FA Youth Cup- Sunderland 0 Arsenal 4
Arsenal marched into the Quarter-Finals of the FA Youth Cup with a comprehensive 4-0 demolition of Sunderland at the Stadium of Light this evening.
Henri Lansbury got the ball rolling with two cooly-converted first-half penalties with captain Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and substitute Benik Afobe also getting on the scoresheet.
Francis Coquelin passed a late fitness test, so Bould made just one outfield change from the side which started in the Fourth Round against Wolves with hat-trick hero Gilles Sunu replacing the sidelined Rhys Murphy. Charlton Athletic loanee Harry Lee made his FA Youth Cup debut in goal whilst Jack Wilshere operated ‘in the hole’ just behind Sunu.
——————————————Lee————————————————–
—-Eastmond——-Bartley————————–Ayling———-Cruise
—Lansbury——–Coquelin————————Frimpong——Thomas (c)
————————————–Wilshere——————————————
————————————–Sunu———————————————–
subs: Shea, Evina, Ozyakup, Watt, Afobe.
The Gunners started the brightest of the two sides and their determination was on show for all to see.
It looked as if an early goal was on the cards and the flashpoint came in the fourth minute when Arsenal were awarded a penalty. Sunu raced towards goal but was knocked to the ground by Sunderland ‘keeper Michael Misewicz and the referee showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
There were several contenders to take the penalty including Wilshere and Sunu himslef but it was Henri Lansbury who was selected to take the spot-kick. 2008 was a frustrating year for the Enfield-born youngster but he has started the new year in good form and had no qualms in sending Misewicz the wrong way to make it 1-0.
It could have been 2-0 soon after with Sunu, looking lively, coming close again. Eager to impress, the former Chateroux man forced the busy Misewicz into a superb save on the 20 minute mark with a fiercely-struck effort.
The Gunners eventually did double their lead and it was Lansbury again with another penalty on 38 minutes to Arsenal in the driving seat. This time, it was much less clear cut with Misewicz appearing t0 get some of the ball as Lansbury went down following a neat passing move.
Nonetheless, Lansbury’s ability to remain calm under pressure ensured that the Arsenal dressing room was a happy place at the break.
Half time- Sunderland 0 Arsenal 2
Things got better and better for Steve Bould’s side in the second period. First, the Black Cats were reduced to ten men after Andrew Galer saw red for a challenge on Craig Eastmond.
Then Jay Emmanuel-Thomas continued his fantastic scoring record by drilling home from a narrow angle on 66 minutes to make it 3-0.
Prior to that, Sunu had grazed the post with a power-drive.
Bould looked to add yet more attacking impetus to his side by introducing Sanchez Watt and Benik Afobe on 74 minutes. It was the latter who made the biggest impact with Benik celebrating his England u-17 call-up with a pinpoint header from Thomas’ cross just minutes after his arrival.
Benik could have even made it five late on but four was enough and the Gunners must now wait to see if they could face Spurs in a potenially mouthwatering clash at White Hart Lane. Tottenham face Plymouth on February 11th to determine who will host Arsenal in the next round but, until then, Bould’s boys can bask in the glory of a splendid display.
Full time- Sunderland 0 Arsenal 4
