U21 Premier League

Despite getting off to a flying start at U21 level, with three victories in succession under Terry Burton, results began to tail off for Arsenal’s second-string, but they were still able to take their place in the Elite Group. They largely struggled for form following the turn of the year, however, and, in the end were fortunate to finish fifth out of the eight teams in the group, although they were not helped by the change in coaching staff midway through the campaign, which saw Steve Gatting replace Burton, who in turn stepped up to the role as Head of the Academy.

Best performer

There were several players who used the U21s as an opportunity to express their considerable potential, not least Chuba Akpom, with the 17 year old striker establishing himself as the side’s main attacker and registering an impressive 13 goals in 19 starts. Hector Bellerin, Kristoffer Olsson, Isaac Hayden and Serge Gnabry also turned in several memorable performances. 

Best game

There were several contenders to choose from, but the opening game of the season, when Bolton Wanderers were comfortably dispatched of at Emirates Stadium with a 3-1 victory, was particularly impressive, not least because the Gunners had to cope with the early dismissal of goalkeeper Damian Martinez.

Best moment

After 14 months out of action, it was a heartening sight to see Jack Wilshere back in the Arsenal side as the U21s took on West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns. Arsenal lost 1-0 and Wilshere was far from his effervescent best, but the mere sight of him back on the pitch was one that warmed the hearts of all Arsenal fans.

NextGen Series

At one stage it seemed as if Arsenal’s maiden venture into European youth football was going to end prematurely after they went four group stage games without accruing a single goal or victory. A rallying 4-2 win over Athletic Bilbao secured their progression to the knock-out rounds, however, and, from there, Inter Milan and CSKA Moscow were fought off in memorable fashion. It ended in disappointment, with an epic seven-goal semi-final eventually swinging the way of London rivals Chelsea, but Arsenal still finished as the fourth best team in the competition.

Best performer

Akpom was impressive on this front, too, but Bellerin was outstanding throughout, with the Spanish right-back attacking at will whilst also showing a welcome improvement in his defensive capabilities. His showing against Chelsea was of tremendous quality, and, although he didn’t have a goal to show for his efforts the former Barcelona youngster racked up plenty of assists.

Best game

It was far from the prettiest game to watch, but Arsenal demonstrated terrific resilience to overcome Inter Milan on a near-waterlogged pitch. Nico Yennaris eventually struck the most dramatic of winners, sparking mass celebrations from all players and the coaching staff.

Best moment

Gnabry’s stupendous goal to force extra-time against Chelsea certainly set the pulses racing and, although it ultimately proved meaningless, can still be looked back upon as a strike of superb quality after terrific build-up play by Bellerin.

U18 Premier League

Another disappointing campaign in terms of results at this level, with Arsenal having to spend the second half of the season in the lowest group, before only finishing fourth in that section. Like the U21s, there were considerable changes in the coaching staff, with Pat Holland’s short-lived reign followed by the introduction of Carl Laraman. A plethora of schoolboys also received run-outs as many of the more established players stepped up to the U21s.

Best performer

Glen Kamara stood out from the start following his move to the club from Southend United. The defensive midfielder emphasised his dual qualities as a stylish, yet robust player and was rewarded with a goal late in the season against Middlesbrough. He’ll seek to step up to the U21s next season, whilst Anthony Jeffrey, Jack Jebb, Alex Iwobi and Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill also enjoyed impressive seasons.

Best game

Arsenal exacted a measure of revenge away to Aston Villa, winning 5-2 against the side who had trounced them 6-1 at London Colney just two months previously. Jeffrey, back from his loan spell  with Stevenage, found the net, as did Iwobi, Jebb, Austin Lipman and Alfred Mugabo.

Best moment

It may ultimately have been a disappointing 3-1 defeat, but Arsenal’s deployment of a side consisting entirely of schoolboys away to Manchester City offered a glimpse of the not-so-distant future, with the likes of Chris Willock and Stephy Mavididi receiving their first run-outs at that level.

