Arsenal’s midfield sensation Gedion Zelalem has claimed that his u21s side were rewarded for their patient approach against Fulham, this comes after the opening game of the u21 Premier League campaign.
The young Gunners began the season with a 1-0 win over the west London side, and it took until the 86th minute for them to score, with the goal coming through Zelalem himself, after a quick exchange of passes, the 18-year-old USA u20 international struck the ball well into the bottom corner, beating Jesse Joronen.
Zelalem has been at Arsenal since 2013, but has been unable to break on to the first team scene, but has been an unused substitute on a number of occasions, and played a part in the club’s pre-season tour of Singapore, as well as the Emirates Cup.
It is likely that Zelalem will play a part in the Capital One Cup this season, alongside the likes of Jeff Reine-Adelaide, who impressed in particularly during the Emirates Cup, and Alex Iwobi, another impressive young Gunner.
Reflecting on the game, 18-year-old Zelalem said to Arsenal.com: “It was a good game. We had a lot of possession which we expected and they sat back in the first half.
“We couldn’t get a through ball in the first half but in the second half we kept moving the ball, they got tired and eventually we got the goal.
“My goal came because I watch the first team a lot and they like to play quick one-twos on the edge of the box. Us youth-team players aspire to be like them so we try to play like them. It worked against Fulham and hopefully the fans enjoyed the goal.
“I think I have a bit more influence now, I try to help players like Jeff Reine-Adelaide and Yassin Fortune who have just come in. Alex Iwobi has also been with the first team and he’s been helping all of us so it should be an exciting season.”
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