Jack Wilshere has hailed Arsenal youngster Josh Robinson for bouncing back during his side’s 5-1 FA Youth Cup final defeat to West Ham United.
On Tuesday night, Arsenal’s U18s were outclassed by their London rivals, who clinched their first FA Youth Cup for the first time since 1999.
For West Ham’s third goal, which came just before the break, Josh Robinson gave the ball away, before it was dinked home from outside of the box by Gideon Kodua.
That would have been a tough moment for the 18-year-old, in front of over 30,000 fans inside the Emirates, including 7000 West Ham supporters.
In the end, it went from bad to worse during the second 45 minutes, as the Gunners conceded two further goals.
But, for Wilshere, he loved the response from Robinson after his mistake, as he told his press conference.
“We came in 3-1 at half-time,” said Wilshere. “We came back out in the second half and credit to Josh Robinson, he gave the ball away for the third goal. I thought he was excellent in the second half.
“That’s a big moment for a young player to bounce back like that, so loads of positives.”
HALE-END COOKING
Yes, those Arsenal youngsters will be hurting that they weren’t able to lift any silverware, but all of this, is part of their development.
It’s time to take the next step, perhaps move to the U21s, or even further up.
Either way, the likes of Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe are prime examples that, if you are good enough, then those academy stars will be handed a shot.
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