As far as the first-team are concerned, Hector Bellerin and Sead Kolasinac are firmly established as Arsenal’s first-choice wing-backs.

There is a lack of clarity, however, regarding who exactly their deputies are. Ainsley Maitland-Niles can fill in on either side but is much more suited to playing in central midfield, while Nacho Monreal is now seen almost exclusively as a centre-back.

At U23 level, however, the Gunners have a pair of talented young wing-backs who are hoping to force themselves into the first-team reckoning in due course.

Jordi Osei-Tutu joined Arsenal from Reading in 2015 and hadn’t made a competitive appearance at U23 level prior to this season. In recent games, though, he has featured prominently at right wing-back and has provided a frequent attacking threat; it was his cross which led to Leicester City scoring an own goal last week.

Osei-Tutu is very composed in possession and has pace and power in abundance, while he regularly gets into dangerous attacking areas.

It must be stressed that the 18-year-old is far from the finished article – that much is in evidence by the fact that he often pushes too far forwards, leaving the defence exposed, while he can struggle in one-on-one situations.

Certainly, though, Osei-Tutu has raw qualities that make him a useful asset, especially at U23 level, and he will hope to continue to thrive this season, although Tafari Moore’s return from injury could limit his game time somewhat.

Over on the left side of defence, Josh Dasilva is now a mainstay in the U23 team having been involved with the squad over the past couple of seasons.

Previously a striker, the Hale End graduate switched to central-midfield and then ended up moving into defence.

Dasilva hasn’t lost his attacking tendencies, however, and has quietly been one of the most effective performers for the U23s in the early stages of the campaign, with his superbly-dispatched free-kick away to Manchester United undoubtedly the highlight so far.

While Osei-Tutu may struggle defensively at times, Dasilva is rather more impressive in that regard and is capable of making precisely-timed interceptions with regularity.

Last season Dasilva was on the bench for the Arsenal first-team in the FA Cup and the League Cup and he will hope for further senior involvement this campaign, with tomorrow night’s encounter against Doncaster Rovers in the latter competition perhaps a chance for him to make his debut.