Good game, nothing between the teams except the result, and the Arsenal goalkeeper. If they are a category one Academy, the so are we. the difference is our boys will go on to appear in our first team. Best player for us tonight for me was Archie Edwards.
Best player for Arsenal was their keeper, had a blinder.
Not sure who our No. 5 was, but absolutely outstanding, best young prospect I have seen for years, comfortable on the ball, quick and strong in the tackle, very composed. Can someone enlighten me who he was please, I will certainly be watching his progress with interest.
I am pretty sure he is that young, he may have turned 16 but he is a very young footballer, he is a first year scholar at the academy and local south east Londoner, he is from Catford, and has played for England.
He is 16 years young. I have been telling everybody who would listen for years that he is a top prospect. Has played for the U21s and has not looked out of place.
Thanks Seth/Dick for your input, I know I have only seen him this once, but if he progresses, I can see him making the full England team in years to come.
Agree, saw him the other week against Millwall, sharing the pitch with Andy Hughes, and he was very good then. Actually I thought tonight he made two mistakes, one of which might have led to a first half Arsenal goal, but he is a very good prospect. I hope the deal is that he can't be stolen away by Chelsea or somebody.
Random question how did we line up who played where? Didn't go but we have a talented squad who not only have what it takes physically & technically but more important mentally they are together as one. Arsenal's Zelalem and Akpom both have played In the football league some of our lads would be ready soon. It shows we are equal quality wise with our lads getting called up for England only thing stopping us becoming cat 1 is finances and investment.
Gutted for the U18s. Played some good stuff, good some good prospects but Arsenal were a touch more incisive in the final third. As stated above, their keeper Vickers had a blinder, making 3 or 4 outstanding saves.
I thought all 11 contributed greatly, but Gomez, Cook, Holmes-Dennis and Edwards all shone. Gomez is clearly going places. Hopefully it's with us. The disappointing thing is it's the third year in a year we've matched a top team and still gone out. (Arse, Man U, Chelsea).
Arsenal's goalie played a blinder, making several great saves. Probably his two best were the one just before half-time, and the other one just before Arsenal's first goal. No wonder his team-mates all went to congratulate him after the game. This was a high-quality game between two sides committed to playing fast attacking football. I won't pick out any individual because it was a great team effort, but their goalie just would not be beaten on the day. You could see how much it meant to our lads, several of them were devastated at the end.
Very impressive display by both teams, who showed a high level of skill, and passion to do well. I think Arsenal were quite unnerved by a strong Charlton start, and if anything we were the better team first half. The Arsenal back four played well as a unit, and despite the talents of our own Brandon Hanlan, and Joshua Umerah, the goal keeper kept them out. Second half Arsenal stepped up another gear, and the long passes by Jack Jebb, and Leander Siemann of Arsenal were causing us some issues. If we can retain, and develop those players we have a very bright future, against a top team. We gave the gooners a good game, and the experience will be excellent for our lads for the future. Winning is important, but development is even more important at this stage.
Loving the reports on Joe Gomez. Seems like we have an embarrassment of riches at youth level and really hope some more come through to the first team in this Roland model. If Gomez is that good, he should maybe make the breakthrough next year, and maybe Holmes-Dennis and Archie Edwards too. Some youngsters who play ahead of them (in age) may have to fall by the wayside to give the real potential stars early progression.
To all you youth team followers - anyone else looking likely to make it? What about Ahearne-Grant, for example?
Comments
to loose.
We were sitting behind Chris Solly. So impressed that he turns up for games like this. Proper Charlton.
Best player for us tonight for me was Archie Edwards.
Skill level from both teams was very high - bet the Gooners were surprised by our quality.
No disgrace to exit the Cup at the hands of a Prem Youth team - well done to all concerned.
And hands off any of those in red shirts tonight, Arsene !
Best player for Arsenal was their keeper, had a blinder.
Not sure who our No. 5 was, but absolutely outstanding, best young prospect I have seen for years, comfortable on the ball, quick and strong in the tackle, very composed. Can someone enlighten me who he was please, I will certainly be watching his progress with interest.
If so he is an even better prospect than I thought, absolutely outstanding
We were sitting behind Chris Solly.
So you had no problem with restricted view then. :-)
Did you ask about his knee?
I thought all 11 contributed greatly, but Gomez, Cook, Holmes-Dennis and Edwards all shone. Gomez is clearly going places. Hopefully it's with us. The disappointing thing is it's the third year in a year we've matched a top team and still gone out. (Arse, Man U, Chelsea).
Still found Gooners annoying, even at this level.
I think Arsenal were quite unnerved by a strong Charlton start, and if anything we were the better team first half.
The Arsenal back four played well as a unit, and despite the talents of our own Brandon Hanlan, and Joshua Umerah, the goal keeper kept them out.
Second half Arsenal stepped up another gear, and the long passes by Jack Jebb, and Leander Siemann of Arsenal were causing us some issues.
If we can retain, and develop those players we have a very bright future, against a top team. We gave the gooners a good game, and the experience will be excellent for our lads for the future. Winning is important, but development is even more important at this stage.
To all you youth team followers - anyone else looking likely to make it? What about Ahearne-Grant, for example?