These youngsters breaking through.

[redgunamo]

I was discussing this last night. How is it possible to play for that long at the highest level and apparently not to have learned anything?

Simply because once you've made it to the highest level, it's too late. They don't really "improve", in the way normal people understand the term, and they know it. Which is probably why they bang on about it so much.

[Luis Anaconda]

I know they are a mix of kids and reserves but this team, or a very similar shape and selection., has now played together seven times this season. You would think a little bit of an understanding would have developed in certain areas.

Elneny's career as a centre back isn't really taking off.....

Well they have won 6 and drawn one so they aren't really doing too badly

[Luis Anaconda]

There is an understanding
They understand not to pass to Walcott

Elneny is little bit at the Coquelin level

Red Star should have scored with a direct move just on h/t

Yeah, but the ball from the goal line, right through the middle of the our penalty which started an attack that was in there box in seconds That's proper football that is

[Sir C]

Well they have won 6 and drawn one so they aren't really doing too badly

I confess I am surprised at the level of criticism about last night, given that they have qualified from the group unbeaten, and all.

[Peter]

Well they have won 6 and drawn one so they aren't really doing too badly

No, but then they are playing against rubbish. I suppose my point is that the performances look just as disjointed as they did seven games ago.

It doesnt really matter. We are only really looking to see whether Jack gets better and whether any of the kids are any good.

[Luis Anaconda]

No, but then they are playing against rubbish. I suppose my point is that the performances look just as disjointed as they did seven games ago.

It doesnt really matter. We are only really looking to see whether Jack gets better and whether any of the kids are any good.

It was very disjointed in the first half, better in the second. The same team hasn't been playing every game either

[Viva Prat Vegas]

I confess I am surprised at the level of criticism about last night, given that they have qualified from the group unbeaten, and all.

I think it was a case of getting the job done
Not that the cunds who booed at the final whistle would recognise that
The proper youngsters deserve better

[Viva Prat Vegas]

It was very disjointed in the first half, better in the second. The same team hasn't been playing every game either

Yes good point re scratch team selections
Some of the young ones were also played out of position too I think

[Luis Anaconda]

Yes good point re scratch team selections
Some of the young ones were also played out of position too I think

Indeed - yet Peter are others expect them to be worldbeaters straightaway. Sickening, vpv.

And did people really boo at the final whistle after we achieved qualification. That really is shocking

[Ash]

He's a dark horse is Red. I will probably get in trouble for that now

Now, onto different matters, you attended last night I assume? How bad was it, I only caught about 15 of it and it seemed like 13 too many.

Rather bad, I thought. This b-team has been lucky to have won its previous five imo and West Ham have a good chance against them in the Rumbelows.

Red Star were very keen to get a point and when they weren't defending resolutely and looking dangerous on the counter (but squandering all their chances), they spent much of the evening writhing on the floor and exercising the physio. This did little for the flow of the match, also not helped by the lack of fluidity of this disjointed Arsenal team. These kids playing out of position as wing backs might have got us through the group but I can't seeing it working against better sides. Jack seems frustrated and tries to do it all himself.

I liked Debuchy though. Should be available for a first team CB role if needed.