Craig Eastmond

Arsenal

Eastmond started his career at Millwall at the age of eight, but joined Arsenal when he was 11 years old. Although previously a right-back, when playing for the Arsenal Reserves, he was played in a central midfield position. He was a member of the team that won the 2008–09 FA Youth Cup and the 2008–09 Premier Academy League. On 30 June 2009, it was announced that Eastmond along with three other members of the double-winning youth squad had signed professional terms with the club. Eastmond made his first-team debut on 28 October 2009 in the League Cup against Liverpool, helping set up Arsenal's first goal in a 2–1 victory. He made his Premier League debut against Portsmouth, coming on as an 85th-minute substitute for Samir Nasri in a 4–1 win at Fratton Park on 30 December 2009. After signing a new long-term contract extension with the club on 13 January 2010, Eastmond was handed his first Premier League start away to Bolton Wanderers on 17 January, starting alongside Cesc Fàbregas and Abou Diaby as the Gunners ran out 2–0 winners, before being replaced by Fran Mérida after 62 minutes. He made his FA Cup debut one week later in a 3–1 defeat to Stoke City, playing some of the game at right-back following Francis Coquelin's substitution. Eastmond ended his first season as a professional with seven first-team appearances to his name, including two League Cup games, four Premier League matches and an FA Cup appearance. During the 2010–11 season, he was handed his…

As of 15 August 2026

Born in Battersea, London, Eastmond is of Bajan descent. He has five older brothers, two of whom were professional footballers. His oldest brother, Darren, was signed to Wimbledon and another brother, Gavin, was also signed to Millwall. His cousin Kyle Eastmond is a professional rugby union and former professional rugby league footballer who has represented England at full international level.

Arsenal

Premier Academy League: 2009 FA Youth Cup: 2009 Sutton United

National League: 2020–21 National League South: 2015–16 EFL Trophy runner-up: 2021–22 Individual

Sutton United Player of the Year: 2015–16 Sutton United Players Player of the Year: 2015–16 National League South Team of the Year: 2015–16 National League Team of the Year: 2017–18 National League Player of the Month: February 2021 Sutton United: Player of the Season: 2022–23