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Akpom - How I prepared for penalties

Chuba Akpom worked out where he would place his Capital One Cup penalty before he even came on the pitch.

The 17-year-old was the youngest player on either side at the end of Arsenal's third-round tie against West Bromwich Albion but he kept his nerve to beat Luke Daniels from the spot to level the shoot-out at 3-3.

Within moments a miss from Morgan Amalfitano allowed Nacho Monreal to secure the Gunners a dramatic victory and set up a fourth-round clash with Chelsea.

"For me, Kris and Serge to take a penalty as young players, it shows a lot of confidence as well. We are all hungry to push into the first team more and this is our chance"

"It feels amazing," Akpom told Arsenal Player. "It is one of the best feelings I have ever had. Coming on for 10 minutes at the end, playing in extra time and I scored my penalty. It is good to be part of the first team. The Capital One Cup is where I get my chance and I hope I impressed.

"I said before the game, if it comes to penalties and I am on the pitch, I am willing to take one.

"I always practice after training. I am the penalty taker for the under-21s, so it eased the pressure a little bit. Me and Nick [Bendtner] were doing some practice after the sessions so it eased the pressure.

"I chose my spot long before I came on the pitch. I knew I was going to the right because that is the side I feel most confident down. I knew I was going there early."

Wenger's faith in the likes of Akpom, Kris Olsson, goalscorer Thomas Eisfeld and Hector Bellerin was repaid with a gutsy display against a strong West Brom side.

"There were a few of us on the pitch in extra time and, at away grounds like this, it is a crazy atmosphere," said Akpom. "A lot of us are young players and we competed very well to stay in the game.

"For me, Kris and Serge to take a penalty as young players, it shows a lot of confidence as well. We are all hungry to push into the first team more and this is our chance.

"We were all buzzing, especially the younger players. The more experienced players were happy for us."

The fourth-round draw throws up the prospect of Akpom coming up against former England captain John Terry. It's a challenge the teenager will not shirk.

"I don’t mind," smiled Akpom. "I am more than willing to play against him or anyone. I am feeling really confident right now so if it comes, it comes."

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