Ben Wilkinson couldn't fault the attitude or application of his Manchester City under-18s on Tuesday, but expressed regret they weren't able to showcase their best in a footballing sense in defeat at Arsenal in the FA Youth Cup semi-final.
Wilkinson admitted that his gameplan 'went out of the window' after just seven minutes at the Emirates Stadium when City defender Lakyle Samuel was sent off as last man, and Arsenal scored the resulting free-kick. However, the young Blues adapted with ten men and sent the game to extra time thanks to Justin Oboavwoduo's 75th-minute equaliser.
The semi-final looked to be decided on penalties until Myles Lewis-Skelly headed home in injury time at the end of extra time to leave City devastated and Arsenal jubilant. Reflecting on the defeat, U18s coach Wilkinson said the dressing room was devastated after such a heroic effort with ten men.
