Talisman and captain fantastic Jay Emmanuel-Thomas led from the front during the 2008-2009 campaign, as his 14 goals not only made him the Reserves & Youth top scorer, but he also helped the Gunners claim both the Premier Academy League and F.A Youth Cup trophies.

The leggy youngster was named as captain of the Under 18 team as a 16-year-old where he led Steve Bould’s side to the Academy League play offs after winning Group A. Although Jay played the majority of his football at centre back, he would play in no less than five positions before the campaign was over.

A year later the skillful utility man turned out more times than anybody else at Academy level, offering his services in a whole manner of positions, on 37 occasions. Known for his raw power and superb ball control, Emmanuel-Thomas bagged 8 goals during the year, including a stunning lobbed effort from inside his own half against Charlton. His commitments for the Under 18’s limited his Reserves chances, but always looked fantastic when called upon, scoring an excellent solo goal against Derby County.

His first season as a scholar ended in the signing of professional forms, summing up how highly regarded he is. His relaxed and sometimes casual nature can catch the youngster out, but ArsèneWenger saw no problems in selecting him for first team friendlies against Huddersfield Town and Sevilla.

Yet despite all those achievements, the 2008-2009 season would be his best yet. Moving into a central midfield role, he helped orchestrate a record breaking year. After a promising start in the Premier Academy League, ‘JET’ bagged the winner in an exciting 3-2 win over Aston Villa in the first round of the F.A Youth Cup. Jay would go on to score againstTottenham and Manchester City before netting versus Liverpool to win the Cup.

Emmanuel-Thomas was soon lifting more trophies as the Gunners claimed the Premier Academy League gong with a 1-0 win over Tottenham. With 14 goals for the campaign he was the top scorer. Reserves form however was a negative point, although he did find the net against West Brom in the dying embers of the term.

A regular at first-team training sessions, Jay is certain to build on his first team appearances after being named on the bench during the win over Portsmouth on the final Premier League game of the 08-09 season.

Name: Jay Aston Emmanuel-Thomas
Nickname: ‘JET’
Age: 18
Nationality: English
International: Under 19
Position: Centre Midfield
Height: 191cm
Previous Clubs: None
Contract: Professional