As always, the League Cup has allowed Arsenal fan’s and Arsene Wenger to see how the next crop of players do against a Premier League side.
Carl Jenkinson
Despite his experience, he is still just 21. A solid performance by him showing once more he is more than ready to play in the Premier League. Then again, we knew that already. Futures Bright
Isaac Hayden
He looked like an 18 year old centre back playing in central midfield. Which is exactly what he was. Despite him starting his youth career in the middle of the park, he has more recently been playing in the heart of the defence. He looked off the pace and was lucky to not be sent off after numerous yellow card worthy challenges in the 1st half. Expect him to be in the side in next years 3rd round, but playing at centre back. Jury Out
Thomas Eisfield
A make or break year for the German. Has looked good in the youth team and reserves, but he turns 21 in January so is very much a ‘senior’ youth player. Despite his goal, he was very quiet and failed this test. Would not be surprised if this is his last year at the club. Futures Elsewhere
Ryo Miyaichi
Ran down a lot of blind alley’s. Crossing was poor. He certainly did not light the game up. An injury last year hampered his progress, but he does not look Arsenal class. Bit like Eisfield, this was his big chance. He did not take it. Futures Elsewhere
Serge Gnarby
Similar display to Ryo Miyaichi, but a bit more impressive. Looked to take his man on at every time, but as with the 1st half against Stoke, always seems to look inside. Played in well by Jenksinon in the 1st half. He is someone to be excited about, having just turned 18. Good performance and will surely build on it as he plays more. Could do with a loan out to a Premier League side to get regular play. Futures Bright
Chuba Akpom
Stuck out on the right. Would of preferred to see him of come on for Bendtner in the middle. He would have scored that chance when clean through in the 1st half of Extra Time. Failed to do much on the right wing. Was not a good performance, but he can not be blamed for that. Would of liked to of seen him down the middle. Jury Out
Kristoffer Olsson
Replaced Hayden, but was equally as quiet as Eisfield. This was perhaps a year too early for the young Swede who has just turned 18. Expect him to be in the 1st XI in this competition next year, where we will really see if he is good enough to step up. Jury Out
Hector Bellerin
Showed his versatility by coming on for Arteta in the middle of the park. Whilst his future lies on the right, he showed the technique and ability on the ball that all graduates of Barcelona’s La Masia have. A few wild shots towards the end showed confidence, if not brain. I look forward to watching his development. Futures Bright
The next generation of Arsenal stars do not look good enough (excluding Gedion Zelalem). The 20 year old’s (Eisfield, Miyachi) did not look good enough. This game has come a year too early for those who are 2 years younger (Olsson, Bellerin, Gnarby), but even still, there are now 18. What is for sure is there is not a Cesc, Wilshere or Oxlade-Chamberlain amongst them. I wonder if there is even a Denilson, Aliadiere, Bendtner or Vela, or even a Quincy Owusu-Abeyie or Lupoli.
Ps: Hats off to the 3 18 year old’s Gnabry, Olsson & Akpom for stepping up and taking penalties under the pressure.
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon 