As it is still early in the season, it would be rather unwise to draw dramatic conclusions from results thus far, but it has been an impressive start to the campaign for Arsenal across all three of the main academy levels.
The U18s have looked impressive of late following a difficult start, whilst the U19s started their new UEFA Youth League campaign with a commendable 2-0 victory away to Dinamo Zagreb yesterday.
The most impressive performances, and indeed results, though, have come at U21 level, with Steve Gatting’s side having won all four of their league fixtures so far.
After three successive home victories, the young Gunners secured their first away success of the season as they prevailed past their Newcastle United counterparts with a 2-1 victory last week.
Although Newcastle ended the game with ten men, Arsenal fully merited their victory, which was secured courtesy of goals from Stephy Mavididi and Alex Iwobi, with the latter finding the net for the first time this season.
Mavididi and Iwobi have formed part of an impressive attacking unit for the U21s in the early weeks of the campaign, ably supported by Kaylen Hinds and Jeff Reine-Adelaide, with Chris Willock making a significant contribution as an impact substitute.
There was some unfortunate news regarding Reine-Adelaide against Newcastle, however, with the Frenchman, who has made an impressive start to life in England, hobbling off with what appeared to be a severe injury.
The winger has subsequently been rendered a doubt for the trip to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Capital One Cup next week, whilst he missed the aforementioned Youth League success in Zagreb.
Arsenal delivered an encouraging performance against the Croatian side, with Willock particularly impressive as he scored a fine individual goal before winning the penalty from which midfielder Ben Sheaf made it 2-0.
The U18s have also performed well of late, and will be confident of finally managing to string together a consistent set of results.
Two members of the U18 squad, meanwhile, have been tipped to leave the club in then near future. Midfielder Harry Donovan is seeking a move after Arsenal refused to guarantee him a professional contract, whilst winger Joe Willock, the younger brother of Chris, is yet to formally sign scholarship terms and may leave.
Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Iwobi so good thus far.
oh no!!!!
THE JEFF..
Jorge how highly do you rate Joe Willock? Is he as promising as Chris?
He’s talented, although he hasn’t played much for the u18s so it’s difficult to compare him to Chris.
“There was some unfortunate news regarding Reine-Adelaide against Newcastle, however, with the Frenchman, who has made an impressive start to life in England, hobbling off with what appeared to be a severe injury.”
The Jeff is Arsenal quality.
i was so looking forward to jeff smashing the spuds next week
What? A promising prospect hobbling off injured? Welcome to the Arsenal Jeff.
Pretty awesome to see Thierry Henry taking an U19’s training session prior to their win in Zagreb. On a side note Andries Jonker looks like a hybrid of Lee Dixon and Teddy Sheringham
there’s a shade of Tony Adams too. might be the neck though..
Thanks for some positive news in this few days when it’s tough going with the senior squad.
Hope our lonees are doing well and there is a Coq waiting to come and hit the ground running, if the need arises.