damianArsenal's successful cup loss
February 28th 2007 03:28
Chris John Abbott-
Arsenal lost little more than a tin cup on Sunday following a 2-1 defeat by Chelsea in the Carling Cup final in Cardiff.
The real victors from a frenetic final were the Arsenal supporters who were treated to a showcase of Arsenal's future footballing talent.
Much has been made of Chelsea's millions, being bankrolled by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovic, but Arsenal have pathed the way to success on a full and committed group of youth players who all appear to be leaders in their field.
The reality of this claim is evident in the week to week fortunes of Arsenal in the Premier League, of the side that competed in Cardiff several are regular members of Arsenal’s first team already.
Cesc Fabregas at 17 is the most fluent teenage talent in the world, a commanding influence who seems undeterred by illustrious opponents in spite of his tender age. Kolo Toure is another along with defensive partner Philippe Senderos who are ever-present in Arsenal's weekend line ups.
In addition, Arsenal showed through out this year's cup campaign that they have a few more diamonds in the rough waiting for their first team chance. Abou Diaby, was stand out in Wales, dominating a central midfield battle against Ballack and Lampard who collectively cost Chelsea over 40 million pounds.
In contrast Arsenal had assembled their future youth stars at an estimate of 10% of Chelsea's cup final side on Sunday. Even though Chelsea has proved that money can buy success, it is at a very realistic cost with the club announcing the previous week losses in the hundreds of million of pounds for the financial year. Not a pressing concern whilst they are governed by a Russian oil tycoon, but long term it could spell peril for the following administration.
Arsenal however, will continue to build generations of successful teams on the more solid foundations of youth development and expert scouting, which is no doubt, a lesson Chelsea could learn from.
Arsenal lost little more than a tin cup on Sunday following a 2-1 defeat by Chelsea in the Carling Cup final in Cardiff.
The real victors from a frenetic final were the Arsenal supporters who were treated to a showcase of Arsenal's future footballing talent.
Much has been made of Chelsea's millions, being bankrolled by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovic, but Arsenal have pathed the way to success on a full and committed group of youth players who all appear to be leaders in their field.
The reality of this claim is evident in the week to week fortunes of Arsenal in the Premier League, of the side that competed in Cardiff several are regular members of Arsenal’s first team already.
Cesc Fabregas at 17 is the most fluent teenage talent in the world, a commanding influence who seems undeterred by illustrious opponents in spite of his tender age. Kolo Toure is another along with defensive partner Philippe Senderos who are ever-present in Arsenal's weekend line ups.
In addition, Arsenal showed through out this year's cup campaign that they have a few more diamonds in the rough waiting for their first team chance. Abou Diaby, was stand out in Wales, dominating a central midfield battle against Ballack and Lampard who collectively cost Chelsea over 40 million pounds.
In contrast Arsenal had assembled their future youth stars at an estimate of 10% of Chelsea's cup final side on Sunday. Even though Chelsea has proved that money can buy success, it is at a very realistic cost with the club announcing the previous week losses in the hundreds of million of pounds for the financial year. Not a pressing concern whilst they are governed by a Russian oil tycoon, but long term it could spell peril for the following administration.
Arsenal however, will continue to build generations of successful teams on the more solid foundations of youth development and expert scouting, which is no doubt, a lesson Chelsea could learn from.
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