Louis Zecevic John was thrilled to be back in the under-18s starting line-up after his recent injury and help secure an important win away to Aston Villa on Saturday.
Louis's penalty gave us the lead early on, before Villa levelled in the second half. It looked as if we would have to settle for a point, but Angelinou Pedro stepped up to steal back victory at the death and take home all the points.
"I think today was an interesting game, quite chaotic. Maybe both teams weren't at their best, but I think considering we were pulled back to 1-1, when ten men down, that's the big one.
"I think we should have just done better and seen the game out. They came back, but it's great to get a last-minute win."
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U18s report: Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal](https://www.arsenal.com/fixture/under-18/2026-Feb-21/aston-villa-u18-1-2-under-18-match-report?utm_source=arsenaldotcom&utm_medium=embedded-article&utm_campaign=news)
Louis played a pivotal role in two key moments in the game, converting from the spot before being involved in a challenge that saw Vincely Mudame dismissed and the hosts reduced to ten. "With the penalty, I just took three breaths, relaxed, kept my eye on the keeper, and didn't give him any clues of where I'm going to go.
"I took my first step, quite slow. It's difficult for a keeper when you're going at a slow pace, trying to work his feet and then I have to put it away.
"I think today I played well. The red card, I think it was a bit back-to-back, using my pace, it's my advantage, my strength. Just being a bit technical around the box, and I won the foul."
Louis was pleased with the lift the result gave the dressing room following the disappointing north London derby defeat in midweek, and is eager to push on with the campaign, having missed significant parts of the season with ankle and groin issues. "The players are happy, the staff are happy," he said. "It wasn't the prettiest game, but it's great to get the points.
"Personally, I want to get more minutes on the pitch. I was injured in the first game of the season, but it's good to be back playing now. Whether that's for the under-21s or under-18s, getting minutes on the pitch and scoring again is the aim."
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