AFTV News

How are Arsenal's U23s getting on this season? By Oscar Maung-Haley While the senior side seem to be enjoying a spell of success on the pitch, they’re not the only Arsenal side on the up. In Premier League 2 Division 1 action, Arsenal’s U23s, under the guidance of head coach Kevin Betsy currently sit top of the table after 10 games. Here’s a look at how the U23s season has gone so far… Story of the season and standout performers Having won seven, drawn one and lost two, the Gunners have picked up 22 points, one more than second place Manchester City. And a host of Arsenal youngsters look primed to push for first team honours sooner rather than later from this current crop of young gunners. With nine goals to his name, striker Folarin Balogun is in hot form in PL2 action this season, with his most recent strike helping Arsenal to a 4-2 away win over Leeds United.  He has been pivotal to the U23s title push but remains a peripheral figure when it comes to Arteta’s first team squad. A...

Is Charlie Patino Arsenal's next big thing? Academy star is yet to make senior debut but is already at the heart of an international tug of war By Jack Lacey-Hatton Even in the more difficult recent years Arsenal have always been able to nurture gems from the academy into the first team. To see living proof, you only had to watch the North London Derby last Sunday, to see the impact of Emile Smith-Rowe and the brilliant Bukayo Saka, in the brilliant 3-1 win over Spurs. From Jack Wilshire and Ray Parlour to Hector Bellerin and Alex Iwobi, seeing players come from the youth set-step up and up make an impact with the first team is within the fabric of the club. But who will be the next star from Hale End? The next graduate to truly be a game-changer for the senior squad. Step forward Charlie Patino.  For those that don’t know, he is highly rated 17-year-old who came very close to a debut in the Carabao Cup against Wimbledon last month. But just how good is he? Who is Patino? Born in W...