Increased competition for places could help Arsenal U21s
As Arsenal U21s faced Brighton on Monday night it was evident that coach David Horseman had a strong squad at his disposal.
New signings Habeeb Ogunneye and James Scanlon went straight into the starting lineup, with fellow new arrival Igor Tyjon also set to be involved with the squad soon.
The bench included Jack Porter, Demiane Agustien, Brayden Clarke, Jaden Dixon, Evan Mooney, Marcell Washington and Louis Zecevic John – all players who wouldn’t look out of place in the starting lineup at this level.
In fact, of the team that started against Brighton, only the hugely talented Marli Salmon, who captained the side, is still eligible to play for the U18s this season.
There may be some disappointment that some members of the squad didn’t go on loan but the knock on effect is that the U21 squad should be strong and hopefully competitive.
Although there will inevitably be times when players will be missing due to injuries, internationals or first-team involvement, there is a good core of players in the U21 squad and there is likely to be strong competition throughout the side.
In goal, for instance, Khari Ranson seems to be ahead of Porter in the pecking order but the latter will be aiming to change that.
In defence Dixon and Clarke will be aiming to force their way into the starting lineup but there is much competition for places.
The midfield situation is also interesting, with Theo Julienne having moved back to playing there against Brighton after a spell at right-back over the past couple of months. Max Dowman could also play some further games at this level this season if required.
It is in attack, though, that Horseman will have the biggest decisions to make.
Against Brighton he started with a trio of Archie Stevens, Andre Harriman-Annous and Scanlon, with the latter finding the net.
Substitutes Zecevic John and Mooney combined for the late equaliser and Tyjon, who can play up front or out wide, will also be eager to make an impact.
There have been times in recent years when the U21 squad has looked somewhat short of numbers but that isn’t the case this time around and it is hoped that the increased competition for places could lead to improved performances and results.
Arsenal U21 squad:
Goalkeepers: Ranson, Porter, Nygaard, Mitchell
Right-back: Ogunneye, Dixon
Centre-back: Salmon, Upson, Clarke
Left-back: Ogunnaike, Washington
Midfield: Ibrahim, O’Neill, Julienne, Agustien, Copley (injured)
Attack: Stevens, Harriman-Annous, Scanlon, Zecevic John, Mooney, Tyjon.
U18 players previously called up to U21s: Bailey-Joseph, Frohock, Hamill, Hashi, King, Murisa, Owusu-Gyasi, B. Phillips, Sampang, Stachow, Talbot, Abubakar, McCarron, Emerson Nwaneri, Pedro, Bonaventure Yetna, C. Phillips.