While the first team struggle, it is a different picture for our youngsters.
UNDER 23s
Currently second in the PL2 - but knowing 3 wins from 3 will give us the title.
Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah are obviously the stars of the team, but with them missing games due to first team commitments it has been necessary for others to step up.
Vlad Dragomir has been one to stand out. This despite him being utilised in numerous roles, from wing back, to midfield, to lone striker. 6 goals and numerous stand out performances have caught the eye.
Josh da Silva is another who has had to fill gaps, but who has also impressed. At his best in midfield, da Silva has had to play centre back -where he made his first team debut - wing back and attacking player.
With loans in January weakening the side, the 9 points may be a bit of an ask, but if the likes of Nelson, Nketiah and Joe Willock are available they have a chance.
YOUTH CUP
We have reached the semi-final, and drew the away leg 2-2 with Blackpool.
Emile Smith-Rowe is the stand-out at the lower age group level, and has stepped up to the U-23s as well.
Xavier Amaechi and Tyreece John-Jules have been among the goals, with the latter scoring an extra time winner against Steven Gerrards Liverpool youngsters in our toughest game to date.
In the league, the U-18s are second in the South group. However, Chelsea lead us by 9 points (we have 1 game in hand).
Folarin Balogun and Bukayo Sako have been prolific, while Smith-Rowe and Trae Coyle have impressed in attacking roles. Joao Virginia continues to improve in goal, and will expect to step up for the Under 23s next season. Danny Ballard and Vontae Daley-Campbell have been impressive in defence, by all accounts.
LOANS
Unfortunately there is little positive to report.
Jeff Reine-Adelaide seems to be playing well for Angers, Julio Pleguezuelo has slotted in well at Gimnastic. Tafari Moore and Marc Bola are getting game time in the lower English leagues, while Kelechi Nwakali and Stephy Mavididi both ended their first loan spells to drop down a division.
Krystian Bielik, one of our brighter prospects, has been injured throughout his loan spell at Walsall after suffering an injury hit first half of the season.
Cohen Bramall has been unable to make an impact at Birmingham.
Arsenal Youth Update.
posted on 24/3/18
Why the feck has some cretin one starred this?
Probably some sad bastad who's there waiting for your article just to do it
posted on 24/3/18
Sadly every article gets a one star, no matter what.
There is a Spurs fan named Dangerdog who outed himself as a One Star Bandit. Cantona 7 another.
posted on 24/3/18
White star line tbh
posted on 24/3/18
Good article mate - need similar for other clubs.
I've never starred an article on here EVER. Never felt the need
posted on 24/3/18
Good article mate, always appreciate a youth team update. Nketiah and Nelson aside, who do you think is most likely, if anyone, to break in to the first team?
On Nketiah, I’ve been a little disappointed, considering our striker options misfiring so profusely, that he hasn’t been given a bit more game time to develop especially when he’s taken his chances on the main when he has. Wouldn’t be against Welbeck fecking off in the summer and him given 3rd striker role behind Laca and Auba
posted on 24/3/18
Nketiah and Nelson aside, who do you think is most likely, if anyone, to break in to the first team?
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Emile Smith-Rowe looks a talent. Only 17 but already put in some good performances for the U23s. Could well be involved with the first team sooner rather than later - especially if we continue to be in the Europa next season.
Wouldn't be surprised if Vlad Dragomir gets Europa Cup games next season (assuming that is where we end up).
Josh da Silva should get more game time next season, if we are in Europa. Like AMN, it will be his versatility that gives him an edge.
Trae Coyle is highly rated, but not seen anything of him.
posted on 24/3/18
Thanks for the info DJ 👍🏼, and yup with the way Wenger leaves at least a few gaping gaps going into every season, versatility will always give a youth player an edge while Wenger is in charge, but hopefully that isn’t for too long now
posted on 25/3/18
https://news.arseblog.com/2018/03/vlad-draogmir-on-life-at-arsenal-and-what-hes-learning-from-coaches-and-mesut-ozil/
Interesting article from vlad
posted on 25/3/18
How’s that Greek defender doing we got in January? Has he been getting games in youth games, or been more involved in first team training? Read that he had impresseing in training
posted on 25/3/18
comment by A Catalyst For Change (U7080)
posted 2 hours, 44 minutes ago
How’s that Greek defender doing we got in January? Has he been getting games in youth games, or been more involved in first team training? Read that he had impresseing in training
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Been impressive by all accounts.