Since Arsene Wenger took over Arsenal in 1996 the club have been associated with producing precocious talent, programmed to play fearless attacking football. As such, their academy – established in 1998 - is a breeding-ground for some of the most exciting talent in Europe.
Measuring their progress against the Gunners' conveyor belt was the next challenge for The Nike Academy - a full-time football development programme.
Trying to cut down a team of unknown pretenders would have been a lesson at Arsenal's finishing school, but with the likes of Ryo Miyachi, Craig Eastmond and recent senior-team debutant Nico Yennaris lining up for Arsenal, it threatened to be an invitation to attend a masterclass.
With Jack Wilshere, Bacary Sagna and former Nike Academy tormentor Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain watching from the sidelines, this was the ultimate audition for the Academy's wannabe stars.
Did Arsenal put the Nike Academy to the sword? Or did the north London artisans get gunned down in their own backyard?
You can find out more about how you can get involved with the Nike Academy, and watch the players’ progress this season, by visiting Facebook and NikeFootball.com.
Also see:
Master your finishing: Heads and tails
Master your finishing: 1 v 1 attacking
Master your finishing: Combination play in and around the penalty area
Master your finishing: Three finishes in one
Master your finishing: Power shooting
Master your finishing: The toe poke
Master your finishing: Shots and blocks
Master your finishing: The reverse pass to cross and finish
Master your finishing: The serve and volley
Master your finishing: The four-way finish
