‘Buzzing’… Jack Wilshere blown away by 17-year-old Arsenal attacker

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Arsenal coach Jack Wilshere has praised Gunners academy attacker Ismeal Kabia after he scored in the Premier League Cup on Thursday.

The 17-year-old Arsenal talent made his first start of the season after recovering from injury and helped the Gunners Under-18s to a 2-1 win over Derby County’s U18s.

Arsenal took the lead early on as Gunners captain Harrison Dudziak calmly slotted the ball home following a mistake by the opposition goalkeeper.

Just before the break, Dajaune Brown dribbled past two Arsenal defenders scored with a powerful effort, bringing the Rams back on level terms.

In the third minute of injury time, Ayden Heaven played a crucial role in setting up Kabia, whose shot found the back of the net via a deflection.

‘He deserves it’

Speaking to the Arsenal media team after the match, Wilshere said he was buzzing to see Kabia make a goalscoring return from a prolonged injury absence.

“I’m really happy for Kabia on scoring the winner,” said the Gunners cult hero. “He’s been out for a long time, and he deserves it.”

“I’ve been in that position throughout my career; it’s not a nice feeling, so I’m buzzing he got the winner.”

Kabia joined Arsenal on a scholarship in 2022 and has progressed to Under-18 level.

He was born in the Netherlands and moved to England aged nine, where he was scouted by the Gunners.

It’s good to see Kabia make a goalscoring return to action after a spell out with injury.

Hopefully he’ll quickly put this layoff behind him, return to form and hopefully push for promotion to the Under-21s next season.