William Saliba returned to action for the Arsenal U21's against Gillingham on Tuesday evening.
The Frenchman, who is still awaiting his competitive first-team debut for the Gunners, missed last Friday's Premier League 2 win over Blackburn Rovers - which prompted some fans to speculate about his possible involvement against Aston Villa two days later.
However, as expected, Saliba wasn't named in the matchday squad despite impressing in training, as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta continues to be patient with the teenager.
"He is in a much better place, he’s feeling more confident around the place," Arteta said of Saliba last month. "His language is improving, he’s starting to understand much better what we’re doing to do physically.
"He’s played a few games with the under-23s as well, which he needed because he hadn’t played any football in the last seven or eight months.
"I think things are progressively getting better and better."
Signs of Saliba getting better were on show as the Arsenal youngsters beat Gillingham 4-2 on penalties to move to the top of Group J in the newly-named Papa John's Trophy - formerly known as the EFL Trophy.
Wonderkid Catalin Cirjan scored the Gunners' only goal of the game which finished 1-1 in normal time and fans have spotted the role Saliba played in the build-up.
As uploaded to Twitter by @EmileSmithRowe, Saliba confidently brings the ball out of defence before playing a forward pass which eventually leads to Cirjan taking advantage of a defensive mistake to score from close range.
That pass from Saliba sparked a big reaction on social media.
@OzilThings said: "You’re telling me Saliba can’t get a start over Rob Holding."
@AFCPaddy2 said: "Musti and holding ain’t even able to see that pass let alone play it."
@Gunnersaurrus said: "What a pass!"
