The Arsenal under-18s have responded well to head coach Adam Birchall’s calls for improvement as the side bagged their second win on the bounce over the weekend against Leicester City.
The Young Gunners sit mid-table in the under-18s Premier League South division, though there has been plenty of change this season.
Arsenal’s first team has called upon plenty of the under-21 talent to help fill the senior squad up, which as a result has seen some of the under-18s feature at the step above.
It means there have been plenty of changes as the side develops and looks to impress, with the latest opportunity coming against Leicester City.
Brando Bailey-Joseph scores brace in Arsenal under-18s win over Leicester City
Arsenal’s under-18s played host to Leicester City on Saturday, with an encounter that had plenty of late drama.
The Young Gunners took the lead through Ceadach O’Neill just 12 minutes into the clash before Daniel Oyetunde doubled the advantage after the break.
16-year-old Brando Bailey-Joseph then scored a brace on either side of a Will Daniels effort for the visitors – putting Arsenal in a commanding 4-1 lead.
That was tested late on though as Daniels and Lorenz Hutchinson both scored in stoppage time for Leicester, putting the pressure on.
Fortunately, Adam Birchall’s side hung on for all three points, though there may be some disappointment about the final few minutes.
Aside from that, it was a good display from the Hale End academy outfit, not least from Bailey-Joseph who is still developing himself at under-18s level.
Jack Wilshere previously hailed “exceptional” Brando Bailey-Joseph at Arsenal
Brando Bailey-Joseph is still taking his first steps at the higher age ranks of the youth scene, having made two appearances for the under-18s last season – stepping that up to 14 so far this campaign.
The 16-year-old predominantly plays on the left wing but can feature on the right too, where he has seen some success so far.
In 11 under-18 Premier League appearances this season, the forward has scored four and assisted three times.
Bailey-Joseph came in for plenty of praise from Jack Wilshere earlier this season when the ex-star was in charge of the under-18s side before he left to join Norwich as a first-team coach.
After the youngster made his full debut from the start against Chelsea in August 2024, Wilshere told the official Arsenal website: “Brando deserves a shout-out because I thought he was exceptional.
“It was his starting debut playing against Chelsea a big team and I thought he was exceptional. I thought he caused their full-back all kinds of problems.
“More importantly, he was a team player and he ran back and he helped his mates, so I’m proud of him and I’m proud of all the players.”
It remains to be seen what is next for the youngster, though he will currently be looking to continue his progression until the next stage.
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