Ian Evatt says Wanderers’ 5-1 defeat at Arsenal in the Carabao Cup was a good experience for the squad – but admitted there was some frustration over “self-inflicted goals”.Aaron Collins got on the scoresheet in the second half, with Scott Arfield and John McAtee also having decent chances.
“There were parts of it I liked and parts of it I didn’t,” said Evatt. “We spoke to the players in the last few days about making Arsenal earn their goals, and I think two or three were self-inflicted which is disappointing.
“First half, we had opportunities to score. I think we should have had a penalty. Whether that would have made much difference, I don’t know but what’s right is right.
“We had two big chances that we put over the bar where we have to at least work the keeper. Arsenal had two big moments first half and scored two.
“That is the difference I guess, they are a fantastic team. It was a largely good experience and we are fully focused on Saturday now.”
Collins' goal was a great moment for the 4,000-plus supporters who made the journey down to the capital.
The Welshman was played through on goal by McAtee and kept his cool to go round Jack Porter before slotting home.
“Arsenal are a really difficult team to create and score against, and we had moments tonight which is pleasing,” the manager added.
“Aaron, in particular, and John were probably our two brightest sparks and he finished it really well.
“It was really good (for the fans) but just disappointing that we could and should have had one or two more, first half in particular.
“It was a good experience largely. We earned the right to be here and it is great for the club, financially fantastic for the club. Now, our full focus has to be back on the league campaign.”
The games keep coming thick and fast, with attention now turning to Saturday’s clash with Crawley in the league.
Evatt made seven changes from the side that beat Reading last weekend with the trip to the Broadfield Stadium in mind.
“The fixture list isn’t great,” Evatt admitted. “Having an early kick off on Saturday isn’t ideal so we had to make changes, we had no choice.
“That is a difficult game, regardless of who is playing, but to make changes and have the players run against the ball like they did was tough.
"We need some legs and energy for Saturday and that is why we had to change.”
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hailed Jack Porter after the 16-year-old was thrown in at the deep end against Wanderers in the Carabao Cup.The Academy prospect got the nod between the sticks, with David Raya out injured and Neto cup-tied after featuring for Bournemouth in a previous round. Third-choice Tommy Setford was also unavailable due to injury.
Porter became the youngest shot stopper to ever feature in the competition and had a few decent moments, although he was beaten by Aaron Collins in the second half.
“We told him yesterday and he was over the moon straight away,” Arteta told a press conference.
“I think he spoke to his family. And yeah, they weren't prepared for that. It's a big step, a big occasion for them and I think they were nervous about it.
“But I think he reacted really well. He was really composed yesterday in training, today as well.
“His team-mates really helped him as well on that. What an experience and what a way to break a record.
Arteta named a mixture of youth and experience in his starting line-up, with Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Jorginho all involved from the off.
Ethan Nwaneri bagged a brace either side of half time – the 17-year-old’s first goals for the North London club.
“A really positive night, the result and the performance,” the head coach reflected. “We gave minutes to a lot of senior players and they really showed a lot of quality.
“On top of that, we gave a lot of opportunity to quite a lot of Academy players and they responded really well. It is so fulfilling to see their faces, their reaction, how much it means to them.
“(The senior players) were already giving them advice in training yesterday, I think the boys feel really comfortable with them.
“Because it is a magnificent group of players, they can be themselves and if they have any fears, they can ask questions and they will be happy to help.
“It is great they show that leadership as well, and that sense of caring, which is important and we all need it at some stage in our careers.”
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