As we learned on Sunday afternoon, the kids are alright!
Our under-21s replaced our senior players during our pre-season friendly against Chelsea at the Emirates, and combined to strike a late winner in front of thousands of delighted Gooners.
We spoke to assistant coach Aaron D'Antino after the match about the performance, Freya Jupp and Jonas Eidevall's involvement. Here's everything he had to say:
on the result...
It was a tough exercise for the girls. Our first chance to get out in a great stadium, and for the young girls to get out in front of the crowd was top as well. Overall, a positive experience.
on Jonas Eidevall...
It's funny with modern technology because he's basically been with us every step of the way. Pre-match, he was then with Leanne and I in our ears during the game, and then at half-time as well. We had him on video link in the changing room, so he's basically been with us every step of the way.
on the fans...
Hopefully this is the start of more occasions. That's the big thing for us, that we can get more used to playing here. Today was hopefully the first step for us in doing that. It was a great showcase and the girls getting the win at the end was top too.
on the late win...
They've played a big part in our preparation for today so it's a good reward for their start, to be able to get 30 minutes on the big stage in front of the fans.
on Freya Jupp's winner...
Hopefully there's more to come from the young girls. They've played a huge part in pre-season, so hats off to them. They stepped up to the occasion and won the game for us in the end. Great to see.
on Jordan Nobbs...
I haven't had a chance to speak to the medical team yet but we're just hoping it's not too serious. We'll find out soon but hopefully she's OK.
on our pre-season preparations...
Big couple of games coming up but it's the right preparation. We want to be playing in Europe and we want to be playing big teams on big occasions. This is the first step in that process for us.
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