Kyran Thompson is already making a good impression at Newcastle United following his summer move from Arsenal.
Newcastle United summer signing Kyran Thompson marked his full under-21s debut with a goal in the 3-1 EFL Trophy win at League Two side York City.
Thompson put the young Magpies ahead early in the second half after Vakhtang Salia equalised on the brink of half-time, before the winger claimed an assist in the closing stages by setting up Afner Ca’s first goal since arriving from La Liga side Levante.
The victory was Newcastle’s first in the competition since 2018, putting them top of Northern Section Group C with Bradford City and Rotherham United still to play.
Kyran Thompson of Newcastle United U21 looks on during the Vertu Trophy match between York City and Newcastle United U21 at LNER Community Stadium on September 15, 2026 in York, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)placeholder image
Kyran Thompson of Newcastle United U21 looks on during the Vertu Trophy match between York City and Newcastle United U21 at LNER Community Stadium on September 15, 2026 in York, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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"It was a great experience," Thompson told the club’s website. "We struggled in the first half but we got into the game and took our chances in the second half. From there, we managed the game when we were winning and the game was done once it went to 3-1.
"It's good to hit the ground running. After I scored, everything went into place and, of course, I'm delighted to get the win.
"I think I could've scored another one, but, overall, it was a good performance. I'm happy for Afner to get his first goal as well.”
"When we went one-nil down, we didn't put our heads down,” Thompson added. “We kept going and didn't look like we were stressed.
"Once it went to 1-1 and then 2-1, we felt like we were going to win. We haven't a good start to the season in terms of results. Against Boreham Wood [last week], we were good but just didn't get the result but, today, we were good and got a great result.
"I think it will give us a lot of confidence going into the next game. We need to keep doing our best in every training session and hopefully everything will fall into place."
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Kyran Thompson - Newcastle United is a great project’
The 17-year-old joined from Premier League rivals Arsenal in the summer and has already managed to break into the U21s set-up, having initially linked up with the under-18s.
Newcastle fought off competition from other Premier League clubs to land Thompson, including Tottenham Hotspur.
"I want to keep smashing it with the Under-21s and keep starting, getting goals and assists," Thompson said. "I want to try and break into the first team.
"Newcastle is a great project with playing young players. Once I get my opportunity, it's about taking it with both hands and showing everyone what I can do."