It has been a mixed campaign in terms of results for Arsenal U21s, but the youngsters concluded the season in impressive style this afternoon by beating Newcastle United 3-1.
Arsenal fell behind early on, but Chuba Akpom scored twice to put Arsenal ahead, with his second goal coming from the penalty spot, before Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who has made a considerable impact this year, sealed the victory in the closing stages.
The win helped to lift some of the negativity that surrounded the youth system following the disappointing 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Emirates Stadium earlier in the week. That result ensured that Steve Gatting’s side weren’t able to finish in the top half of the table, which will have significant consequences for next season. The U21 Premier League will split into two divisions next season, and Arsenal, having only managed to finish 14th out of the 22 teams, will play in the second tier, meaning they will miss out on playing the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea.
Instead, their fixture list, which could still change depending on some matches that are yet to be played, will see them play Bolton Wanderers, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, West Bromwich Albion, Reading, Stoke City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers.
It remains to be seen what impact their demotion will have on the development of Arsenal’s youngsters, but, despite this being a rather challenging campaign performance wise, there have been some success stories to emerge from the past nine months. Centre-back Julio Pleguezuelo, for example, has settled into the side very well and seems slightly more assured than his compatriot Ignasi Miquel was at his age.
Akpom and Hector Bellerin have enhanced their development via loan spells and, upon their return to Arsenal, have found themselves in and around the senior squad, something they will look to build upon next season. Isaac Hayden, one of several players likely to head out on loan during 2014/15, has also made huge strides, with the midfielder’s passing range improving greatly.
Winger Maitland-Niles has also caught the eye with his directness, whilst Gedion Zelalem has gained plenty of experience of U21 football, even if some of his performances haven’t been of the highest standard. That said, Zelalem was impressive against Newcastle today and it is hoped that next season he will be able to develop further and make some sort of impact on the senior side.
As always at this time of year there are several players whose time at the club is coming to an end. Centre-backs Daniel Boateng and Zach Fagan seem certain to be released, whilst Benik Afobe and Miquel will be aware that their respective futures could finally be decided this Summer.
–
Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
OffTopic but anyone see what Nasri has just said about Arsenal and why he left?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/10788594/Samir-Nasri-I-wanted-to-make-history-at-Manchester-City-in-my-first-year-I-won-the-league.html
the telegraph – journalistic equivalent to blood in your stool
Sad for Miquel… don’t know why, but I had a feeling he’d really step up, but by the looks of things… oh well. Zelalem is a true prospect though. Maybe a loan to a proper football playing League team would do him good?
It should. Zelalem has had an off season with the youth team this year. :/
But then to be fair our whole team has been pretty poor this season. We’ve got stars but they haven’t been playing well, from what I’ve heard it was cause of the coach which should change next season.
Don’t forget that Zelalem was injured and was off for 2 months. he should develop at his own natural pace.
Nasri “Everyone needs to calm down, even the Arsenal fans because they are really mean with him. ‘In Arsene We Trust’. That’s what they said. They should do it.’’
What a contradictory chinless twerp. I think Arsenal fans he been extremely patient and supportive whilst those outside the club stir.
In Arsene we do trust you rat. You obviously didn’t! But then you wouldn’t get those few extra £’s
Maitland-Niles seems like a huge prospect! I like what we’re doing with our wide players – creative and direct.
Also will be good to see Hayden and Olsson’s progress and glad that Zelalem finished the season strongly. He will be much better next season.
Why are people talking about that total &@£! Cashri here ?
I want Charlie Adam to shove his fat penis right down Nasri’s throat. Little cunt.
thats a bit harsh on charlie adam, who knows what nasri has down there??
Fred, sorry to be predantic but it’s total Cunt, not total &@£!.
And Pedro, your obsession with Charlie Adams penis is getting a bit worrying.
Goonerestgooner, I want Charlie Adam to get castrated.