However, there were plenty of other positives to take from proceedings, including the displays produced by two other schoolboys in Ife Ibrahim and Louis Zecevic-John.
Both players have previously filled in at right-back for the U18s but against Fulham they were deployed in their usual positions and seized the opportunity.
Ibrahim, a midfielder who is tall for his age, played some neat passes and helped to dictate play from the base of the midfield.
If he is part of next season’s scholarship intake then Ibrahim could have a key part to play for the U18s by providing a crucial link between defence and attack.
Zecevic-John, meanwhile, is usually used on the right wing. Previously called up by England at youth level, he has now elected to represent Serbia.
As Arsenal got the better of Fulham, Zecevic-John showed his ability with his direct running and dangerous crosses. He also managed to get on the scoresheet for the second time at U18 level, following on from his goal against Southampton earlier in the campaign.
There are just seven matches remaining for Arsenal U18s this season and, as he alluded to in his post-match interview with Arsenal.com, Jack Wilshere now faces an interesting selection dilemma as he must decide whether to persist with some of the older players that are available to him or give further chances to the talented schoolboys that are making the step up.
Ibrahim and Zecevic-John have certainly shown that they can make an impact when called upon.
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