Arsenal U21s ended their regular season with a 2-0 defeat away to their Crystal Palace counterparts last night and Max Porter’s team will be aware that they will have to perform to a much higher standard if they are to make an impact in the playoffs.
The young Gunners are in 13th place in Premier League 2, although their final position in the table could change with other teams still having fixtures remaining.
It appears that Arsenal’s first playoff game will be an away fixture against one of Manchester City, Fulham or Ipswich Town, all of whom would provide a considerably difficult test.
Despite the defeat last night one positive to take from proceedings was the return to action of Harrison Dudziak, who entered the fray as a substitute in the second half.
In the first half of the campaign Dudziak featured for Arsenal at U21 and U19 levels before experiencing his first taste of senior football during a youth loan spell with Braintree Town.
An injury meant that the midfielder unfortunately wasn’t able to extend his loan arrangement with the non-league club and he returned to Arsenal for treatment.
After several months out, the 20-year-old is now available again and his relative experience at U21 and indeed senior level could prove to be very useful.
Dudziak has played over 30 games for Arsenal U21s, having first featured at that level in 2023.
As a result, Dudziak may be able to help some of his colleagues with certain aspects of their game, which may well be of use in the playoffs.
—
Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird