The Under-23s Thread

[avenellroad]

I think one of his problems is that he's a very greedy bastard and is quite lacking physically. I expect him to step up soon.

I actually think Flores is one of the few players who plays with a bit of personality and not just another robotic ‘keep it safe’ type player. It’s probably why he got the call up to the Mexico squad too.

He may lose the ball, but would rather a player lose the ball attempting to progress play rather than another sterile possession type. Hope he can get a chance soon in the under 23’s and first team

 

[Gooner416]

Didn’t know how highly he was rated by his country.

They did this as he is being called up for the Canada camp as well.

 

[MutableEarth]

PL2 is back everyone. Brighton game kicking off now! Will post the lineup in a minute.

 

[MutableEarth]

Lineup

 

[MutableEarth]

1-0 to the Arsenal. Nice finish from Biereth after getting teed up by Ideho. We look good when going forward.

Henry-Francis did good work to get the ball to Ideho.

 

[MutableEarth]

Been very even so far, Brighton have been dangerous. Olayinka hasn't been good IMO, Henry-Francis been holding it together for us mostly. Biereth and Hutchinson have been very busy - the latter our best player but need Hutchinson on the ball way more, he's streets ahead of our other attacking midfield players. Alebiosu is playing RW and isn't a threat, while Ideho has been decent.

Defending been quite good from Awe and Ogungbo and Norton-Cuffy. Walters also been solid.

 

[boonthegoon]

That was an excellent finish from biereth

 

[MutableEarth]

Worldie of a save from Ejeheri to keep us ahead.

 

[boonthegoon]

That Brighton striker is a nuisance

 

[MutableEarth]

That Brighton striker is a nuisance

Just scored. It's 1-1 now - was sure the goal was offside but it's probably what they deserve. It's been very even so far and I don't think we've been that great so far. We don't seem to have as much security or threat from the attacking midfield outside of Hutchinson and he's not getting the ball enough IMO.

 

[MutableEarth]

HT/

Henry-Francis has been very impressive, best player on the pitch other than Brighton's #9. Hutchinson has been positive but not quite at his usual best. Mainly because he's not getting the ball in very good positions right now, just not falling for him where I'd like it to. Having to do too much work IMO. Many times he could have gotten the ball and wasn't seen by some of the players.

Ideho has been gradually improving as the match goes on. Full backs have been impressive aswell- Walters isn't a natural LB but is playing manfully and Norton-Cuffy is solid as ever. Biereth has been threatening but, like Hutchinson, rarely seeing the ball in advantageous positions. Brighton have pressed well so they've pinned us back a few times. Likes of Alebiosu and Olayinka having a tough time out there.

We have some decent U18 talent on the bench - I'd like to see Sagoe Jr or Flores come on for one of the wingers - preferably Alebiosu as I like him much more as a RB than at RW. I'd also give Bandeira a runout and replace Olayinka.

 

[avenellroad]

That Brighton striker is a nuisance

Looks like a 24/25 year old physically.

Hutchinson’s off the ball work has improved over the course of the first half but he needs to stay consistent it. Was letting players run off him in the minutes before Brighton’s equaliser.

Good game to watch between two good passing teams.

 

[MutableEarth]

Looks like a 24/25 year old physically.

Hutchinson’s off the ball work has improved over the course of the first half but he needs to stay consistent it. Was letting players run off him in the minutes before Brighton’s equaliser.

Good game to watch between two good passing teams.

Seems frustrated - A fair few of our attacks has been slow and laboured after a good, promising start. We need to get him on the ball more. Think we could do with one of the wingers off the bench in this game for him to bounce off of.

 

[avenellroad]

Ball not sticking in midfield and up front since Hutchinson went off

 

[MutableEarth]

Ball not sticking in midfield and up front since Hutchinson went off

Would have preferred Flores to come on in his place, as he's very much all technique and creativity, if a little bit greedy.

Definitely not our strongest showing.

 

[MutableEarth]

I've liked Norton-Cuffy and Walters so far. Both RBs, both quite different and both impressive. I love how excellent physically Norton-Cuffy is and he's difficult to stop when he overlaps.

 

[avenellroad]

This referee can do one.

It’s ok for Brighton to put in snide tackles and get away with it, however the minute we do he’s pulling the yellow card out every single time

 

[LG10]

Make Norton-cuffy our second choice rb next season. Guy is a phenom, stuff your livramentos we got hale end

 

[MutableEarth]

Make Norton-cuffy our second choice rb next season. Guy is a phenom, stuff your livramentos we got hale end

He's brilliant. I think it's quite early for him to be in contention but he's such a dominant player that it's hard not to be enamoured with the idea.

 

[LG10]

He's brilliant. I think it's quite early for him to be in contention but he's such a dominant player that it's hard not to be enamoured with the idea.

Wish he was 3 yrs older, clearly too good for this level.