Pre-Match Report

U-23s: Arsenal v Swansea City - The Brief

Saka

We have the opportunity to claim our third consecutive victory in the Premier League 2 on Monday night when we face Swansea City at Meadow Park.

THE STORY SO FAR 

It’s been over two weeks since we were last in PL2 action, so we will be raring to go after two impressive victories over Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.

A brace from Bukayo Saka helped us to a 5-1 win over City, ending our six-game winless run in the PL2, before Joe Willock struck twice in our 4-0 rout of Tottenham.

As a result, we’ve climbed up to eighth in the table on 23 points, just six points away from third place. We also have two games in hand over Chelsea, Manchester City and Leicester City, who are all currently above us. Despite this, however, we’ve still managed to score more goals than any other side in the division (32).

Eddie Nketiah remains our top scorer with seven goals in six league appearances, while Willock and Saka fall closely behind with five and four goals respectively.

Nketiah

THE OPPOSITION 

Swansea City are currently bottom of the table on 14 points, having picked up just three wins from 17 outings.

Tottenham are the only other side that have scored fewer than the Swans this season (22), but they’ll be full of confidence heading into Monday’s game after defeating Chelsea 2-0 away from home.

The last time we faced Swansea City we were frustratingly held to a 1-1 draw, with the hosts displaying great defensive organisation.

Brandon Cooper opened the scoring against the run of play, before Charlie Gilmour equalised with a deflected strike in the 77th minute.

Liam Cullen remains their top goalscorer with seven goals in 10 appearances.

ONE TO WATCH 

If Swansea once again adopt a defensive strategy on Monday night, we need Willock’s creativity in midfield to make the difference.

The 19-year-old has quick feet and an eye for a pass - and under the guidance of Freddie Ljungberg, he’s enjoying his best goalscoring season to date.

In just 16 appearances, Willock has 11 goals to his name and has also assisted three.

When it comes to breaking the lines and arriving in the box for the final ball, there are few better players in the PL2 than Willock.

Joe Willock

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You can receive live updates by following our Twitter account @ArsenalAcademy

The game is set to kick-off at 7pm (UK time)

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