FA Youth Cup

Arsenal progressed past the Fourth Round in this competition for the first time since they last won the trophy in 2009, but came unstuck against a spirited Everton side who defeated them 4-2 at Underhill. They had previously overcome Newcastle United and Fulham, the latter thanks to an extra-time winner from substitute Lipman.

Best performer

Jeffrey was in outstanding form during this run, teaming up on numerous occasions with the equally effective Bellerin down the right flank. His searing pace brought him countless goalscoring opportunities, and he scored against Newcastle and Fulham before surprisingly being substituted against Everton.

Best game

The win over Newcastle saw Arsenal playing how they are supposed to- with each member of the side contributing to a free-flowing and highly enjoyable display against a bewildered set of opponents.

Best moment

Lipman’s extra-time winner against Fulham was superb, as was schoolboy Jordan Brown’s cameo appearance off the bench against Newcastle in the previous round.

Signed scholarship: 2004. Arsenal apps: 1. Subsequent career: Sunderland, Sheffield United (loan), Crystal Palace (loan), Hibernian, Celtic. Republic of Ireland international.

A strong, powerful centre-forward who perhaps would have made more than just a solitary senior outing for the Gunners were it not for the presence of Nicklas Bendtner and Arturo Lupoli, Stokes has carved out an impressive career for himself at a relatively high level. After a hugely impressive loan spell at Falkirk, he was let go by Arsenal, who recouped £2million by selling him to Sunderland, the side against whom he made his competitive debut for the Gunners. Despite scoring a couple of impressive goals under the stewardship of Roy Keane, he was faded out at the Stadium of Light, with his perceived drinking problems of real concern. After a couple of loan spells he made a permanent switch to Hibernian, where he impressed, earning him a move to Celtic in 2010, for whom he has been a regular scorer. Occasionally called up by Republic of Ireland at international level, Stokes, who does not turn 25 until July, can be proud of his achievements thus far.

PAUL RODGERS

Signed scholarship: 2006. Arsenal apps: 1. Subsequent career:  Northampton Town, Newport County, Billericay Town.

A versatile defender who is quick across the ground but always liable to make a costly mistake, Rodgers’ only senior outing for the club does not bring back fond memories. The former England youth international started away to Burnley in the Carling Cup but was withdrawn at half-time following a poor performance. Seeking to re-build his career, Rodgers ended the 2008/09 season on loan at Northampton Town before making a permanent switch to Sixfields that summer. After two relatively impressive seasons with Northampton, he was surprisingly let go in 2011, subsequently dropping into the non-league with Newport County. He can now be found playing for Billericay Town in the Isthmian League Premier Divison.

GRAHAM STACK

Signed scholarship: 1998. Arsenal apps: 5. Subsequent career: Reading, Leeds United (loan), Wolverhampton Wanderers (loan), Plymouth Argyle, Blackpool (loan), Wolverhampton Wanderers (loan), Hibernian, Barnet. 

Now 31, Stack played the entirety of Arsenal’s run to the Carling Cup semi-finals in 2003/04 and was also on the bench for several league games during the club’s sequence of 49 unbeaten games, including the title-clinching fixture at White Hart Lane. Much of his time at Arsenal was spent on loan, however, which included an altercation with a pitch-invading supporter whilst at Belgian link club Beveren. He eventually joined Reading on a permanent basis in 2006, but failed to make a league appearance for the Royals, instead experiencing further loan spells before ending up at Plymouth Argyle where, again, he struggled to make an impact. He has experienced regular football in the last four years, however, firstly for Hibernian, and now for Barnet, who were recently relegated from League Two.

CRAIG HOLLOWAY 

Signed scholarship: 2000. Arsenal apps: 0. Subsequent career: Farnborough, Southend United, Ebbsfleet United, Chelmsford City, Braintree Town, Bromley, Welling United, Margate.

A goalkeeper who failed to make a senior appearance for Arsenal, Holloway did make the matchday squad on several occasions, including for a Champions League trip to Valencia. However, it seemed he was destined for a career in the lower echelons of the game and he has spent over a decade traipsing around various non-league clubs. He now runs his own goalkeeping academy, whilst still playing for Margate in the Isthmian League.

