Blackpool fought valiantly last night against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup before losing out 2-1. It was a brave, yet fruitless effort as the Premier League side went through.
Yes, Arsenal put out a side that wouldn’t see the Premier League light of day. However, like a boxer accused of fighting a ‘tomato can’ opponent, Blackpool were playing against a side not only two divisions above them, but also punching two weights heavier.
It was a blend of youth and the added steel of experience that Blackpool faced last night at The Emirates. Arsenal put out players such as Danny Welbeck, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Aaron Ramsey and Peter Cech to face the League One side.
It was also a game where Leeds United’s on-loan defender Paudie O’Connor saw the bittersweet sides of football. The young White scored in the 66th minute to throw the Seasiders a lifeline, pulling the game back to 2-1.
That was the sweetness of his contribution, a neat downward header from a free-kick leaving Peter Cech stranded on his line, only able to watch the ball nestle in the back of the net. 18 minutes later came the bitterness, a straight red after scything down Arsenal hitman Patrick Aubameyang.
Eventful night for Paudie O’Connor #WellInSon #NeverARed @Paudie97 pic.twitter.com/JV8Ks3YMtk
— Top Tackles (@TopTackles) November 1, 2018
21-year-old O’Connor joined Leeds United from Irish side Limerick in early July 2017. He made his Whites début against Sunderland, this being part of a four-game streak during which he gained many plaudits from United fans.
This season the youngster has been out on loan at League One Blackpool, featuring in their opening five games. He’s then enjoyed mixed fortunes, making the substitute bench on four occasions – the last of these against Fleetwood at the weekend.
Here’s the reactions from fans to both events in what became an eventful night for the young Leeds United-cum-Blackpool defender:
GET IN!!! Come on the Pool 🍊
— A Corsica Vince ❄️ (@ACorsicaVince) October 31, 2018
Leeds Leeds Leeds 😂
— Ilse 🎮 (@DinoRawr204) October 31, 2018
Leeds aren’t we
— zan 🍋 (@chowdhryzan123) October 31, 2018
Dirty Leeds yes lad
— Billy Mulhern (@Bildred_) October 31, 2018
His Leeds colours showing through MOT
— Mitchell Emmerson (@MitchellEmmers2) November 1, 2018
Give that man a pay rise!
— Matthew Hawkins (@HawkieHawkins96) October 31, 2018
From the glories of a Premier League side in the Carabao Cup, it’s down to earth at the weekend as the Tangerines host Bristol Rovers. 12th place Blackpool will be looking to bounce back from their 3-2 loss against Fleetwood Town against a Rovers side only outside the relegation places on goal difference.
