biggame1688 Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta joked that he felt sorry for the young players who played late in the Carabao Cup third-round win over Bolton 5-1 yesterday, even though they had to go to school the next morning, but said it was a valuable experience that they could brag to their friends about the night before. biggame1688
Yesterday’s game at the Emirates Stadium saw a product of the Gunners’ youth system, with nine players included in the squad, including Bukayo Saka. ( biggame1688 )
But the highlight was goalkeeper Jack Porter, who made history as the youngest player to start for the Gunners at age
16 years and 72 days, midfielder Ethan Vaneri also stood out, scoring two goals.
Arteta talks about the squad he sent out last night, it may not be 100% what he dreamed but it’s close because there are 9 Hale End academy players on his roster.
“I had that dream a little bit, about having a squad with all the players from the Academy, but last night was a positive move – my dream came true to be a manager for my former club,” he told Arsenal TV.
“I know there were two or three lads from the group that had to go to school on Thursday morning – so after the game it was great to see everyone still in high spirits. I spoke to the players to thank them as well. It was a lovely moment.”
“Looking back to myself when I was 16 years old? I was living alone in Barcelona, training at La Masia, sometimes training for Barca B, sometimes switching to the senior team.”
“Jack’s case is not a premeditated debut.”
“For example, I moved from Barcelona B to Paris Saint-Germain when I was 17, which was a big step – so I can see how the kid feels.”
“But I’ll be honest, I had more time to prepare Jack for the game last night than I did when I moved clubs at a young age.”
In addition to Saka , Vaneri and Porter, Arteta last night named other homegrown talents such as defender Eyden Heaven , back- up goalkeeper Alexei Rojas , centre-back Maldini Cacurri , left-back Myles Lewis – Skelly , right -winger Ismail Gabya and right -back Josh Nichols .
