1. Vito Mannone – (8) – Kept the young Gunners in the game as West Brom flexed their experience shortly before the Arsenal goal. Made a stunning one handed save from Kim in the first half, and was really unlucky to concede after making a terrific reaction stop to deny Bednar.
2. Abu Ogogo – (5)– May have returned after spending time on loan, but showed none of the signs that he’d actually learnt anything. Made a couple of forays into the box yet never really looked like causing any danger.
3. Rene Steer – (5) – A comfortable return to Reserves action after loan. Like his fellow full-back Ogogo, he never really got into the contest but looked more dangerous than Abu in an attacking sense. Was caught out of position a handful of times.
4. Mark Randall (c) – (6) – Looked more impressive than he had in recent games, but failed to implement that form throughout the game. Picked out several promising passes but became invisible as the game went on.
5. Kyle Bartley – (8) –Was his usual brilliant self, made two last ditched tackles to deny certain goals and showed that his passing has dramatically improved with several promising long balls.
6. Ignasi Miquel – (6) – Decent start to his reserves career but showed he still has a lot to learn – especially physically. Made 2-3 poor challenges but grew in confidence as the fixture progressed.
7. Amaury Bischoff – (5) – An average display from the Portuguese play-maker who once again failed to inspire his younger colleagues. Came to life in short bursts in the second half but never looked dangerous.
8. Fran Mérida – 8 – His first goal in nearly two years – and was well worth the wait. Could have had a hat-trick but will be more than happy with his stunning chip. Took control of the passing for Arsenal but was dominated physically in a midfield battle.
9. Rui Fonte – 5– Ran the channels well and worked hard to win the ball by putting himself around, but realistically never looked like scoring on a night with few chances. Looked like he had learnt from his loan spell.
10. Sanchez Watt – 6 – Could have scored in the opening minute and wasn’t afraid to shoot from distance yet was marked up as time went on. Eventually subbed with the big under 18’s games coming up.
11. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas – 7 – His infectious energy transmitted throughout the team but he lost his way when Banfield moved him to the right hand side. Caused chaos with his quick feet in the box, looks like hes finding his feet in the Reserves.
Subs: –
12. Luke Ayling – 6 – Solid and reliable – as always.
14. Cedric Evina – (N/A) – Not enough time to make an impression
15. Gilles Sunu – (5) – Had nothing to do.
Article By – J.Sanderson With Thanks To N. Taylor.
What is happenning with rui fonte is he ours or sportings and it seems jay emmanuel-thomas is a good player. the good thing is he is skillful and brings physicality to the game
Hey J S,
I just wanted to say that i am excited about kyle bartley. A couple of questions, i have heard he is a giant, is he good in the air? And in your opinion will he make it at arsenal?
Thank you!
Love this rating stuff. Nice blog!
The ratings R a Gr8 addition J. Please keep it up!! JET is gonna be something else when he gets in2 the first team! Personally, I think he’s destined to be a better Diaby than Diaby himself :) Hope he gets a few games for the first team next season, even if its off the bench!
Happy to See that Thomas & Bartley were the best players on the pitch and that Arsenal will have decent english first teamers in the future , I think an english spine is what has been missing from Arsenal for the last few years.
how has wilshere got on with england?
Not one of these players will make it at Arsenal. I’m fed up of this ‘youth quality’ bragging we go on about. We’re shit from top to bottom.
if you think that why don’t you fuck off?
No.
ramdall is shit and has no chance of making it in a paper i read 1 year ago it said he was england’s version of fabregas yh right
Yep, I agree NB. Semi-finals of the Champions League is utter shit. 21 games unbeaten is a joke. 4th in the league behind the doomed big-spenders – despite our injury record – is frankly disgraceful.
Seriously, nobody really knows which of these young players will make it with Arsenal – the bar is set very high for all of them. It’s an unpredictable process as well; Ajax had an amazing generation in the early 90s, and since then they’ve not produced much of anything.
The key is patience from the fans, the right culture and a good squad balance. Ajax in ’95 had the best team in Europe with a similar average age to what we have now. Importantly, they still had a handful of older guys who had seen it all and knew how to guide the young ones on.
J off topic but whats your opinion on this dutch winger ELIA?
we’ve been linked with him apparently & Affelay?
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/88004/ELJERO-ELIA-EYED-BY-GUNNERS.html
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What’s the score with Frimpong not involved? He’s not been selected for the u17s (Euros)so that isn’t the reason. He’s not decided to play for Ghana (when they have a ganme) by any chance? Like Boating?
OK, I was being harsh. I’m extremely impressed with quite a few of our U18s, I’m mainly fed up of the ‘youngsters’ in our first team squad. Denilson and Diaby in particular can fuck off now. Frimpong, Lansbury, Merida and Coquelin should take their places as first team back up.
wtf are u on mate, do u actually support Arsenal? Denilson has been one of our best players this season and Diaby is class. Anyone disagree apart from “Nacer Barazite”?
I disagree.
Denilson is shit, sorry but what is his role???? He cant pass, shoot, or tackle.
Diaby has potential, i would say he is a long way of from being “class”
No. 9, you are a cunt. Denilson scored brilliant goals in the Carling Cup, against Newcastle and Blackburn. He can pass very well and is second to none in intercepting. You are just a bandwagon jumping moron.
Denilson totally marked Totti out of the game in the home tie against Roma.
HAHAHA WTF is all this Denilson, is shit i have my own mind i watch everygame. He always looks lost on the pitch, hes so weak its ridiculous, song rapes him everyday, denilson wouldnt get into the CM of any pl team in the top 10 at least.
Next your going to tell me bendters quality as well????
How Can You Not Rate Denilson? He Always Has A Good Game And Gets Suck In! Him And Clichy Play Extremly Well Together On Thee Left Hand Side. Denilson Has Been One Of Our Outstanding Players This Season. You’ve Your Opinion To Disagree. But Just Really Think About It. Also, Diaby Is One Of Of Our Top Players When On Form, It’s Very Rare He’s Off Form. :)
Denilson not shit just had a mix of a season I dont think he’s shit just needs more time and as for Diaby he’s 22 soon gna b 23 and can’t hold down a 1st team spot that’s not good anough. To me Diaby 3rd choice when it comes partnering Fabregas.
Did anyone watch the u17’s get outclassed by Germany today. The sc ore was 4-0 and it sadly was throughly deserved. The manager Peacock experimented with a 4231 formation and it work well for about 15 minutes and England were pants afterward. It’s sad to see the players play so poorly after conceeding a goal. I thought this England team was special and would never get hammered like that but I guess I was wrong.
Yeah I saw it. Looks like we are out now. Still we should get to the World Cup and hope to do better there. I’ve said it for a while – not just a knee-jerk – Wilshire seems to have gone backwards since early season.
Nikki T why did you put a capital on every first letter? Weirdo.
Nacer Barazite – Frankly I Can Do What I Like! (:
Also, Whats Your Point?