Willock: 'The linesman crushed my dreams'

Joe Willock joked that the linesman in Arsenal's 3-0 third-round win at Blackpool "crushed my dreams" of an FA Cup hat-trick. The 19-year-old midfielder netted a pair of opportunistic finishes before half-time to put the Gunners in control of an entertaining tie. He thought he had a third 10 minutes from time but the goal was ruled out due to offside against Sead Kolasinac.

"It's a brilliant day for me on a personal note but I'm proud of how we did as a team as well. I don't think the scoreline reflects how well we played," Willock told BBC Match of the Day after Alex Iwobi completed the scoring at Bloomfield Road. "I always try to get in the box and make myself available for crosses or rebounds, so it was good to get two goals. The linesman crushed my dreams with the hat-trick but that's football and hopefully I can get another opportunity soon."

"Hopefully the boss keeps believing in me and giving me opportunities. I'm always eager to play, so I'll always do my best if I'm picked."

 

January 5, 2019

Speaking to BT Sport, Iwobi reserved praise for his young colleague. "It's good we have the youngsters who can come in and perform like Joe," he said. "It's a good headache for the manager if everyone who plays does well."