Arsenal’s Under 18′s strolled to success in the Premier Academy League last season, winning it for a second year running in some style. However, despite their comfortable run in the league, their cup run was far from convincing, ending with an abrupt 2-0 loss to Ipswich in the fourth round.
It came as quite a surprise, considering Arsenal’s success in the league and the talent they boasted, including Emmanuel Frimpong and Luke Freeman. Yet one year on, there is a reversal in fortunes, with the Under 18′s struggling in the league, yet making an impressive start to their cup run.
A competitive league has seen several teams stake a claim for this year’s title, with Arsenal finding the going tough. Impressive displays, including a 3-0 win against Chelsea have too often been followed with a poor result the following week.
Despite recently ending a three match losing streak in the league with a respectable 1-1 draw with title challengers Southampton, Arsenal find themselves floating in mid table and somewhat off the pace. With the likes of Aneke, Afobe, Miquel and Özyakup all making the step up to Reserve football, the young Arsenal squad have sometimes looked a little out of their depth, and unless they can find a consistent run of form, look likely to miss out on the league.
There have certainly been signs of potential in the young Arsenal squad and despite the varying results, the focus of youth football still remains the same; to help develop young talent and fulfill their potential. Any young, aspiring footballer will tell you differently; results matter and there is no better place to turn a frustrating season in to a prosperous one with victory in the FA Youth Cup.
Like so many teams, the cup can bring a welcome relief from the rigors of league football, and after an emphatic 6-1 demolition of Darlington in the third round, the cup seems Arsenals most realistic chance of silverware.
The FA Youth Cup is easily the most prestigious competition in English Youth football and Arsenal certainly take it as seriously as any other club. It is a chance for the club to show off their blossoming youngsters, whom they put so much time, effort and money into helping mature into well educated footballers.
Arsenal face Chelsea in a mouthwatering fourth round tie, after the holders convincingly beat Sunderland 2-0 on Thursday. The tie will naturally bring the return of vital players such as Aneke, Özyakup, Miquel and barring injury, Afobe who will return from Huddersfield, to try and help Arsenal progress to the next round.
All these players are a year older, wiser and stronger and have a real chance to bring the cup back to Arsenal and, perhaps, even help kick start Arsenal’s league campaign after an indifferent first half to the season.