By the time the Arsenal first team had kicked off their Premier League campaign against Wolves on Saturday, the u21s and u18s had already been in action.
The u21s kicked things off with a game against Manchester United, and they blitzed their opponents in a dominant first half.
Khayon Edwards opened the scoring 12 minutes in, turning home an Ismeal Kabia cross from close range. Edwards then turned provider with a lay-off for Michal Rosiak to make it 2-0.
Myles Lewis-Skelly had dropped down from first-team duties to play for the u21s on this occasion, and he set up Arsenal’s third with an excellent run and assist for Nathan Butler-Oyedeji.
Butler-Oyedeji then set up Edwards for his second with a cross and headed finish for 4-0. Daily Cannon understands that there’s a big chance Edwards will be leaving Arsenal before deadline day, with loans and permanent moves on the table.
United rallied with a couple of second-half goals, but the match finished 4-2 to the Gunners.
On Saturday morning, the u18s got their own campaign underway against West Ham United, and it was summer signing Ceadach O’Neill who made the headlines in a 3-2 win.
After less than 20 minutes, former Linfield youngster O’Neill scored a debut goal, firing in off the post after a pass from Andre Annous.
The game remained close, with West Ham’s Elisha Sowunmi equalising from the penalty spot not long afterwards, and they almost took the lead in the second half if not for a goalline clearance from Ife Ibrahim.
But Annous scored Arsenal’s second in the 58th minute after a driving run into the area.
Annous then set up O’Neill for the second time in the game, crossing for the debutant to finish the match with a brace.
West Ham scored a consolation through Riley Hargan with five minutes left, but Arsenal held on for the three points.
Away from the pitch, Arsenal have learned their opponents for the u18 Premier League Cup group stage.
Jack Wilshere’s side will face Liverpool in their opening game later this month, followed by Birmingham City in October and Crystal Palace in November.
Only the group winners and one runner-up from the seven groups qualify for the quarter-finals, so there’s really no room for error in the competition.
