Arsenal B team should now be allowed to play in the Championship. Report and players ratings

By 1970’s Gooner

This Arsenal B team was so dominant against Sheffield United it was embarrassing.

I felt sorry, in a way, for the hapless players and supporters of this historic team. Sorry for the way they were made to look so ordinary, so pedestrian and so technically lacking.

Each and every one of those Arsenal players were of course hand picked and eventually brought to the club by Wenger himself. But only after being watched countless of times in games and in training sessions, their character scrutinised, but above all tested for their technical skills.

So it was not a surprise that each and every one of these players comprising the Arsenal B team were so brilliant and beautiful to watch. Just like the A team in fact.

Both teams are playing the same type of football which is also running throughout the Arsenal Football Club. So that when a player is ready to come into the A team he is already versed in the Arsenal way of the beautiful game.

It is now time for the football league and the authorities behind football to consider allowing football clubs like Arsenal to field their B teams in the championship. They would probably run out champions.

It would also allow for these excellent young players to get valuable experience in a competitive league without having to go out on loan and continue their tutelage at the club where they belong and in the way their club wants to bring them up.

Fabiansky

The captain for the night (but the real captain of course was Gilberto). He looked uneasy on some high balls into the box electing to punch them out rather than catch them. Corrected this in the second half and looked very assured throughout. Made a very good save early in the game when the team was trying to settle. He looks a very good goalkeeper. 8

Diarra

I was impressed with Diarra. Even though he was playing out of position he was combative, strong and full of energy. He was comfortable in this position and also ventured forward. Needs to improve his crossing but a very useful all round player. 8

Song

Also playing out of position and had a shaky start but got better as the game wore on. He still looked a little bit vulnerable and ponderous as he always does. I rate him highly as central midfielder but not as a defender. 7

Hoyte

Was very assured as a central defender and looked the part. Again was very reliable and performed his duties very well even if playing out of position. This might after all be the position for him. 8

Gibbs

Another one playing out of position (the only one in defense playing in his position was the goalkeeper). Even so he looked assured and very skillful but was reluctant to venture forward. Maybe with more exposure he will get more confident and be more attacking. 7

Diaby

Was not at his usual best. He gave the ball away on some occasions and lacked concentration throughout the game. Did not have the impact that you would have expected from someone with such strength and skill. Maybe playing out of position has something to do with it. 5

Gilberto

What a professional and what a performance. Having been left out of the first team and now stripped of the captaincy even for this Carling Cup he gave an impressive performance slotting in front of the defence, protecting the young and inexperienced back four. Made a goal saving clearance off the line. 9

Denilson

What a player. Run the game from the central midfield position. Always asking for the ball, evading the tackles and distributing like a veteran. Is he Fabregas in disguise? Got a deserved goal from a deflected shot from outside the box. 9

Walcott

Carried on from where he left against Liverpool. So full of speed and penetration. I would have liked Wenger to have played him in the center forward position. Hit the post from a tight angle after rounding the keeper. 8

Bendtner

I was impressed. He dropped back a bit off Eduardo and used his body strength to receive and shield the ball before distributing it again. His passing was accurate and thoughtful. His assist to Eduardo for the first goal was a well directed pass to feet from a distance of 20 yards. 8

Eduardo

Scored two goals that were excellently taken. The first from a rasping shot outside the area in the top right hand corner. The second after racing onto a through ball from Gibbs with only the keeper to beat. He confirmed to me that he is a real fox in the fox. You only have to set him up and he will not disappoint. 9