Arsène Wenger’s recording breaking Arsenal XI failed to overcome Olympiacos in Greece this evening, but while many will label the experimental selection a misjudgment by the Frenchman, the already considerable experience being gained by a group of the club’s most promising prospects is priceless.
A rush of blood to the head from Reserve team captain Kyle Bartley two minutes after the half time whistle was the difference as Leonardo exposed the gap in the back four to claim the winner. Some magic from the Gunners’ talented teenage midget gems, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Fran Mérida proved not to be enough.
Thomas Cruise was shaky and a little predictable at left back but he kept things simple on a night when Zico got his tactics spot on to stifle the young Gunners. Carlos Vela and Theo Walcott failed to hit back at their growing critics after wasting a handful of good opportunities to level the scores, but everything went through the Cesc Fàbregas-esque Ramsey in the middle of the park. No wonder the Arsenal captain is worried about his place in the team.
Gilles Sunu looked bright when brought on for the closing stages but in truth, the longer the game went on, the more the comeback seemed to slip away. It wasn’t through lack of trying and with Mikaël Silvestre talking the charges through the contest, the balance seemed right.
The full-time whistle came and as the fans headed for the exits, Wenger’s class of 2009 look a class with much potential and promise. When or if they go on to lead a new wave of Arsenal talents, its night like tonight when the French professor took the gamble in playing them that will have been key in their development.
Article By – J.Sanderson
