The young and the restless provide a few smiles

Arsenal’s youth provided much of the fireworks in Dublin on Thursday. At the end of 90 minutes the Gunners had secured a perfect record in the UEL’s Group B competition. On Monday they will learn who they win face in the Round of 32.

Hats off to the youngsters for scoring 3 of Arsenal’s 4 goals enroute to the win (Nketiah, Smith Row, Balogun).
In my view, Calum Chambers (25), Ainsley Maitland-Niles (23), Joe Willock (21), Nicolas Pepe (25), Eddie Nketiah (21), Emile Smith Rowe (19), Runar Runarsson (25) and Folarin Balogun (19) provided the spark, and brought many smiles back to the faces of Gooners around the globe.

Not only was it a terrific win (on the road and in a European competition), but it was also a chance to look into the future and see what, hopefully, lies ahead for all of us who support this great club, day-in and day-out.

To the names already mentioned, add in Rob Holding (25), Gabriel Magalhaes (23), Kieran Tierney (23), Gabriell Martinelli (19), William Saliba (19), Bukayo Saka (19), Reiss Nelson (21) and Miguel Azeez (18) and Gunner Nation should be excited at the prospects we have on our roster currently 25 or younger!

On Wednesday, I published a post discussing Arsenal’s need to find a midfielder who is willing to attack the defensive in front of the box. After watching Thursday’s game, I believe we might have found our guy. I’m talking about Emile Smith Rowe. He reminded me a little of Jack Wilshere with his quickness and determination to get the ball moving towards the goal. This in itself was very encouraging. In 3 games he has 2 assists and 1 goal. I hope Mikel Arteta will give him more opportunities to prove himself on the big stage of the Premier League.

All-in-all the match was a nice change of pace to watch. Yes, I know this was a far weaker team than we face in the Premier League, however, it did show that Arteta’s system can and will work if executed correctly by the players on the pitch.

Sunday is a chance to begin redeeming ourselves in the league v Burnley. Burnley is also as team that is struggling, but this will be no easy match for the Gunners. Burnley may come in to the Emirates thinking they have nothing to lose, but for Arsenal, they have everything to lose.

Cheers.
Gunner1953