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A rather frustrating season for Arsenal U18s came to an end yesterday as it was confirmed that they have finished in 10th place in the table.
That, as well as early exits in the FA Youth Cup and Premier League Cup, aptly summarises the inconsistency that has characterised this campaign.
As is often the case at this age groups, many of the standout eligible prospects didn’t feature prominently due to involvement at higher levels with Max Dowman not playing at all, while Marli Salmon, Andre Harriman-Annous and Ife Ibrahim were only involved sparingly.
Arsenal still used a significant amount of second years, however, with the likes of Louis Zecevic John and Alex Marciniak featuring prominently.
The versatile Ceadach O’Neill became more involved with the U21s in the second half of the season but prior to that he was the standout player for the U18s and ended the campaign with eleven goals in 16 games.
Winger Brando Bailey-Joseph also frequently impressed, with Zecevic John and Maalik Hashi making significant contributions.
Callan Hamill often wore the captain’s armband during his first season at the club.
Meanwhile, Teshaun Murisa, Maalik Hashi and schoolboy Kyran Thompson made the most appearances.
Mikel Arteta’s son Gabriel was involved towards the end of the season and it remains to be seen whether the winger will be offered a contract by the club.
Some talented schoolboys gained valuable experience, with Thompson involved in most matches while Emerson Nwaneri and Mishel Nduka also received opportunities and U14 prospect Luis Munoz scored on his debut against Fulham.
Munoz could have a prominent part to play at this level next season in what will hopefully be a more consistent campaign overall.
There were also some bizarre moments including Zecevic John having to go in goal on one occasion and goalkeeper Jack Talbot operating as an outfield player.
37 players featured at this level this season, including eleven schoolboys.
Although they showed fighting spirit at times, Arsenal struggled on many occasions as shown by the fact that they conceded 57 goals in the league and only scored 46.
Arsenal U18 appearances in league and FA Youth Cup – 2025/26 (goals in brackets)
Via Transfermarkt
Maalik Hashi – 28 (6)
Kyran Thompson – 28 (3)
Teshaun Murisa – 28 (2)
Alex Marciniak – 27 (4)
Brando Bailey-Joseph – 22 (7)
Abraham Owusu-Gyasi – 21
Louis Zecevic John – 19 (7)
Josh Ogunnaike – 18
Callan Hamill – 17 (2)
Theo Julienne – 17
Ceadach O’Neill – 16 (11)
Bowen Phillips – 15 (1)
Patrick Stachow – 15
Samuel Onyekachukwu – 14
Emerson Nwaneri – 12 (2)
Sam Chapman – 12 (1)
Saurap Sampang – 12 (1)
Jack Porter – 11
Remy Lupinski – 10
Mishel Nduka – 10
Marley Frohock – 9 (1)
Angelinou Pedro – 9 (1)
Elyon Mbala – 9
Josh Tahou – 8
Josiah King – 7
Hakeem Abubakar – 6
Charlie Purdy – 6
Khari Ranson – 6
Jack Talbot – 6
Gabriel Arteta – 4
Andre Harriman-Annous – 3 (1)
Evan Mooney – 2 (1)
Luis Munoz – 1 (1)
Mikael Bonaventure Yetna – 1
Marli Salmon – 1
Joshua Sesay – 1
Zachary Van der Straaten – 1
Also called up: Charlie Phillips, Johanan Lo-Tutala, Theo Odaji-Ukueku.