CESC FABREGAS

Signed scholarship: 2003. Arsenal apps: 303 (57 goals). Subsequent career: Barcelona. Spain international

Nobody needs to be told the story of the Spaniard’s career, but it remains something of a technicality that he can still be referred to as a product of the Arsenal youth system despite spending the vast majority of his formative years with Barcelona. Plucked from La Masia in 2003, Fabregas was a regular in the first-team the following season and continued to develop apace before eventually being granted captaincy of the side in 2008. It was inevitable that he would eventually return to Barcelona and that day finally came in 2011, but the World Cup and European Championship winner may well make the switch back to North London in the future.

Eastmond was derided in some quarters for still being part of the Arsenal U21 squad this season at the age of 22, but it was not too long ago that a breakthrough into the Arsenal first-team appeared to be within his reach. Having played every minute of Arsenal’s FA Youth Cup success in 2008/09 as a right-back, Eastmond was thrust into the limelight when he was handed a starting berth against Liverpool in what was then the Carling Cup the following season.

The Battersea-born Hale End graduate excelled on that occasion and that display prompted Arsene Wenger to take a further look at the youngster. There were some raised eyebrows when Eastmond was involved in four Premier League games in the second half of that campaign, which included costly defeats away to Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic. The following campaign he was more sporadically involved, but did feature in the Champions League tie away to Shakhtar Donetsk, in which he scored an unfortunate own goal. That proved to be the death knell as far as his Arsenal career was concerned, with Eastmond sent out on loan to Millwall shortly afterwards. He made a handful of appearances for The Lions, and also enjoyed spells with Wycombe Wanderers and Colchester, but, with the likes of Francis Coquelin and Emmanuel Frimpong having already broken into the first-team squad, it had long been apparent that Eastmond’s chances of a breakthrough at Emirates Stadium had expired.

Eastmond is well schooled in the Arsenal mould of football, having amassed over a century of appearances for the club at reserve and youth levels since breaking into the Reserves as a schoolboy in 2006/07. He will hope to hold down a regular place in the starting line-up at Colchester in an environment in which he is already familiar, and it would not be a huge surprise to see him rejoined at the Weston Homes Community Stadium by Sanchez Watt, who has also been let go by the Gunners.

Eastmond’s departure, and that of Watt, means that none of the 2007 intake of scholars, of whom much was expected, will have made the grade at the club, whilst, with James Shea also set to depart, the number of players remaining who featured in that Youth Cup success is also rapidly dwindling.

Left-back Meade one of many youngsters to depart, whilst Anthony Jeffrey signs first professional contract

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Today has been quite a day for the Arsenal Academy, and can be regarded as something of a changing of the guard, with many members of the club’s U21 squad announcing their departures from the club as part of an unprecedented cull which has raised many questions regarding what the set-up for next season will be, especially as only seven new scholars have been announced thus far.

Firstly, let’s deal with the departures. Since Conor Henderson’s assertion back in March that he will leave the club we have been drip-fed information about other possible exits, to the extent that it now seems that the total number of departures will be 15, and possibly higher, after it was announced today that several more youngsters have left.

The stand-out name in the list of those let go is left-back Jernade Meade, who has been released despite making two appearances for the first-team this season, including a start away to Olympiacos in the Champions League. Initially a left-winger when he broke into the U18s, the diminutive youngster has demonstrated an excellent tactical awareness of the game since making the switch to defence and it is something of a surprise that he has been let go, especially with Martin Angha also departing.

Centre-backs Sead Hajrovic and Elton Monteiro, who both initially played youth football for Switzerland before switching their allegiance to Bosnia and Portugal respectively, will also be let go, despite being called up to the senior squad for the aforementioned game with Olympiacos. The two defenders endured difficult starts to their Arsenal careers, but showed considerable signs of improvement, especially this season, but were ultimately not of the required quality to be considered for a first-team breakthrough.

