Arsenal faced off against Blackburn Rovers in the under-21 play-off semi-final on Tuesday evening, and with the prospect of the play-off final on the cards, the Gunners were out for blood.
This game was huge for Arsenal fans, as three key first team players in the form of Calum Chambers, Tomas Rosicky and Santi Cazorla all featured. The Spaniard was the most notable inclusion, as he had previously been sidelined with an injury he sustained back in November.
Having a player of Cazorla’s ability in the side no doubt boosted the confidence of the under-21 side, who were looking to secure their place in the play-off final. Steve Gatting fielded a strong team, as Willock, Gnabry and Mavididi retained their starting positions, while Dan Crowley and Kaylen Hinds joined under-18 star Eddie Nketiah on the bench.
The Gunners were the dominant side in the first-half, as both Serge Gnabry and Chris Willock both came close to scoring. It then looked as though Gnabry had opened the scoring, but his first-time volley was ruled offside. Willock again looked a threat, but was kept from scoring by the Blackburn ‘keeper, Andrew Fisher.
Coming out in the second-half, Arsenal continued where they left off and their pressure soon paid off, as Willock rifled a shot into the bottom corner. The Gunners then wasted two glorious chances in the form of Bielik and Gnabry before Blackburn equalised through Rankin-Costello. Not willing to be beaten so easily, the Gunners rallied and secured their place in the play-off final through a second Chris Willock goal.
This result will hopefully boost the team’s confidence ahead of their play-off final against Aston Villa next week, who will undoubtedly prove to be a tough opponent, but with a return to the top-tier of under-21 football in sight, their next game is a must win.
