Joe Willock believes that the u23 side can win the Premier League 2 title this season.

The Arsenal u23s defeated Manchester City 1-0 last Sunday thanks to a goal from Jordi Osei-Tutu.

The win leaves them third in the Premier League 2 Division One table, two points behind second-placed Leicester and eight behind leaders Liverpool.

Despite the deficit, Joe Willock feels Arsenal have a strong squad capable of going all the way.

“That’s our aim really, obviously it’s hard because a lot of us are with the first-team in the Europa League and cup, but as a collective group we’re really good, so that’s the aim,” he told Arsenal.com.

Finding consistency as u23 level can be tough for a team that chances on a game-to-game basis.

Several of the young players who would ordinarily be featuring in the u23 side have been called up for first team duty for Arsenal’s Europa League and Carabao Cup matches.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Reiss Nelson, Joe Willock and Eddie Nketiah are amongst those getting minutes in the first team.

Willock is also pleased to have been given so many opportunities by Arsene Wenger.

“This season has been big for me and the other boys as well. The boss has given us chances and believes in us, so that’s what the club is all about, giving youngsters the chance.”

Willock could find himself in first team action again when Arsenal take on West Ham in the Carabao Cup quarter-final next Tuesday.

Before then, he could feature in the u23s game against Derby on Friday evening.