Arsenal first-team stars spotted in attendance at the Emirates Stadium as young Gunners fall short in FA Youth Cup clash

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Arsenal’s U18 side suffered disappointment at hands of Manchester United as they fell to a 3-2 defeat in the FA Youth Cup quarter final.

Former Gunners striker Chido Obi-Martin was unable to play for Manchester United but they still had enough firepower on the night to claim victory at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal’s academy can be proud however, as they played a huge part in a thoroughly entertaining game. Fans were in awe of Max Dowman’s performance and Jack Porter also caught the eye with a string of fine saves.

15-year-old Marli Salmon also impressed fans with some tough tackling and looked composed on the ball. Plenty of positives for Arsenal to take from the game and some first team stars were there to witness it.

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Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly in attendance for FA Youth Cup clash

Hale End has produced some exceptional talent in recent years with the likes of Jack Wilshere and Bukayo Saka going on to represent England at major tournaments.

This season has seen the emergence of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly and both were eligible to play in the FA Youth Cup quarter final.

Despite not featuring in the game due to their Arsenal first-team commitments, the duo were in attendance at the Emirates Stadium in support of their fellow young stars.

Both Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly are expected to feature in Arteta’s side to face PSV in a crunch Champions League last-16 tie.

Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly are ‘role models’ for Arsenal academy

Their attendance at the FA Youth Cup quarter final is further evidence of the excellent attitudes and commitment that both Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly possess.

Academy coach Adam Birchall believes the Hale End duo are ‘role models’ and that their attendance would have inspired the U18 side to perform in the game.

For the likes of Dowman and Salmon coming through the academy ranks, the success of Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly will only serve to inspire but also show that their is a path to stardom at the club.

If Arsenal can keep producing such talent from Hale End, they will help to secure their status as one Europe’s elite football clubs and continue to attract the world’s top talent.