Arsenal U21s have struggled in the league this season but there was a major positive for David Horseman’s side this week as they progressed to the knockout stages of the EFL Trophy.
Achieving such a feat as an academy team is certainly a difficult task and Arsenal’s accomplishment is all the more impressive when it is taken into consideration that they were beaten 5-1 by Barnet in their opening group game.
Arsenal bounced back by overcoming Leyton Orient in their second fixture before prevailing past AFC Wimbledon with a 2-1 success in midweek.
After finding themselves behind, Arsenal managed to respond as substitute Evan Mooney equalised before Emerson Nwaneri scored a late winner.
Archie Stevens, who was brought on as a substitute, deserves a lot of credit for his displays in the EFL Trophy this season with the winger’s directness and crossing ability being of great use.
It was also notable that Horseman gave chances to several members of the U18 squad, including full-backs Abraham Owusu-Gyasi and Hakeem Abubakar as well as defensive midfielder Teshaun Murisa.
Arsenal’s most impressive campaign in this competition came in 2021/22, when they reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Wigan Athletic.
Just getting out of the group stages, however, represents good progress for Arsenal this season given their frustrating start in the competition.
—
Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on X @jeorgebird