Simpson Sizzles, but Merida is Magical - Youth Cup QF Win
 G4L_Harry (20 February 2007)
Definitely worth the GBP6 it cost me and my three kids to get in tonight, to see the FK's beat Cardiff youth 3-2. Unfortunately Arsenal Stadium Staff are not as meticulate as Wenger with the planning, they got well caught out as some 11,610 turned up to watch the future kids, they had to open upto 6 more blocks to get them all in and delayed kick off by 15minutes. They also allowed Cardiff fans to mix in, a small section of which kicked off just before Half time, they struggled to control with minimal stewards and police, chaos.
Anyway to the important bit, Arsenal started with some vigour and were unlucky not to get an early penalty, poor decision. After about 12mins Jay simpson broke free and beat the keeper, with a well taken strike. Almost immediately Cardiff struck back. 1-1. It stayed like that until 5mins before half time, when Simpson broke through again in similar fashion, 2-1. Again Cardiff got the chance to immediately peg us back,through a very disputable penalty, (very testy ref, very poor). Lee Butcher made a fine save and the loose ball was cleared.
Another break away saw a through ball put Simpson through again for his hat-trick. 3-1 Half time.
The second saw a considerable amount of possession for cardiff, but they rarely threaten and Arsenal looked more likely to score on the break. However with only 10mins on the clock, Cardiff got a second and tried to press for an equaliser, it didnt come and the boys are through to a semi against either Man United or Birmingham. If its at the Emirates I hope they sort it out better.
Ratings:
Butcher:7 Unlucky with the goals, great penalty save.
Defence: Ogogo 6, Rodgers 6,Hoyte 7 and Steer 6.5. Overall it was Hoyte that stood out and kept it together. Some strong tackling.
Dunne (RM) 7 Solid performance, kept going and linked up well with Randall and Merida.
Gibbs (LM) 7 Good effort, covered back and tried tirelessly.
Randall. (CM) 7. Expected more of someone who has been on edges of first team, but did well and linked very well with Merida.
Merida (CM) 9. My MoM, he shades it from Jay simpson just. He made himself available all match, made himself and others space, continually linked defence to attack and made defence splitting passes, I can only remember one pass going astray.
Simpson (Fwd) 8.5. Clincal finishing at speed, a handful, but a quiet second half let him down. But I wont be harsh he scored three!!!
Barazite. (fwd) 7. Industrious, kept trying but failed to spark.
Subs:
Lansbury6, Van den berg6 and Efrem7. No real chance to do much although Efrem nearly scored and put himself about.
Overall:
A spirited performance some tentative defending let Cardiff in at times when defending the steve bould way would have prevented it!!!
Simpson showed we have english talent with Gavin hoyte looking solid at the back, however Merida was a cut above, his class was evident from the start to the finish, Cesc, Denilson and now Merida, all capable of running a midfield (how lucky are we?). He was exceptional, very composed.
Comments: | | | G4L_Andy | 20 February 2007 08:54:05 | | | | | | | | | I think it was your article recommending the game that doubled the numbers attending Harry Great report | | | | | | | | | | G4L_Harry | 20 February 2007 09:43:23 | | | | | | | | | It was a good night, definitely worth attending, the semi could be good especially if it is against United, just hope they plan it better at the Emirates this time. A few of my mates want to come up and see it next time as well with their kids, so thats about 20 already!!
Oh and I kept up my record of seeing a win every time I attend. | | | | | | |
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