Layth Yousif
FT: Ipswich 1-2 Arsenal.
A lively performance from Steve Bould's talented U21 saw them win their first match of the season.
The young guns are one of the favourites to lift the the EFL Trophy and it showed. Fans can visit the leading betting sites Australia to get the latest odds on games before wagering on the team they believe will win.
A first half goal from summer signing George Lewis on the stroke of half-time and an intelligent Fol Balogun finish midway through the second period sealed victory here at Portman Road after Jon Nolan put Ipswich ahead in the 27th minute.
Read Layth Yousif's Arsenal PLAYER RATINGS from the Portman Road press box.
Arsenal U21s
4-2-3-1:
59 Tom Smith: 7 - For a side that wants to play out from the back he needs to work on touch and distribution. A brave, physical presence late on.
36 Ryan Alebiosu: 7 - Spirited. Never let anyone down. Part of the backline that held firm despite late Ipswich pressure.
75 Daniel Oyegoke: 7.5 - An intelligent, calm defensive presence all evening, even when under intense pressure. Always available to supplement colleagues’ forays further forward.
51 Mark McGuinness (c): 8 - The left-sided centre-back was solid in the air, emphatically winning aerial duels all evening. A vocal organiser. Showed good anticipation and timing in challenges.
39 Tolaji Bola: 7.5 - A solid presence defensively down the left flank. Dovetailed well with Lewis further forward at times.
41 Ben Cottrell: 7.5 - Always in the thick of it in a crowded battleground. An equisite through-ball for Balogun to latch onto for his goal. A wonderfully crafted assist.
50 Jordan McEneff: 7 - Creative talent with nimble footwork in confined spaces. A dangerous presence who always looked to prompt attacks. Replaced at the break for Azeez.
74 Salah Oulad M’Hand: 7 - A signing that may have gone under the radar this summer. Arsenal took advantage of a row between his previous club Feyenoord and the 17-year-old's father after a disagreement about coaching led to the Gunners snapping up the midfielder. Subject to several hefty challenges, showed good temperament not to react. Subbed for Akinola midway through the second half
48 George Lewis: 7.5 - All eyes were on the summer signing from Norway who looked lively on the left early on. Did not disappoint as he steered in his first Gunners goal moments before the interval – to the delight of his teammates and Arsenal staff. Faded slightly in the second half but wasn’t for lack of effort
54 James Olayinka: 6.5 - Not as influential as he would have liked against a strong Ipswich side but a genuine talent
38 Fol Balogun: 8 – An intelligent, powerful presence all evening. Deserved his goal after a calm finish. One aspect of many from his game that he excels at is playing with back to goal and laying the ball off to colleagues. Just needs to sign that new contract…
Subs:
66 Miguel Azeez: 7 - replaced McEneff at the break. Powerful shot flew narrowly over the bar. Excellent technique from another talented young gun
61: Tim Akinola: 7 - A powerful driving run caught the eye moments after replacing M’Hand
68: Catalin Cirjan: 7 – Came on for Balogun late on. The 17-year-old Romanian creative talent who signed for Arsenal in July 2019 looked in a hurry to impress