Photo by Kieran Clarke.

It has also been confirmed that midfielder Jordan Wynter, a Hale End product, will be departing the club, with goalkeeper Reice Charles-Cook joining the list of those who were already expected to depart. Winger Anthony Jeffrey, meanwhile, will be retained, having signed a professional contract with the club. Striker Philip Roberts, who spent this season in Scotland with Inverness Caledonian Thistle, is likely to head out on temporary transfer again next campaign.

There will be an official announcement from the club on this matter within the next few weeks, but here are the players confirmed to be departing thus far:

*Martin Angha

*Samir Bihmoutine

*Reice Charles-Cook

*Kyle Ebecilio

*Sead Hajrovic

*Conor Henderson

*Jernade Meade

*Elton Monteiro

*Nigel Neita

*Josh Rees

*James Shea

*Zach Fagan

*Craig Eastmond

*Sanchez Watt

*Jordan Wynter

Whilst many of these departures were expected, it is still particularly chastening that a lot of internally-produced players are being let go, and certainly does not reflect well on the intakes of 2010 and 2011, from which only Isaac Hayden appears to possess a genuine chance of making a breakthrough at the club from all of the homegrown players.

It is clear that Arsene Wenger, particularly as the club’s trophy drought has continued, has been increasingly reluctant to deploy youngsters in the Premier League especially (only Serge Gnabry featured in the league from outside the first-team squad this season), but also in the latter rounds of Cup competitions, rendering it increasingly difficult for youngsters to break through.

In a way it is somewhat refreshing that the club are taking a more ruthless approach with regards to letting youngsters go, although it does give the impression that many of those listed above were only retained last year in order to keep up the numbers.

What will the impact of these departures be for the U21 and U18 sides next season? Firstly, many of the current first-year scholars will seemingly step up to the U21s on a regular basis. The likes of Austin Lipman, Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill, Jack Jebb and Alfred Mugabo should be well established in the second-string set-up by December, whilst it also seems that fewer players will be sent out on loan by the club than in previous years. Striker Yaya Sanogo also appears set to join from Auxerre and, should the move go through, could make some appearances for the U21s next season.

As far as the U18s are concerned, seven new scholars, including Gedion Zelalem, will officially start in July, but other recruits are expected to join them, with deals for Dan Crowley and Julio Pleguezuelo Selva at an advanced stage. There are also a whole raft of schoolboys, many of whom have already played for the U18s, who are ready to step up if required.

Provisional U21 squad for next season (Not taking into account probable loan departures and first-team promotions):

Damian Martinez, Hector Bellerin, Nico Yennaris, Kristoffer Olsson, Thomas Eisfeld, Gedion Zelalem, Serge Gnabry, Chuba Akpom, Ignasi Miquel, Benik Afobe, Chuks Aneke, Zak Ansah, Jon Toral, Anthony Jeffrey, Deyan Iliev, Isaac Hayden, Daniel Boateng, Philip Roberts, Wellington, Samuel Galindo.

U18s:

Josh Vickers, Arinse Uade, Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill, Glen Kamara, Jack Jebb, Alex Iwobi, Tarum Dawkins, Austin Lipman, Alfred Mugabo, Leander Siemann, Tom Dallison, Tafari Moore, Stefan O’Connor, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Renny Smith, Ryan Huddart, Elliot Wright. + Schoolboys: Olufela Olomola, Stephy Mavididi, Harry Donovan, George Dobson, Kaylen Hinds, Ovie Ejaria, Aaron Eyoma, Tyrell Robinson, Marc Bola, Chris Toonga, Chris Willock, Jayden Thorbourne.

It had long been expected that a large number of Arsenal youngsters would be let go by the club at the end of the current campaign, but now it appears that the amount of players departing could be even higher than was initially anticipated.

The U21 and U18 squads attended their final training session of the campaign today, and it is likely that many of the players involved will not be back at London Colney for the 2013/14 campaign, with Hale End product Reice Charles-Cook amongst those who are likely to see their long associations with the club come to an end next month.

