Pre-Match Report

U21s: Arsenal v Newcastle - Preview

Steve Gatting is leading an impressive resurgence with Arsenal Under-21s this season.

After winning seven of their 21 games last season, the young Gunners finished in the bottom half of the Under-21 Premier League and were placed in Division Two.

Gatting’s side are making no mistakes this time round, with three wins in their unbeaten start, and the manager wants to maintain their momentum.

"Hector is training with the first team on a regular basis and he’s in the manager’s thoughts, which shows the boys there’s a pathway into our first team"

Steve Gatting

“Winning improves confidence and positivity around the place,” he told Arsenal.com. "We want to keep it going. Obviously you want to win every game you can, sometimes it doesn’t happen that way but it’s a positive start."

Gatting insists it is a group effort but Chuba Akpom has led the charge, scoring six goals in the opening four games, including a hat-trick against West Bromwich Albion at Emirates Stadium.

“If you’ve got a goalscorer in your team then you’re going to do well,” he said. “Chuba scores goals and so far this season he’s got six in four games. It’s nice to have someone like that in your team.”

Hector Bellerin has already made the step up to the first team, making his full debut against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, and Gatting is confident more of the under-21s will follow, especially with the Capital One Cup clash with Southampton on Tuesday.

“I think it’s an added incentive for the boys,” the manager said. “Hector is training with the first team on a regular basis and he’s in the manager’s thoughts, which shows the boys there’s a pathway into our first team.”

However, all Gatting will be thinking about for now is beating Newcastle United on Monday night at Meadow Park - and extending that unbeaten run.

Entry is free for all Arsenal Under-21 games at Boreham Wood.

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