Freddie Ljungberg is aiming to help Arsenal U23s regain the Premier League 2 title this season, while simultaneously improving the youngsters at his disposal so that some of them are eventually capable of breaking into the first-team.
This week Ljungberg’s side had two league games, both of which ended in draws.
Here’s a look at what happened in both matches.
ARSENAL 0-0 EVERTON
In a game that was rather overshadowed by the first-team’s victory over Leicester City on the same night, Arsenal had to defend diligently to secure a point.
Centre-back Daniel Ballard, who has produced some excellent performances recently, made two goalline clearances to keep Everton at bay.
Eddie Nketiah, meanwhile, is known for his prolific nature in front of goal, with the striker having scored with regularity for Arsenal at youth level over the past few seasons. On this occasion, however, he was unable to find the target, squandering some inviting opportunities.
Another intriguing element of this encounter was that former Arsenal goalkeeper Joao Virginia, now of Everton, made some impressive stops to deny his former side.
SWANSEA 1-1 ARSENAL
With a hectic schedule to contend with, Arsenal made six changes for this game, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles, back from injury, amongst the players to come into the side.
Maitland-Niles completed 67 minutes as a winger and, although he looked rather rusty, the England U21 international will be delighted to be back playing again following his spell on the sidelines.
Arsenal lacked fluency going forwards in the first half and Swansea punished them as they took the lead just before the break.
However, Arsenal showed excellent determination to get back into the game after the interval and they eventually equalised courtesy of Charlie Gilmour’s deflected effort.
The result means that Ljungberg’s side have gone eight games without defeat in the league and are, temporarily at least, top of the table, albeit having played a game more than their closest challengers Everton.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
two seasons ago the club had some live coverage or at least a ticker. was able to find man united u23 almost every time but no coverage of our boys except a twitter-ticker with substitutes and goals. why? no interest? is it about streaming rights?
where do i look up contract details of our youngsters. the source i usually use ain’t got it.