Arsenal's 17-year-old midfield talent Dan Crowley has stated that the Gunners' under-21 side should be proud of how they performed against Middlesbrough on Monday night, especially with ten men. Macedonian goalkeeper Dejan Iliev was sent off early in the first-half, and Arsenal lost 3-2 in the end against the league leaders.
Crowley netted Arsenal's second goal on the night, and the English teenager was pleased with how the Gunners fought at the Riverside Stadium, despite having a one-man disadvantage for the majority of the game.
He had this to say, to Arsenal.com: "I thought we played well and did well with ten men. It's really hard when you're a man down, especially against a top club like Middlesbrough who are top of the league. I was pleased to get a goal but it was a great team performance and we're all proud of each other. I'm really happy with my goal tally this season because the managers and coaches look at stats and if you're not effective then you're not good enough. Andries Jonker came in at the start of the season and told me to score and set-up goals, that's what I've been trying to do."
STAT: Crowley has proven a real attacking menace when faced with the 'Boro youth team this season, scoring three goals in his past two games against them.