Arsenal have sent a number of youth players out on loan over the course of the summer, but Saturday proved incredibly frustrating for our promising stars.
Chuba Akpom, Isaac Hayden, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Emiliano Martinez, Dan Crowley and Wellington Silva were all named in matchday squads in the Football League on Saturday but had very little to celebrate.
Chuba Akpom & Isaac Hayden, Charlton Athletic 2-1 Hull City
Akpom started once again for the Tigers but remained frustrated at the Valley. The only shot the 19 year-old managed was from long range and didn’t threaten, and he was withdrawn after 63 minutes for eventual Hull goalscorer Abel Hernandez.
Also coming off the bench was Isaac Hayden, who replaced Tom Huddlestone for the second time this week. Hayden struck an effort against the post shortly before Hull’s equaliser, but Charlton struck a winner after 97 minutes to leave Hull gutted.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Preston North End 1-2 Ipswich Town
The midfielder came off the bench to play 30 minutes for Ipswich a week short of his 18th birthday. He earned special praise from Mick McCarthy during the week but didn’t manage to make a lasting impression. He was, however, the only Arsenal man to win all three points on Saturday afternoon.
Emiliano Martinez, Cardiff City 2-0 Wolves
After a poor display in midweek the Argentine goalkeeper found himself on the bench for this defeat.
Dan Crowley, Barnsley 0-0 Bradford City
Crowley started once more for Barnsley but couldn’t influence the result as Bradford (per the Barnsley Twitter account) gave the England youth talent some special treatment.
23 – Dan Crowley has been fouled about nine times in twenty minutes. The game has no real flow to it at all. #TykesLive
— Barnsley FC (@bfc_official) August 22, 2015
Wellington Silva, Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Nottingham Forest
The Brazilian only recently had his loan move to the Lancashire club confirmed but was thrust straight into the starting eleven for Neil Lennon’s side.
.@wsilva11 continues to cause Eric Lichaj problems down the flank, using his pace and trickery to beat the defender. (17) 0-0 #BOLvFOR
— Bolton Wanderers FC (@OfficialBWFC) August 22, 2015
Another surging run from @wsilva11 results in a free-kick to #BWFC on the edge of the box after the winger is hauled down (37) 0-0 #BOLvFOR
— Bolton Wanderers FC (@OfficialBWFC) August 22, 2015
Wellington was caused Forest problems from the left wing but was subbed off after 83 minutes, shortly before Bolton grabbed a late equaliser.