Published: 10 March, 2016
by CHARLIE CORBETT

ARSENAL are on track for an FA Cup double this season after the first team and their Under-18s went through to the quarter finals and semi-finals respectively. 

After beating Hull, the first team face Watford on Sunday, while the young guns face Manchester City after beating Liverpool 2-1. 

The Under-18s will come up against one of the richest academies in Europe. 

City recently opened their new academy complex after spending £15million on the project aimed at developing their own title-winning side. 

And City’s cash splash does not end there, with youngsters Brandon Barker and Patrick Roberts reportedly getting £10,000 and £25,000-a-week respectively. 

This is in huge contrast to Arsenal – with one of their highest-rated players, Krystian Bielik, said to be on a modest £2,000 a week. 

Arsenal academy manager Steve Gatting said he thought his side were worthy winners against Liverpool, but wants to see them scoring more goals. 

“I thought we deserved to win it,” he told Arsenal.com. 

“As the game went on, perhaps we didn’t make the right decisions in the final third often enough, because we had some good opportunities and we didn’t take them. 

“The defence defended well, especially our centre-backs. At times, we played some really good football and at times we were a bit disappointing.” 

Arsenal were keen to impress the 3,293 fans at the Emirates Stadium, and nearly took the lead when an Ismael Bennacer free kick left the crossbar shaking. 

The deadlock was finally broken in the 51st minute when Liverpool failed to clear a Jeff Reine-Adelaide corner, allowing Stephy Mavididi to poke home from close range. 

Within minutes Liverpool got back on terms as a number of deflections led to the ball falling for Connor Masterson who easily equalised. 

Arsenal restored their lead just before the hour mark when Tyrell Robinson broke down the left and crossed to Kaylen Hinds, who fired home the winner. 

As we know, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger likes to look towards his academy for the League Cup, and there are four players who definitely deserve a spot next season. 

Bielik, Reine-Adelaide, Ben Sheaf and Mavididi have all hugely impressed this term and have been consistently good with their on-pitch ­performances. 

These players will no doubt be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Alex Iwobi by getting their chance in the first team next season.