A lack of consistency has been a recurring theme for Arsenal U21s in the early stages of the Premier League 2 season, with David Horseman’s side having taken just four points from their first five games.
Development is key at this level and results haven’t been helped by the fact that there has been frequent rotation, with the U21 squad containing many players who deserve to be in the starting lineup.
Despite this, Horseman has still looked to incorporate some members of the talented U18 squad where possible.
In the draw against Sunderland yesterday for example, Emerson Nwaneri started on the right wing and played the whole game despite being just 16 years old.
Horseman certainly seems to have a lot of faith in Nwaneri, who has featured in both of the U21s’ EFL Trophy games so far this season and has also been involved in the UEFA Youth League.
Nwaneri is capable of making an impact in various midfield or attacking positions and demonstrated his array of qualities yesterday, which include dribbling and passing that is of a very high standard.
Three of the substitutes that featured yesterday were also U18 players, including recent signing Mylo Bernard, who made his first appearance for the U21s.
The England youth international was a lively presence in attack as he frequently looked to put the Sunderland defence under pressure, while he was pulled back by Sunderland’s Ajibola Alese, who received a second yellow card.
Perhaps the biggest impact was made by two further U18 players in Maalik Hashi and Teshaun Murisa.
Murisa has had to be patient for chances with older age groups having amassed over half a century of appearances at U18 level but he seemed very comfortable playing for the U21s yesterday and provided the assist from which Andre Harriman-Annous scored Arsenal’s late equaliser.
Hashi, meanwhile, is an enjoyable player to watch given his flair and dynamism. The midfielder is constantly looking to drive his team forward and was unfortunate not to find the net yesterday.
There are other players in the U18s who will be hoping for chances with the U21s as the season progresses, including recent acquisitions Axel Donczew and Vincent Joseph.
While there was already a battle for places at U21 level, the impact made by various U18 prospects is set to increase the competition even further.