The Under-23s Thread

[MutableEarth]

So, what's the verdict on Harriman Annous's performance? I think his hold up and link play is really good. Just needs to transform that into goal threats. I wanna see him run at defenders more and pop some shots off. Be more aggressive and confident going forward with the ball and maybe a little more greedy. His general game looks really good but just needs to have that striker's instinct to make him dangerous. He still has a lot more growing to do physically. Would be interesting to see what a 19-20 year old Harriman Annous looks like.

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I thought he fared better than expected and was actually very encouraging on the whole. Didn't waste any touches and fought for duels even when outmatched. Movement was encouraging and if there was a nitpick, I think he could have been that little bit more aggressive aswell but I think that will come with a bit more game time. His run for Saka's goal in particular was measured and smart - just wish he lifted that finish just a little bit. Deserved a goal.

I hope he's involved vs Burnley aswell, at least on the bench.

 

[teamsoutheast]

1-1 draw with Southampton. Sagoe Jr again with a good goal cutting inside and finishing in the bottom corner. Southampton equalizer was top drawer with a brilliant free-kick that went in the top corner.

Khari Ranson saved us from getting beaten with a string of good saves. Performance overall was poor. I'm really not feeling this team right now. Something isn't quite right with the synergy. It's good in spurts but not consistent enough.

We don't seem to have that attacking threat of Arsenal youth teams of old. Midfield is made of butter..Defence seems OK and very determined.

On a side note, I was quite impressed with that Southampton side

 

[Sanchez11]

Interesting

 

[teamsoutheast]

Really good goal from Marcell Washington in the EFL trophy match against Cardiff City. Great build up between Sagoe Jr, Harriman and-Annous, and Washington which led to the goal.

 

[teamsoutheast]

Sagoe Jr has stepped up now. He's matured. He can play from EFL L1 and above IMO. EFL L2 would be too easy for him IMO. His dribbling has become so refined now. He's got to deliver in whatever loan is arranged for him this January if he wants a long term pro career.

 

[MutableEarth]

This has been a Hall of shame performance from u21s IMO. Sagoe Jr been good, rest have sucked. Ibrahim having a poor game aswell.

 

[teamsoutheast]

This has been a Hall of shame performance from u21s IMO. Sagoe Jr been good, rest have sucked. Ibrahim having a poor game aswell.

Copley ain't played too bad. Will Spiers has been very good for Cardiff. Still, we should be beating these guys.

 

[MutableEarth]

Copley ain't played too bad. Will Spiers has been very good for Cardiff. Still, we should be beating these guys.

Copley is very vanilla but he always gives it 100%

My guy Brando Bailey-Joseph comes on and is instantly the best player. He should be playing much more at this level and its a massive shame that he isn't. One of our best prospects.

EDIT: forgot Josiah King. He's been decent considering it's his first start.

 

[MutableEarth]

Might be harsh but the U21s are very mid this season. Good talent surrounded by fodder at the moment and at least one player in particular who should be playing league football. And I'm sorry to say but the players we brought in to fill in the blanks are average too.

The ones with the major talent should be front and center and Mertesacker needs to do a MUCH better job at recruiting both on a player level and a staff level in order to get the best of the major talents. Brando should not be behind Archie Stevens and Seb Ferdinand in the pecking order. He should arguably be ahead of Kamara too (and I like Kamara!). Josiah King should be getting U21 game time, Josh Nichols also needs league football.

 

[AndItsArsenal]

Judging by shirt numbers Cardiff played their youth team too.

 

[MutableEarth]

Judging by shirt numbers Cardiff played their youth team too.

Yeah they played a pretty young team. Honestly we were still in it despite the abject 2nd half but Rojas red card pretty much put the writing on the wall (absolutely bonkers backpass from Washington though, didn't look at all). Remy Mitchell came on and looked thoroughly uncomfortable. It's actually impressive that we have so many young keepers and fail to platform any of them so they all end up looking quite poor. Rojas is actually decent but never plays!

 

[MutableEarth]

Let's hope we don't lose this one 7-0!

Should be a much stronger team this time around. Annous will probably be back. I hope Bailey-Joseph is in the squad for this. Midfield might be a bit different this time around. I actually like the idea of calling up Nduka again, he looks very interesting.

 

[MutableEarth]

Brando Hive

Finally an U21 start for Bailey-Joseph. Looks like one of those forwards is in midfield, possibly Harriman-Annous as he is/was a CM. Could be BBJ playing there. Zecevic-John back in contention is positive aswell.

Been a long time since I've actually looked forward to an U21 game.

 

[MutableEarth]

Poor game so far. Forgot that Max Porter is the manager. Can't get dangermen on the ball in good areas at all. Burnley very physical (in a positive way).

 

[Steps]

Poor game so far. Forgot that Max Porter is the manager. Can't get dangermen on the ball in good areas at all. Burnley very physical (in a positive way).

Missed the first half. Hoping we can do something in the second.

 

[MutableEarth]

Missed the first half. Hoping we can do something in the second.

Me too. Some dangerous prospects on show, want them to do well.

 

[MutableEarth]

BAILEY-JOSEPH SCORES

lovely solo goal

 

[lomekian]

Missed the first half. Hoping we can do something in the second.

First half was rubbish, don't worry!

 

[MutableEarth]

Only took him one game
He's a star waiting to happen. Should be platformed as such.

 

[MutableEarth]

Gonna watch this aswell. Another U21 appearance for Bailey-Joseph and Harriman-Annous upfront today.

Julienne and Agustien should bring a bit more technical ability ahead of Ibrahim.