Arsenal U21s 2-2 Derby County U21: Report by Layth Yousif at Meadow Park

Young Guns held after late Derby County equaliser 

An 88th minute header by Rams substitute Justin Oguntolu was enough to salvage a point for Derby, after two goals in two minutes by Arsenal’s talented Young Guns appeared likely to win the match.

The home side looked like staging a thrilling comeback after Mehmet Ali’s U21s fell behind to a first half strike from the Rams’ No7 Cruz Allen.

Despite Derby keeper Harry Evans saving Nathan Butler-Oyedeji penalty early in the second half, the home side refused to be bowed, and showed resilience to level through Michal Rosiak, after the acclaimed defender showed excellent composure and movement to slot home on 66 minutes.

Worse was to come for the visitors 120 seconds later, when Andre Harriman-Annous powered into the box to drill a powerful low drive past Derby keeper Evans, to make it 2-1.

However, that was before Derby’s No14 Oguntolu’s late header ensured it was honours even at Boreham Wood, following referee Callum Walchester changinbg his mind after awarding a late penalty, before rescinding the decision. 

Find out who impressed with our Player Ratings from Boreham Wood on Monday evening

Player Ratings:

1 - Khari Ranson: 5/10 - You had to feel for the Young Guns keeper after Rams’ No7 Cruz Allen’s seemingly harmless shot flew through his hands and into the net to put the visitors ahead before half time. Showed character to shrug off the disappointment and help his side to a comeback victory

2 - Michal Rosiak: 8/10 - Showed compose as well superb movement to slot home the home side’s second half equaliser. The Young Guns dead ball specialist also showed excellent technique when forcing a good block from Derby keeper Harry Evans after cutting inside on the edge of the box. Fired narrowly wide with a well-struck long distance drive early in the second half. Not too far away from a first team debut surely.

3 - Marcell Washington: 7/10 - Showed good technique under pressure at times

4 - Marli Salmon: 7/10 - Calm and composed

5 - William Sweet: 7/10 - Comfortable playing the ball out from defence, even in tight spaces

6: Jack Henry-Francis: 7/10 - A throwback with his socks rolled round his ankles and his all action style relished the battle in the heart of midfield

7 - Ismeal Kabia: 7/10 - Lively down the right flank and provided a number of, if not tantalising crosses, then at the very least, probing.

8 - Louie Copley: 7/10 - A threat going forward, but also aware of his defensive duties, especially when showing excellent anticipation to break down Derby counters. Displayed a reassuring desire to track back at times

9: Andre Harriman-Annous: 7.5/10 - A superbly-taken second half strike put the Young Guns ahead to underline the No9’s cool temperament in front of goal

10: Salah Oulad M’Hand: 6/10 - Showed glimpses of his undoubted talent when firing in a low free-kick that Derby keeper Harry Evans gathered but despite snatches of skill, vision and creativity flattered to deceive once again.

11: Nathan Butler-Oyedeji: 7/10 - Lively. Always a threat with the ball but needs to show more composure when in possession - a timely reminder that the No11 is still too raw for regular Premier League action. Saw his penalty well saved by County keeper Harry Evans shortly after the interval. Engaged in a compelling duel with County right-back Freddie Turley at times

Substitutes:

16: Charles Sagoe Jnr: 6.5/10 - Replaced Nathan Butler-Oyedeji: midway through the second half

15: Khayon Edwards: 6/10 - Switched with Salah on 77 minutes. Powered through on goal shortly afterwards but fired high and wide

14: Don Casey: N/A - Replaced goalscorer Andre Harriman-Annous with four minutes remaining