Goalkeeper Charles-Cook demonstrated much promise at U18 level with his superb reflexes, but despite some impressive pre-season performances at second-string level, he is set to leave the club with just a solitary competitive U21 appearance to his name. The 19 year old is still recovering from an injury sustained whilst playing for Blue Square Bet Premier side Chelmsford City, with whom he spent time on loan earlier this campaign and has fallen behind Deyan Iliev in the pecking order at the club.

Midfielder Jordan Wynter and winger Anthony Jeffrey, who have been with the club for over a decade, could also depart. Martin Angha and Kyle Ebecilio have already sealed deals with Nuremberg and FC Twente respectively, whilst Samir Bihmoutine, Daniel Boateng, Conor Henderson, Nigel Neita, Josh Rees , James Shea and Zach Fagan are all likely to be let go, with Craig Eastmond and Sanchez Watt other candidates for a departure.

Crowley, who has been capped by England at U17 and U16 levels, has been regarded as one of the country’s best young prospects for several years due to his calmness in possession and ability to play defence-splitting passes, and is seeking a fresh challenge after spending most of his formative years at the Villa Academy.

Crowley’s ability is well-known to Arsenal’s coaching staff, who watched the 15 year old play a prominent role as Villa dispatched of Arsenal at U18 level with a 6-1 victory earlier this season, but several other Premier League clubs including Manchester City are also reportedly interested in securing the services of the starlet.

It seems certain that Arsenal will make at least one signing at U18 level to add to the seven players who have already secured scholarships at London Colney for the 2013/14 campaign. With Jordan Brown poised to depart, another striker may be a priority, whilst a deal for Barcelona’s promising defender Jose Pleguezuelo Selva has been touted for some time.

Arsenal’s youngsters, meanwhile, will head for their holidays after this week’s training sessions, but plans are already being made for the forthcoming campaign, with the club announcing four friendly fixtures in which an Arsenal XI, consisting of players from the U21 and U18 squads, will compete in during pre-season.

In addition to the traditional fixture against Boreham Wood, the young Gunners will also face trips to Leyton Orient, Luton and Sutton United, although some of the more experienced members of the U21 squad will be hoping to instead feature in the first-team’s tour of Asia and subsequently the Emirates Cup.

ARSENAL XI- PRE-SEASON FIXTURES

FRI JULY 12th- Sutton United (A)- 7.30pm

SAT JULY 20th- Boreham Wood (A)- 3pm

TUE JULY 30th- Leyton Orient (A)- 7.30pm

SAT AUG 3rd- Luton (A)- 3pm

To begin with the positives, centre-back Tom Dallison experienced his first training session today since recovering from five months out injured. The 17 year old, who joined the club from West Ham United last year, has featured just seven times for the U18s during his maiden season at the club, but, having fully recovered from his set-back, the defender will be seeking to push on next season as he attempts to earn a professional contract.

Dallison trained today for the first time in five months

Another first-year scholar, in contrast, received negative news this afternoon, with sprightly winger Tarum Dawkins being informed that he will be out for between eight and twelve weeks after fracturing his fibula. Signed from Luton Town, Dawkins has impressed in patches throughout the campaign, scoring six goals in 18 appearances, and, like Dallison, will seek to earn a professional deal next campaign. Whilst the news will be a source of frustration for Dawkins, he should be fit to play an active part in the club’s pre-season preparations, which thus far will encompass trips to face Boreham Wood, Luton Town and Leyton Orient.

Other than Dallison and Dawkins, there are five other remaining first-years who are yet to be offered a professional contract. England U17 international Alex Iwobi has adapted well to a new role behind the striker and has also featured in the NextGen Series, whilst midfielder Glen Kamara received a brief run out in the FA Youth Cup during an impressive campaign. In addition, versatile youngster Alfred Mugabo was, at one stage, something of a regular presence in the U21 squad and will hope to be involved frequently at that level next season, along with goalkeeper Josh Vickers, who made his debut for the second string against Wolverhampton Wanderers last month. Finally, defender Arinse Uade, who has been called up by Nigeria at U17 level, turned in some good performances towards the end of the season after struggling during the first half of the campaign.

