Arsenal U18 boss Jack Wilshere has been sharing his thoughts after an incredible finish to his side's FA Youth Cup semi-final against Manchester City at the Emirates on Tuesday evening. 

The former Arsenal and England midfielder reflected on a memorable night as his under-18 side booked a place in the 2023 FA Youth Cup Final with a last-gasp 2-1 extra-time win over City.

The highly-rated U18s head coach was delighted with his young charges sealed the vital victory.

“Overall we dominated and we deserved it. I’m so glad we won it the way we did. It was special and that’s why everyone loves football, there’s no better feeling,” said Wilshere.

The visitors went down to 10 men after just six minutes when Omari Benjamin was brought down through on goal and Michal Rosiak scored the resulting free-kick with a stunning effort. 

The Blues pegged the young guns back in the second half to take the game into extra time. However, just as a penalty shoot-out loomed on the horizon, Myles Lewis-Skelly headed home a late winner with seconds remaining after two full hours of top level academy football, to send Arsenal through to the FA Youth Cup final.

“The players have a special type of unity and it’s our biggest strength, we keep pushing, we keep going to the end. 

“I remind the players to show that when they are on the pitch and they do. The unity has created special moments tonight, a moment they won’t forget.

“The moment when we scored the winner was special and it’s going to live in the memory of the players, staff, and everyone involved with the club. “

It’s the third time, Wilshere's Arsenal U18s have scored a late winner during this cup run with late goals coming against Newcastle United, Cambridge United, and now Manchester City.

Wilshere also found time to hail the supporters who gave his young team such support at the Emirates during the match.

“The supporters are so important and I spoke to the players before the game about using the fans’ energy to help us get through the game.

“At the end of the game, I went around the stadium to thank them because they have been amazing for us every step of the way.”

As we look forward to a home FA Youth Cup final, Jack’s message to his players is to remain focused on the task and take each game as they come.

“We’ll prepare in the same manner as always, we’ll go back over this game and review this and look to see where we can improve because the final will be a tough game.

“However, we know it’ll be a special occasion as it’s at the Emirates and we will use that alongside the incredible support from the crowd to motivate us in the final.”