Gatting - Chambers was excellent for us

 By Lloyd Webb

Steve Gatting hailed Calum Chambers' “excellent” performance after Arsenal Under-21s’ 2-1 win at Brighton & Hove Albion on Monday.

Chambers played the full 90 minutes in central midfield, gaining more experience in the role ahead of the first team’s busy Christmas period, and helped Gatting’s side come from a goal behind to claim all three points at The Amex.

It was the England international's first game for Arsenal's second string since joining the club from Southampton in 2014, and Gatting was delighted with the 20-year-old’s display.

“It was great for the lads to play with him,” the manager told Arsenal Player. “I think it was good for Calum to get 90 minutes under his belt and for such a young lad he has got a lot of experience and tonight I thought he was excellent.

“The boss has seen him play several positions and it is handy for the first team to have a player like Calum. He can perhaps play in central defence, at right back and in midfield and he gives the boss options and that is good for Calum to play in different options."

“It was good to win but I thought the performance was excellent,” Gatting added. “We normally perform well. I’m pleased with the way we played. I thought tonight we had some good fluid movement, some excellent play and some good chances and they had very few.

"To go a goal down and to keep going - I thought we were deserved winners. I thought we were the better side with the better chances and if we defend well and then the results look after themselves and tonight it did.”