Can Arsenal's Under 18's Win The Academy League?

After winning Academy Group A last Saturday with a 1-0 win over Bristol City, Arsenal’s Under 18’s have put themselves in to the National play offs, where the winners of the other Groups will face each other in a knock out phase to decide who will collect the trophy.

Arsenal will face the winners of Group B Aston Villa in a 1pm kick off on Saturday, with Group C and D winners, Manchester City and Sunderland taking to the field on the same day, but in a 11am kick off. The Grand final is on May 3rd, and should the Gunners beat Villa they will have the chance to win the Cup at the Emirates Stadium.

So the route to the final is as follows.

Manchester City V Sunderland (11am)
Aston Villa V Arsenal (13.00 pm)

The winners of both fixtures, will play the grand final as mentioned before, so one question remains.. can Arsenal do it, Young Guns analyse our chances.

So where to start? if 1 is the start of the numbers, lets start with Arsenal’s number 1 Wojciech Szczesny.
The Polish stopper is without exaggerating the best goalkeeper in the league, in terms of experience, ability and leadership and showed his talents by saving a penalty against Fulham on the last day of the season.

In the Under 18s League goalkeepers do not get much of a chance to shine, especially Arsenal keepers, as we boss games with controlled passing, so if there is any slight mistakes they are highlighted quickly.

Next the back four, which has been one of the strong points, however the full back areas will be of concern.
At right back Anton Blackwood has become a regular since his arrival from Northampton with mixed results, some performances have been good, others has been average and added to his injury problems, Craig Eastmond could find himself moving back in to defence.

At left back Cedric Evina is a winger who has become a defender, and at times can be caught forward attacking, but he has the pace as well as talent to become an important player. Then at centre back captain Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been superb this season, scoring goals for fun but his involvement with the Reserves could mean he is replaced.

Alongside Thomas Bould has a decision to make, does he go with new signing Kyle Bartley who has been injured and suspended for much of the campaign or Luke Ayling who has been an ever present, Bartley has he edge on quality as well as physical presence, but Ayling has been a hard working vital member. But after last weeks game, Kyle’s season looks over.

Overall the defence is good, with some things that need to be worked on e.g. the full backs, but the quality at centre half and in goal mean we have a strong back line.

Moving in to the midfield its tough to predict a line up, but the 4-5-1 system should be played like this:

Frimpong – Henderson
Watt – Wilshere – Freeman

Frimpong and Ayling will offer a rugged, tough shield for the back four, with Ayling dropping back when Jay Thomas goes on rampaging runs forward. But Conor Henderson’s impressive form could see him restored.

Jack Wilshere’s inclusion this season has been a massive influence. The 16 year old’s first season with the Under 18s has seen 13 goals, all of which has added to the play off push. His creativity behind poacher Rhys Murphy will add up to a lethal combination.

Rhys Murphy’s return to the team has boosted Bould’s side, his power and finishing ability could prove to be decisive. Villa have some impressive forwards including Nathan Delfouneso, the England youth international is rated very highly, and will hope his knock out his England team mate Murphy.

Predicted Team

Szczesny
Blackwood – Cruise – Thomas (c) – Evina
Frimpong – Ayling
Watt – Wilshere – Freeman
Murphy

Many have been disappointed with Steve Bould’s side losing important games, e.g F.A Youth Cup fixtures. But this side is at full strength and full of confidence, meaning overall the push to win the title looks good.

One key thing could also be having experience to come from the bench, Nacer Barazite and Rui Fonte has scored goals this season for the Under 18s, and having those two as substitutes could prove to be vital.
So can we do it?

Yes is the simple answer, two furthers wins and the trophy is ours. Last season we were tired at this stage but now we are fresher, having only in the final few months developed a settled side. To win anything you need a little bit of luck, and the luck has been in recently with penalty saves and last minute goals.

If you would like to see the Under 18’s and offer them some support, the semi final is at Villa Park on Saturday, with a 1pm kick off. COME ON ARSENAL!!!!!

Article By – J.Sanderson