Arsenal boss Unai Emery has hailed his talented young guns after an emphatic victory at Bloomfield Road. Read on for what he said.
A Joe Willock brace and an Alex Iwobi strike put Arsenal in the hat for the fourth round of the FA Cup after a lively 3-0 victory against Blackpool.
There was plenty of drama off-the-pitch prior to the cup game at a Bloomfield Road, sadly evocative in name only these days under its current ownership by the controversial Oyston family.
An open letter from Blackpool fans explaining why they were ‘adopting an ethical boycott’ for their FA Cup match with the Gunners circulated widely before the game calling their side a ‘club in crisis’.
However Emery was diplomatic after the match saying: “We know [there were] some problems here but we have respect for [Blackpool] supporters, for the club, for the team and for this competition...I am very proud of the players today for our work. Very good concentration. Our quality. I am very happy.
“We need players with commitment,” added Emery. “We need players who are prepared for when the team needs them and they can step up.
“Opportunities are coming in matches like today. We mixed experienced players in the squad with some young players like Joe, Eddie (Nketiah), Ainsley (Maitland-Niles).
“It was a good combination. They can show us they are progressing with the team and showed their passion. They work hard and concentrate for when we need help like today. I’m very happy with Willock, also with Eddie.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here