew who Gilberto was at Song’s age.
So we will not be selling players in the first team just because there are exciting youngsters. We did not let Flamini go because Song was coming up, he left of his own accord. Henry was sold because he looked crippled at the time and although Bendtner came in and Adebayor took his chance, we still bought Eduardo. And so on.
Wilshere will definitely make it. I’ve not seen enough of the kids to comment on the rest of them, even if I do have Young Guns in my reader. Lansbury looked terrific and I think a Premiership loan next season will do him well. (I also think that while we have Arshavin and Theo, maybe a Premiership loan could benefit young Jack. No. 2 to Steven Pienaar? Next years replacement for Valencia?) JET looked terrific and a couple of them showed a lot of promise. Whoever said ‘they might not make it here but they should all make it’ was pretty much on point.
i think james shea is a top class goalkeeper.he was man of the mstch against man city.
Thought the lads were mightily impressive. Had to get through a very tough first ten when Liverpool were pressing hard and then losing Frimpong, but it was fantastic to watch.
Not much as to be said about Wilshere, steering clear of injuries in the next two years will be crucial for him. Do that and Theo wont be the crowd pet anymore.
The two I really wanted to say I was impressed with were Bartley and Ayling, the first time I saw Bartley I thought he was to rigid and could get easily unbalanced by jinking runs, but he’s certainly improved his agility and Ayling is my favourite youth player, I’ve never seen a player look like he’s loves defending as much as Ayling, throws himself 100% into every challenge, every header, I completely agree with the guy who said they look like Bould and Adams. Hope to see these two as our centre-back pairing in maybe 4 years time.
the dance was GLORIOUS!
also, lansbury misses too many clear cut chances for a 9
That is because Henri Lansbury is a central midfielder and not a striker mate.
Coquelin I thought was rated very harshly, he was probably one of the main reasons liverpool attacks never got over the halfway line. He is going to be central to the arsenal midfield, as he has everything Flamini had and much more, his long range passing is truely excellent.
Also thought Wilshere, Thomas, Bartley and Lansbury, were quality. Not sure about Lansbury as MOTM. That would be harsh to Wilshere who really brought the fight to liverpool. Ironically Frimpong’s injury was a blessing in desguise, Wilshere should always play the deeper role where his box-to-box running with the ball causes mayhem. Thought Wilshere and Coquelin really complemented each other’s game.
http://uk.babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_url?doit=done&tt=url&intl=1&fr=bf-home&trurl=http://www.xerezmania.com/noticias.php%3Fid%3D5356&lp=es_en&btnTrUrl=Translate
Pedro Botelho might go out on loan to Xerez
Jamie I’m reading your messages on the HalaUnion forum!! loool they think Pedro is a fantastic player but needs to imrove his team play
Henri Lansbury is a better cm than wilshere. Wilshere shud play behind the striker. Lanbsury is more composed and does not really give the ball away. Hes like an old fashioned box to box player like roy keane. He winds his tackles than drives on.
They are becomes big players
Bright future for Arsenal !
Denilson and Song are still streets ahead of Lansbury, JET and Wilshere. Denilson has just turned 21 and was top 10 in tackles and pass percentage in the premiership for much of the season and is still massively underated imo – just needs to build his confidence and be more direct. Song has improved too but I’m not sure there’s space for both of these in the long term – particular if we bring in an experience CM to play the holding role (please, Arsene!).
BUT, JET, Coquelin, Wilshere and Lansbury all have a future somewhere. Off those, I’d back JET and Wilshere to make it at Arsenal because of their combination of raw athleticism, skill and confidence (neither of them are phased by big games). Coquelin and Lansbury both looked solid this season and they have great work-rates but I’m not sure they stand out enough yet – but I’m looking for to the CC next year! Also, after watching this game, could Bould teach the first team how to be a bit more direct going forward?
Firstly, i agree with Supergunner, in that Wenger is probably trying to revert the physique back to that of the invincibles, but i correct you as Sunu, is actually 6ft 1, if not slightly taller. He grew over the summer. However, i disagree that the wing is his best position. The best position for him, is a free position, in which he can roam, similar to the position which Thierry Henry played when at Arsenal. Obviously, he’s best starting up front, but with his creativity and skill,allowing him to roam, means he can bring others into play, which he does brilliantly when allowed to do so, as he does for the french youth team. Essentially, he is a Thierry Henry-esque, playmaking striker.
John, I disagree with you on the Murphy, Sunu thing. I think Sunu has more to him that Murphy, or at least more to him that would make him World-class. I think they are both very good,but Sunu, is world best good, whereas Murphy is world best poacher good, ala Owen 2001. I hope both make it, but i think Sunu, will be the future key player, rather than Murphy.
john, there’s no way lansbury is more composed than Wilshere! Lansbury still gives the ball away a bit too much
i went to the match and lansbury wasnt that good, he is hyped. How can u give lansbury more than wilshere who played fantastically
This crop of youth players is the most exciting produced by Arsenal or any premiership club for some time. However be careful the gap between youth and premiership is immense and if 2 or three actually make the Arsenal first team within next two years the return will be above average. Premiership football is about a lot more than skill or ability – dogged determination and attitude are equally important. This is true of most sports the transition from star schoolboy/youth to successful pro is a journey in itself and frequently the people who get through this phase are not the ones that are expected. Look back at Arsenals previous youth stars and see where they are now.
Hey Jamie!
Coquelin was brillant, IMO he was the man of the match with Wilshere.
Scunthorpe has won his play-off, that’s why you gave to Lansbury a 9?? I’m kidding ;)
Keep up the great work mate!