Arsenal U21s continued their unbeaten start to the season by dispatching of Aston Villa courtesy of two strikes from Chuba Akpom. Here’s an assessment of how each of the Arsenal players fared during the 2-0 victory at Villa Park.

Damian Martinez

Making his first appearance of the season at any level, Martinez was an assured presence and commanded his area well, demonstrating why he has been promoted to the senior squad.

Hector Bellerin

The Spaniard could soon join Martinez in the first-team. He attacked well down the right flank, although his defensive positioning is still a little suspect at times.

Stefan O’Connor

A strong physical presence at the heart of the defence and he made some good interventions, but his distribution was suspect on occasion.

Isaac Hayden

The captain delivered an outstanding performance, reading the game well and making numerous decisive interceptions. With first-team central-defensive options considerably thin, he could be rewarded with a start against Southampton in the Capital One Cup.

Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill

Having suffered an alarming dip in form towards the end of last season, Ormonde-Ottewill appeared to be back to his own self tonight. Adept at making challenges as well as creating chances.

Francis Coquelin

Would not have anticipated that he would still be playing U21 football at the age of 23, but he played well, helping to protect the back four along with Abou Diaby.

Abou Diaby

The most significant news was that Diaby completed 90 minutes unscathed. He also played some perceptive passes and demonstrated his considerable strength. Whether he will be able to feature regularly for the first-team again, though, remains to be seen.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles

One of several second-years in the team and he already seems at home at this level, striking the crossbar and also coming close to scoring on several other occasions.

Gedion Zelalem

Virtually anonymous in the first-half, he became increasingly involved in the second period and provided a reminder of his undoubted quality by setting up Akpom’s second goal.

Dan Crowley

Stationed on the left flank, but always threatened to come inside. Some neat moments, but needs to focus on doing the simple things right.

Chuba Akpom

The striker has scored six goals in four U21 games this season and could have scored even more tonight. A potent mix of power, pace and persistence has propelled Akpom ever closer to the senior squad, although he may have to wait a little longer for his chance following the acquisition of Danny Welbeck.

Subs not used: Matt Macey, Tafari Moore, Semi Ajayi, Jack Jebb, Alex Iwobi.

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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird