Arsenal fans have taken to Twitter to express their delight at the performance of Joe Willock in their 1-0 League Cup win against West Ham on Tuesday night.
The 18-year-old was selected in central midfield alongside Mohamed Elneny and Francis Coquelin as Arsene Wenger rang the changes for the secondary competition even though it was a derby quarter-final clash.
Eleven changes were made in all by Wenger as Arsenal embark on a run of 10 matches in 36 days across all competitions.
England forward Danny Welbeck broke West Ham’s resistance just before the break, turning in Mathieu Debuchy’s header across goal as the hosts stayed on course for a first League Cup win since 1993.
But the Gunners’ night was soured by the loss of Olivier Giroud to an injury that could rule him out for three weeks, while Francis Coquelin also limped out of the match late on.
Nevertheless, Arsenal fans were hugely encouraged by the display of teenager Willock, who played 84 minutes of the match in what was his seventh appearance of the season.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets:
Willock is a top baller! #Afc
— GT ÖVIE???? (@The_KGv) December 19, 2017
Willock is a great talent! #afc #TheArsenal #arsenor
— Kjell Olav Tangen (@KjellOTangen) December 19, 2017
Our defence did very well, West Ham did not have a real chance at all. Midfield bossed it too. Even Coquelin played well and Willock oozes class, my MotM #afc
— germanGooner (@germanGooner) December 19, 2017
Joe Willock with another impressive performance tonight #afc
— Avenell Road N5 (@DonalGolden1) December 19, 2017
Lacked creativity going forward but the midfield worked hard and protected the back four well. Impressed by Joe Willock #afc
— Sam Limbert (@SamLimbert10) December 19, 2017
Young Willock has been splendid to watch today. Bright future here at Arsenal. #ARSWHU #ARSvWHU #AFCvWHU #AFC #COYG
— Pranav M (@pranav100198) December 19, 2017
Willock ???????????? #afc
— Tobzki (@Tobzki__) December 19, 2017