Mehmet Ali reflected on Tuesday night’s 2-1 win away to Leyton Orient, suggesting that he was disappointed with how much pressure we invited late on but proud of how we dealt with it.
Our under-21s took an early lead against Orient’s first team at Gaughan Group Stadium when Josh Robinson lobbed the goalkeeper from long range.
Dan Happe pulled one back for the hosts but Ismeal Kabia capitalised on a defensive error to put us ahead once more, before Dan Agyei put a last-minute penalty over the bar for Orient.
“It’s brilliant for the boys to get the win,” Mehmet said. “The way we defended and how together we were, I thought the boys were outstanding without the ball to prevent Leyton Orient scoring or really having a lot of chances.
“Having said that, we have to be better with the ball because when you play against a team like Leyton Orient and playing against men, you have to look after the ball a lot better than what we showed, especially spells in the second half when they were coming and coming and trying to get a goal.
“We didn’t have enough sustained possession and, because of that, it was wave after wave, which was difficult and frustrating. We tried to help the lads from the side, but in those moments young players have to find ways of being better and being brave to still stick to what we do because that would’ve helped us a lot.
“I can’t fault the lads’ effort, bravery and desire to block. Special mention to Michal Rosiak and Maldini Kacurri. I thought some of their blocks and tackles with Jimi Gower picking up second balls was excellent.”
The win saw us go to the top of Group M in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy ahead of our games against MK Dons and Colchester United in October and November respectively.
“We’ve done brilliant in this competition over the last couple of seasons,” Mehmet added. “I always love these three games - the opportunities to play against men in stadiums with crowds against you. For the lads’ development and for them to see that level, playing against a good League One side - I know results haven’t gone for them but you look at some of the games they’ve played - they’ve got good players, it’s brilliant exposure.
“They’ve got to step up to it so people in the crowd can look and think ‘these guys are capable of playing at this level.’”
It’s now two goals in two games for defender Josh Robinson, who is showing what he can do going forward.
“Josh’s athleticism and ability to get up and down the pitch is unique,” Mehmet explained. “He’s a very strong young man. In one-v-one duels he’s very good and he’s definitely improved his timing of when to go forward and attack, so I’m really pleased for him.
“He’s got to keep remembering what his job description is in terms of stopping the winger, stopping crosses and protecting the far post, but I’m really pleased for him.”
Before our return to Premier League 2 action, a number of academy youngsters will go away to represent their countries at international youth level.
“To represent your country at the age they’re at is a great honour,” Mehmet said. “We always say to the lads ‘when you get that exposure and opportunity, go and do yourselves proud but remember you’re an Arsenal player.’
“When you’re an Arsenal player on international duty you’ve got to show the level of why you’re an Arsenal player. It’s great for those lads and we missed them tonight, but the other lads really stepped up and took the opportunity that they had.”
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