Source: Daily_Mail
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas learning the Arsenal way despite shock FA Cup exit
[LNB] Arsenal youngster Jay Emmanuel-Thomas intends to learn all he can from thebitter disappointment of FA Cup defeat at Stoke. [LNB]Gunners boss Arsene Wenger made several changes for yesterday's fourth-roundtie, in an attempt to protect his depleted squad for what is set to be a crucialrun of Barclays Premier League matches. [LNB]However, despite battling back to equalise after falling behind to RicardoFuller's goal inside the first two minutes, Arsenal were unable to match Stoke'sphysical commitment and eventually crashed out 3-1. [LNB] Baby steps: Jay Emmanuel-Thomas [LNB]The 19-year-old Emmanuel-Thomas had waited a long time for his first-teamdebut, and started the match as the main striker.[LNB]Emmanuel-Thomas will take the time to analyse his own performance as he looksto continue his involvement in the first team.[LNB]'I thought I did quite well,' Emmanuel-Thomas told Arsenal TV Online.[LNB]'The boss told me to try and be strong, to link up the play and keep moving. I have not been playing up front for that long and thought I held my own. [LNB]'I am going to get the DVD from the staff, go home and watch the game becausewhen you are playing, you do not remember everything. When you watch it again you can see what you have done for yourself. [LNB]'I have been travelling to different games with the team, been in and aroundevery day in training, I was just waiting to get my opportunity. [LNB] Young Guns: Jay Emmanuel Thomas has broken into the first team along with Jack Wilshere (left) and Sanchez Watt (right)[LNB]'Hopefully I can keep myself in the team for as long as possible.' [LNB]While the final result did not go to plan, Academy graduate Emmanuel-Thomasmaintains there are plenty of positives to come out of the experience. [LNB]'Obviously it is a good feeling for me to have played my first game, but as ateam, losing was not the way we wanted it to end,' Emmanuel-Thomas told ArsenalTV Online. [LNB]'We got the equaliser and then played very well, by keeping the ball moving,once we get the ball moving, then it is very hard for teams to defend against. Once we start playing proper football, then teams cannot get close to us. [LNB]'It does not matter what competition it is, you want to win and it is never agood feeling to lose.' [LNB]Wenger expects his regular defensive quartet of Bacary Sagna, Thomas Vermaelen,William Gallas and Gael Clichy, all rested at the Britannia Stadium, to returnto the team for the trip to Aston Villa on Wednesday night. [LNB]The squad rotation saw veteran Sol Campbell make his return to action sincere-signing for the Gunners on a short-term deal. [LNB] Second coming: Sol Campbell made his second Arsenal debut against Stoke[LNB]The former Arsenal captain - who led the Invincibles side of 2003/2004 - haspledged to help out whenever he is called upon as Wenger prepares his men forclashes against Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool in the coming weeks. [LNB]Campbell, 35, said: 'It was great to be playing again, rolling up your sleevesand getting stuck in, tussling, working hard. [LNB]'However, it is not nice to be knocked out of the FA Cup. We will get better.We have to dust ourselves off. [LNB]'Stoke worked me hard, but there is nothing like game-time. There are some big games coming up and I will be up for it, the squad as awhole will need to be up for it, too. [LNB]'There were a lot of changes in the team, but we have to rethink and goagain."The whole squad is likely to be used in the next few weeks.'[LNB]