This summer, as with most years, is likely to see something of a sea change with regards to personnel as far as Arsenal’s youngsters are concerned, with up to twelve players set to be released when their contracts expire at the end of next month and the possibility of several others joining them in departing.

It has already been revealed that there will be at least seven players continuing their education at London Colney full-time from July, with Gedion Zelalem, Tafari Moore, Ryan Huddart, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Elliot Wright, Renny Smith and Stefan O’Connor having all secured scholarships with the club, but what of the players beyond them, who will add further depth to Carl Laraman’s U18 squad next season?

Many members of the current Arsenal U16s and U15 squads, as well as some U14s, have found themselves drafted into the U18 set-up during the second half of this campaign, particularly during times when the team had several games in close proximity. Some have impressed, whilst others still have some physical and technical work to attend to before they make the step up on a permanent basis, but here is a run-down of some players who will still be schoolboys next season, but could make a profound impact at a higher level throughout the course of 2013/14.

Chris Toonga (U18 apps: 1) Central-midfielder Chris was one of many schoolboys to make their debut for the U18s in the defeat away to Manchester City in February, and the youngster demonstrated his ability to find a pass as well as a penchant for stealing the ball off opponents. He has featured several times for the U16s and could make the bench for the U18s on several occasions next season.

George Dobson (U18 apps: 7) Reportedly on the verge of a call-up to England U17s, George has become something of a regular presence in the U18 squad during the latter half of the campaign, impressing at both centre-back and in central midfield and making seven appearances in total at that level, four of which were starts. Economical in possession, especially when operating as a midfielder, he also has a knack for goals, as demonstrated by his strike in the U16s’ 4-2 defeat to Everton at Emirates Stadium last weekend.

Chris Willock (U18 apps: 1) Another player who could soon receive international recognition with England, Chris has long been tipped as a player with a bright future. Although somewhat slight physically, he is extremely skilful and possesses an accurate shot and was named the Player of the Tournament at the prestigious MTU Indoor Cup last year.

Harry Donovan (U18 apps: 1) Still technically an U14, central midfielder Harry made his debut for the U18s as a substitute in the victory over Middlesbrough late last month. Very calm in possession and a good communicator, he should step up to the U16s on a regular basis from next season.

Harry Girling (U18 apps: 0) Born in early 1998, Harry is a promising goalkeeper who shone as the U15s drew with Everton last weekend. He has also featured for the U16s on several occasions and could find himself on the bench for the U18s at times during the next campaign.

Kaylen Hinds (U18 apps: 6) A hard-working striker with much potential, Kaylen is coming to the end of an impressive first season at the club, having joined from Leyton Orient. He has demonstrated his ability during his fleeting appearances for the U18s thus far and, should Jordan Brown depart, could have an even bigger role to play at that level next season.

Marc Bola (U18 apps: 2) A left-winger when he signed for the club, Marc has since been transformed into a resolute centre-back, and is also capable of operating at left-back. He broke into the U18 side earlier this season and has continued his good form for the U16s.

Olufela Olomola (U18 apps: 1) A powerful striker of Nigerian descent, Olufela has continued to develop apace this season and could feature on several occasions for the U18s next season, having made his debut at that level this season.

Ovie Ejaria (U18 apps: 0) A simple and effective ball-player, Ovie has progressed through the ranks at Arsenal and has now settled as a central midfielder having previously been used in a multitude of different positions.

Stephy Mavididi (U18 apps: 2) Another physically-imposing forward, Stephy is a clinical marksman and is adept at shrugging off his marker. He will be hopeful of making more U18 appearances next season as he attempts to earn a scholarship.

Tyrell Robinson (U18 apps: 3) Capable of playing at left-back, or, indeed, further forward, Tyrell scored a spectacular free-kick, which was followed by a spectacular celebration, as the U16s lost out to Everton last weekend. He has adapted well to U18 football, but remains behind Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill in the pecking order at that level.

