Wilkinson praises EDS resilience in wake of second successive extra-time triumph | OneFootball

Ben Wilkinson says he was pleased to see his team’s resilience, which helped our Elite Development Squad complete a 3-2 comeback win over Arsenal in our Premier League 2 play-off quarter-final.

Khayon Edwards and Louie Copley gave the Gunners a two-goal lead after 50 minutes but the Premier League 2 league phase winners showed grit and determination as they continued to fight for a way back into the game.

Ashton Muir halved the deficit before Lakyle Samuel’s header in the final minute of the match sent the game to extra time.

Divin Mubama fired City ahead for the first time on 106 minutes and it would prove to be the decisive factor as we confirmed our place in the final four.

The weekend prior, City overcame Liverpool with a 2-1 triumph with in-form Mubama scoring in extra-time in another dramatic 120 minutes.

And the EDS Lead Coach was quick to point to the tenacity and togetherness of his team following two intense play-off wins.

MATCH REPORT | CITY 3-2 ARSENAL

“I think this group has shown time and time again this season they’ve got a real resilience about them and a real desire to keep going even in the worst circumstances,” said Wilkinson.

“And whether that’s in this competition or the Youth League, I know a lot of these games are decided by fine margins but thankfully we came out on top the last couple of weeks.

“I’m really pleased to progress and give us another game. I’m really pleased with the lads’ character and attitude but there is also plenty for us to look at and try and get better for next week.”

In the semi-final, City will face Manchester United or West Ham United. Details on our semi-final will be confirmed in due course.