On the day Mr Wenger announced he will be stepping down as Arsenal manager, it was perhaps fitting the U-23s delivered the PL2 title. There were 4 players who have played for the first team this season in the line-up. Josh da Silva, Joe Willock, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah have all played for Mr Wenger, and it was the latter two who had the biggest impact tonight.
Nelson opened the scoring, after missing a good chance early on. Then he created two for Nketiah to give us a 3 goal lead. West Ham got a late consolation, but Arsenal did more than enough to become champions.
Arsenal XI
Virginia
Osei-Tutu-Olowu-Medley-T. Bola
Dasilva-Willock
Dragomir-Nelson-Smith Rowe
Nketiah
Subs: Keto, Ballard, John-Jules, Amaechi, Gilmour
We also have a Youth Cup final to look forward to. The youngsters have reached the final for the first time since 2009 and Wilshere, Coquelin et al. They will play Chelsea, who have been in 7 of the 8 finals since our last appearance .
First leg next Friday with the return leg at the Emirates the following Monday. Both games will be on ITV 4.
Arsenal U23s - CHAMPIONS
posted on 20/4/18
;(
posted on 20/4/18
posted on 20/4/18
Nervy finish. Thoughts of a title party slipped into the heads and concentration lost.
posted on 20/4/18
5 min to go. Should be okay.
posted on 20/4/18
Smith-Rowe-------><--------Amaechi
Nelson-----------><----------The Cat
posted on 20/4/18
Denied a 4th by the offside flag.
posted on 20/4/18
CHAMPIONS
posted on 20/4/18
Arsenal Champions
Many beers to all the players involved.
posted on 20/4/18
comment by Gunnerthru (U6675)
posted less than a minute ago
Arsenal Champions
Many beers to all the players involved.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
No beers. For one they are sportsmen. For two, most are underage.
posted on 21/4/18
Apart from the youngsters we're all more familiar with, I've heard glowing reports about Dragomir and Smith Rowe. Great to see them delivering on their growing reputations.
Well done, lads!