Jack Wilshere’s team got revenge with a 5-3 win on Wednesday (Picture: Getty)
Jack Wilshere admits his Arsenal U18s side wanted revenge over Liverpool after they were thumped 7-1 in the FA Youth Cup last season.
Wilshere’s men conjured up a brilliant win over Liverpool in the U18 Premier League Cup on Wednesday at the AXA Training Centre in an eight-goal thriller.
The north Londoners opened up a massive 3-0 lead, but Liverpool scored twice. Arsenal then made it 4-2, and both sides netted again as it eventually finished 5-3.
Speaking after the match, former Gunners midfielder Wilshere revealed that his team still had the 7-1 result ‘in mind’ and were keen to put things right.
‘When we came here last [season], they taught us a lesson a bit,’ Wilshere told the Arsenal website. ‘So we started the game with a little bit of that in mind.
‘Once we found our rhythm in the first half, we hurt them and we were clinical. Goals change games, right? You saw that in the second half.
‘We conceded a penalty, which changed our half-time team talk and our mentality going into the second half. We spoke about the importance of the next goal and they got it, so I’m happy with the way our players managed that situation because it’s not easy.
‘When you’re 3-1 up or 2-0, it’s a very difficult score in football, especially with young players because they feel like they’re in control and comfortable. We responded every time really well and showed a lot of character and courage.
‘When you play against Liverpool you expect it to be high pace. They’re going to be intense and press you hard and we managed that well. Once we beat that first line of the press, we could hurt them. We kept that mentality, even if they scored, and in the end we deserved to win.
‘We can always improve. We conceded three set plays today. We have to look at that, but we’ve been improving each game.
‘We weren’t at our best against West Ham but found a way to win. Against Chelsea we were better and could’ve killed the game.
‘In possession, it was our best performance today, but we really increase the training levels and intensity and I’m so glad the players are getting the rewards. Even when they’re tired, we’ve added players who’ve made us better. There’s no comfort zone.
‘This is just another step for us. We want to show everyone the quality we have in our academy but also the determination and fight we have to compete with the best teams.’
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