Weekend News; Arsenal youngsters featured in pre-Brighton training

Out of the three title challengers, the Gunners will be the second team in action on matchweek 31.

With Liverpool not in action until Sunday, Arsenal will leapfrog them to the summit if they win at Brighton in Saturday’s 5:30pm kick-off.

Admittedly, Manchester City are first up on Saturday, so they could potentially go top with a convincing win at Crystal Palace.

However, the Gunners would return to the summit just a few hours later, if they win on the south coast.

Which Arsenal youngsters featured in pre-Brighton training?

Mikel Arteta has been putting his players through their paces in training following Arsenal’s routine win over Luton Town in midweek.

The Gunners media team shared photos from the session on their website, and a number of academy talents featured in training.

Ethan Nwaneri, Amario Cozier-Duberry and Ismail Oulad M’Hand were spotted in the session at London Colney ahead of the Brighton clash.

Ismail Oulad M’Hand factfile

Ismail Oulad M’Hand joined Arsenal in January 2021 from Feyenoord, just six months after his older brother Salah-Eddine signed for the Gunners.

The 19-year-old midfielder has risen through the Arsenal ranks, his progress with the Under-18s earning him a professional contract in July 2023.

M’Hand, who has played in midfield and attack for Arsenal, also earned promotion to the Gunners Under-21s last summer, and has 16 appearances to his name this season.

The Morocco youth international spoke in detail to the Arsenal media team about his style of play in May last year.

“I would describe myself as a box-to-box midfielder that has both attacking and defensive qualities,” he said.

“Off the ball I am strong in one v one duels, breaking up counter-attacks and counter-pressing when there is a transition moment.

“On the ball, I am composed with both feet, I get my head up to scan and always look to play forward passes first.

“I am a midfielder with scoring abilities and I like to create chances for my teammates by putting them in front of the goal with through passes.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal youth team expert Jeorge Bird has described M’Hand as a “skilful” midfielder and as “impressive passer”.

It’s great to see academy stars get the chance to train with the seniors and pick up crucial experience.

M’Hand has made a big impact at Hale End, and it looks as though he’ll go very far