Bould’s reputation grows as Arsenal trump Chelsea

Footballing World at London Colney

While Chelsea have been getting the better of London rivals Arsenal in the Premier League ever since Roman Abramovich took over (bar that clueless Ranieri year), it is a completely different story at under-18 level, as demonstrated by Arsenal’s dominance of their contest on a brisk Saturday morning at London Colney.

Chelsea have made noises about cutting the reliance on Abramovich’s billions by building-up their youth system but progress on this front appears slow at best and a non-goer at worst. It’s the contrary at Arsenal, who are keen believers and investors in youth, and are justly reaping the rewards.

A brief look at the League Cup thrashing of Sheffield United intimates just how successful Arsenal’s youth academy has been at rearing and developing raw talent. It is not solely about training young English players but also bringing in undiscovered foreign starlets and maturing them into Premier League footballers.

The pair of clubs always endure hard-fought matches at elite level, but the Arsenal under-18s were so domineering that was verging on an embarrassment.

A 2-0 victory was all to show for 90 minutes of one-way traffic, with the usual, very Arsenal-esque problem of not being able to finish chances after an intricate build-up inevitably present in the performance. Seemingly no Arsenal side can rid themselves of this ongoing complex.

Chelsea failed to garner one meaningful effort on goal as their opponents continually threatened, offering a fantastic array of passing and crossing skills and plenty of pace. Roarie Deacon’s goal was all about pace and strength; Luke Freeman struck the other goal from close range as Chelsea failed to deal with a routine corner.

As the Chelsea players raged at each other and afforded little fighting spirit following Arsenal’s second soon after the restart, Steve Bould’s team were forever calm, composed and confident.

Chelsea performed like a group of individuals eyeing up a place in the reserve side, something this performance suggests is a distant prospect.

Bould’s side, although not yet a completely functioning and in-sync eleven, instead played for each other, immeasurably aided by the terrific individual talent levels. Yet while an individual player can star, working within a team is a key facet to their progress as the top man, Arsene Wenger, has stated numerous times.

Bould himself cut a relaxed but diligent figure, tranquil but focused as the under-18s notched up their fourth victory of the Premier Academy League season. He is looking to move up the ladder at the club and acknowledges success at this level will act as a significant boost to his opportunities of earning a promotion.

There is still work to be done but the manner in which they destroyed Chelsea ensures fresh optimism for Arsenal’s future generation of youthful talent while Gunners supporters will desperately be hoping that the facile victory will be an omen of how the Premier League season will pan out for the senior side.