Greenwood features as Arsenal U18s secure another win

It has been an encouraging start to the season for Arsenal U18s, with the 4-2 victory over Aston Villa on the opening day of the season having been built upon by a 2-0 success away to Brighton & Hove Albion yesterday.

Kwame Ampadu’s side had to be patient to break down their opponents but they eventually managed to do so, with Brighton scoring an own goal just before half time and Matt Smith adding further gloss to the scoreline with a penalty towards the end of the second half.

Arsenal fielded a considerably more experienced side than they did against Aston Villa, with Tyreece John-Jules, James Olayinka and goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo all starting, but it was a summer signing who was the most significant inclusion in the matchday squad.

Sam Greenwood, a 16-year-old striker who joined from Sunderland, was named amongst the substitutes and proceeded to make his first appearance for Arsenal in the second half.

While Greenwood may not have managed to get on the scoresheet, it was still a notable occasion for the youngster, who will look to have established himself as an important player for Ampadu’s team by the conclusion of the campaign.

Greenwood already has some experience of U18 football from his time at Sunderland, where he produced some impressive performances last season while he was still a schoolboy.

With the likes of Folarin Balogun and John-Jules in contention to step up to the U23s on a regular basis, it may not be too long until an opening emerges for Greenwood to start regularly for the U18s, and it is hoped that he will be able to seize his chance.

Another positive against Brighton was the performance of Yunus Musah, with the schoolboy continuing to make a major impact at U18 level.

Musah scored and provided an assist against Villa and was involved again yesterday, with the club believing that the Hale End youngster is worthy of playing above his age group.

Against Brighton Musah was deployed on the left wing but he is also capable of operating as a central midfielder or an attacking midfielder if required, and is so highly regarded that he was targeted by Juventus this summer.

Arsenal, though, are delighted to have retained his services and it is anticipated that Musah could enjoy a very productive campaign.

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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird