Steve Gatting spoke to Arsenal.com after Arsenal Under-21s began the new season with a 2-2 draw at Stoke City. Read on for a full transcript of the interview:
on a promising start to the season…
It was a very good result for the boys. They are a little bit disappointed that we couldn't get a victory. Considering the age of the team and the way we played, I'm very happy with them.
on a strong second-half performance…
We kept a good shape. We were compact when defending and tried to be positive when going forward.
on a young squad…
They did themselves proud. We were mainly an under-18 side. We lost a few players to the first-team squad who may be going to the Champions League [game in Turkey]. They did fine.
on Eisfeld's brace…
Thomas can finish. We know he's a good finisher and he took his goals exceptionally well.
on lots of positives to take into the next game…
There are. We're a very young side as we said in pre-season. We're learning the game and perhaps we let the goals in through a bit of naivety and inexperience at a time where we invited pressure and perhaps should have played a bit longer. Credit to them, they want to play football but it is a learning process and there will be many mistakes during the season.
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