Player of the month- December 2008- Jay Emmanuel-Thomas

Flamboyant under-18s captain Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is the Arsenal Youth player of the month for December after beating off tough competition from Rhys Murphy.

There was a shortage of games this month, with only three matches for the under-18s and one for the Reserves. Jay impressed against Charlton on the 6th as the u-18s won 3-1 with Thomas hitting a brace. He then scored the winner in the FA Youth Cup 3rd Round against Villa as the youngsters came from behind at Villa Park to win 3-2 in a pulsating encounter. Steve Bould opted to give many u-18s regulars a rest for the final game of the calendar year against Norwich, but, given his importance to the team, Jay was named as a substitute and came close on several occasions before laying the ball on a plate for Sanchez Watt who failed to finish.

So, Jay has won the final award for 2008, but who will be the stars of 2009? It promises to be another exciting year of youth and reserve football and you can follow all the action right here on Arsenal Youth.

Finally, Merry Christmas to all readers and good luck in 2009.