Jack Wilshere reflected on a memorable night as his under-18 side booked a place in the FA Youth Cup Final with a last-gasp 2-1 extra-time win over Manchester City at Emirates Stadium.
The visitors went down to 10 men after just six minutes when Omari Benjamin was brought down through on goal and Michal Rosiak scored the resulting free-kick with a stunning effort.
The Blues pegged us back in the second half to take the game into extra time. However, just as a penalty shoot-out loomed on the horizon, Myles Lewis-Skelly headed home a late winner in the dying embers of extra to send us through to the FA Youth Cup final.
The under-18s head coach was overjoyed with the way we secured the important win.
“Overall we dominated and we deserved it. I’m so glad we won it the way we did. It was special and that’s why everyone loves football, there’s no better feeling,” said Wilshere.
It’s the third time, the Arsenal under-18s have scored a late winner during this cup run with late goals coming against Newcastle United, Cambridge United, and now Manchester City.
“The players have a special type of unity and it’s our biggest strength, we keep pushing, we keep going to the end. I remind the players to show that when they are on the pitch and they do. The unity has created special moments tonight, a moment they won’t forget.
“The moment when we scored the winner was special and it’s going to live in the memory of the players, staff, and everyone involved with the club. “
To round off his post-match interview, Jack thanked the supporters for their amazing support for the team and looks forward to seeing more of them for the final which will take place at Emirates Stadium.
“The supporters are so important and I spoke to the players before the game about using the fans’ energy to help us get through the game. At the end of the game, I went around the stadium to thank them because they have been amazing for us every step of the way.”
As we look forward to a home FA Youth Cup final, Jack’s message to his players is to remain focused on the task and take each game as they come.
“We’ll prepare in the same manner as always, we’ll go back over this game and review this and look to see where we can improve because the final will be a tough game. However, we know it’ll be a special occasion as it’s at the Emirates and we will use that alongside the incredible support from the crowd to motivate us in the final.”
Watch the full interview with Jack by pressing play on the video above
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