There are plenty of other players to keep an eye on who are currently progressing through the system at Hale End, but these players mentioned are those who could be somewhat more familiar names in a year’s time.

The England U19 international rounded off the season in fine form this evening, scoring both goals as a mixed Arsenal Development side prevailed with a 2-0 victory over Wimborne Town in a benefit game for former Wimborne players Andy Culliford and Kevin James.

Akpom started the game on the bench, but entered the fray in the second half and immediately made his presence felt with two impressive finishes, to add to the 19 goals he scored at all levels this campaign.

Arsenal’s team selection for this fixture provided a glimpse at what next season’s second-string side could look like, with first-year scholars Jack Jebb, Austin Lipman, Arinse Uade and Alex Iwobi drafted into the starting line-up, whilst Glen Kamara and Leander Siemann made the bench.

Following a closely-fought first-half, Akpom scored his first goal on the hour mark before doubling his and Arsenal’s tally in the dying moments. The 17 year old will now head into England’s U19 Elite Round qualifiers full of confidence.

Arsenal:

Vickers

Bellerin-Yennaris-Uade-Ormonde Ottewill

Jebb-Zelalem

Eisfeld-Gnabry-Iwobi

Lipman

subs: Huddart, Olsson, Akpom, Kamara, Siemann.

Newcastle United 4 Arsenal 5 (Dawkins, Lipman, Jeffrey (2), Jebb)

It has been a rather tumultuous season for Arsenal U18s in terms of results, changes in the coaching staff and the sheer number of players used at this level throughout the course of the campaign, but the young Gunners ended 2012/13 on a high on Saturday afternoon, with Anthony Jeffrey’s stoppage time winner settling a remarkable 5-4 victory over Newcastle United.

The win was not enough to secure access for Carl Laraman’s side into the end-of-season play-offs, but, in truth, their form has only really picked up in the last few weeks, with the success on Tyneside coming off the back of wins over Aston Villa and Middlesbrough. It may just be co-incidence, but Arsenal’s excellent form in the final few fixtures of the campaign has come following Jeffrey’s return from a loan spell with League One side Stevenage.

The rapid winger may have featured just once for the League One side, but he has played with confidence since his return, even if his future at the club beyond this season remains unresolved. Jeffrey scored twice in the dispatch of Newcastle, with his first goal of particularly admirable quality, and also played a role in Tarum Dawkins’ excellent effort which set the ball rolling for the Gunners.

Austin Lipman and Jack Jebb, the latter with what is now a trademark free-kick, were also on the scoresheet, meaning that Arsenal prevailed despite some poor defending providing Newcastle with a foothold to get back into the game. There was one strike which goalkeeper Josh Vickers could do little about, but many of the other goals scored by the hosts were largely preventable.

Still, any negative aspects of the game were forgotten, temporarily at least, when Dawkins returned the favour for Jeffrey in the 91st minute, with the latter firing home with aplomb to make it 5-4, with Newcastle having seemingly snatched a point just moments earlier.

Despite their topsy-turvy form this season, Arsenal can still take some positives from the campaign, particularly given that Serge Gnabry, Hector Bellerin, Kristoffer Olsson, Chuba Akpom and Isaac Hayden have now stepped up to the U21s on a regular basis. Many of this current U18 side will seek to follow suit next campaign, with the likes of Jebb, Alex Iwobi and Lipman in particular hoping to be more frequently involved with the elder age-group.

There are plenty of schoolboys ready to fill their places at U18 level, and it is likely that Arsenal will field a rather inexperienced side at this level again next campaign. For now, the current season is over for Arsenal’s youngsters, bar a benefit match away to Wimborne Town tomorrow evening.

Arsenal: Vickers; Moore, O’Connor, Uade, Ormonde-Ottewill; Jebb, Kamara; Jeffrey, Iwobi, Dawkins; Lipman. Subs: Maitland-Niles, Siemann, Smith.