With the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck lighting up the attention on Arsenal so far this season, you may be excused for missing out on some of the reserve action.
But for our Arsenal Academy, they’ve been writing their own headlines so far this year, with a number of stand out stars and tight fixtures.
We’ve taken a look back at all the best and worst bits of October for so far for the young Gunners and catch you up with everything you might have missed!
Current League Positions:
Under 18’s: Â 6th
Under 19’s: 1st (Youth League)
Under 21’s: 1st
1st – Under 19’s:
Arsenal Under 19’s followed in the footsteps of their first team counterparts, with a resounding 5-1 victory over Turkish opponents Galatassary.
The young Guns made it two wins in two in the Youth League, with goals coming from five different scorers, including Gedion Zelalem and Daniel Crowley who remain two of Arsene Wenger’s brightest protegé’s.
6th – Under 18’s:
The Arsenal Under 18’s looked to really kick-start their season when they faced up to Southampton, but were held to a goalless draw.
Captain, Josh Vickers, came back into the side who had just beaten Fulham 3-2 in a game where manager, Frans de Kat, made four changes. Kaylen Hinds put in another stand out performance but was unable to find the net on several occasions.
This was a frustrating result for the Young Guns, who looked to take advantage of the poor start Southampton had made in the campaign.
16th – Under 18’s:
Midfielder Jack Jebb completed a one-month loan deal to League Two side, Stevenage.
Jebb played a key role in the Under 18’s getting to the FA Youth Cup semi-finals.
The purpose of the move was simply so he could get a taste of first team football at such a young age, the midfielder is due to return to the club on November 18th.
17th – Under 18’s:
Look away now Arsenal fans, because it was a day to forget for our Under 18’s, after they suffered a 2-0 defeat to North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The defeat was their first in six games, with the home side being hampered with injury, they had very little they could offer in terms of depth on the bench.
Spurs midfielder, Anton Walkes was sent for an early bath midway through the second half, but it was not enough to stop the London side who currently sit one place above Arsenal.
17th – Under 21’s
One of the most important days of the Arsenal campaign in October so far. The evening fixture against Blackburn Rovers saw the returns of both Theo Walcott and Serge Gnabry to competitive football action.
The first-team stars were both given a run out, with Walcott being forced to the sidelines for nearly 9 months. Walcott was given a 45 minute spell in which he performed to a high standard, with much of the play being dictated around his pace and stamina.
Manager Arsene Wenger, who went to watch the England international, would have been impressed with the forward, although reiterated that Theo couldn’t be rushed back to first team action straight away.
Serge Gnabry also featured for an hour, before being replaced by Daniel Crowley in a game which finished 0-0.
21st – Under 19’s:
Tuesday 21st saw Arsenal’s Under 19’s return to UEFA Youth League action against Belgian opponents, Anderlecht.
The Gunners put everything on the line in this one, but it ended in defeat in a seven goal thriller. 4-3 was the final score, and with Arsenal pushing end-to-end football away from home it was a test for their resilience in both attack and defence.
Yet another astonishing performance from Daniel Crowley was rewarded with a solo hat-trick, and will be sure to raise the eyebrows of first team boss Arsene Wenger.
The loss was one that although unfortunate, would be a learning point for the team, who were yet to lose in the Youth League. The game meant Arsenal would take on Anderlecht at home in the next few weeks, where 3 points could see them in a strong qualifying position.
24th – Under 18’s:
Arsenal completed the professional signings of an exciting young duo. Defender Stefan O’Connor and winger, Ainsley Maitland-Niles followed in the footsteps of Jack Wilshere and Hector Bellerin, coming through the youth ranks to complete a much deserved approval for senior squad.
Stefan O’Connor brings can add height and dominance to the back line of defence, after completing a number of appearances this year already.
Whereas Maitland-Niles is very much like Walcott, adding pace and desire to the Arsenal side.
25th – Under 21’s:
It was celebrations all round this week, as Serge Gnabry scored on his return to a full match. Arsenal took on Stoke City away from home, and came out as 3-0 winners.
Maitland-Niles was quick to show why he’d been offered a professional contract, adding the second goal in a three nil romp at the Britannia Stadium.
31st – Under 21’s
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Our Under 21’s were straight back to action at the weekend, where they faced a stiff competition from a well grouped Middlesborough side.
The team struggled in this one, eventually coming out as 2-1 winners with thanks to yet another brace from teen sensation Dan Crowley, who’s goals helped this side jump straight to the top of the Under-21 league.
Chuba Akpom and Gedion Zelalem also featured, but one again struggled to find their way into the game following a frustrating season away from first team action.
31st – Under 18’s:
Finishing October on a defeat wasn’t exactly the way this Under 18’s side wanted to see in November. They took on a talented West Brom side who netted twice to head home with a 2-0 win and more importantly, all three points.
In what looked like a six pointer, this game had plenty of action, but Arsenal were too short to get back into the game after The Baggies took the lead in the 38th minute.
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