Sam Greenwood has made a strong start to life with the Arsenal academy, and got his first goal in his first start for the u18s at the weekend.

Joining from Sunderland in the summer, Greenwood had to wait a few games to make the Arsenal starting eleven. There’s a lot of talent up front in the academy right now, with plenty of strikers fighting for chances, so he was never going to be able to just walk into the team.

However, the weekend provided him with an opportunity. The upcoming Europa League fixture meant Eddie Nketiah would likely be rested by the u23s on Monday night. With Tyreece John-Jules and Folarin Balogun set to fill in, neither could take part for the u18s on Saturday.

Greenwood wasted no time proving himself, scoring a first-half goal in the 1-0 win over Southampton. The 16-year-old is on a good run of form right now, getting his first assist for Arsenal last time out against Chelsea. He also got a goal and an assist with the England u17s over the international break.

Meanwhile, Arthur Okonkwo played a big part in the 1-0 win as well. Fresh from signing professional terms with the Gunners, Okonkwo saved a penalty and kept his fourth clean sheet in five games for club and country.

Let’s hope both youngsters can keep it up as the season goes on.