Arsenal U21 4–2 Manchester United U21: Report by Layth Yousif at Meadow Park

Mehmet Ali’s rampant Young Guns produced a dominant performance in the opening 45 minutes to blow away their Red Devils counterparts. 

Goals from Khayon Edwards, Michal Rosiak, and Nathan Butler Oyedeji put Arsenal U21s in a position of strength.

Edwards then headed straight at United keeper Elyh Harrison, as the visitors’ netminder took the ball over the line, with the goal being credited as a second for the lively striker as the home side went into the break an emphatic 4-0 up.

United pulled a goal back moments after the interval when Ethan Ennis scored past Brian Okonkwo to make it 4-1.

However, the clash was ended as a contest when United No7, Ethan Williams received a red card for clashing with Ayden heaven, felling the talented youngster, who appeared for Mikel Arteta’s first team during the recent US tour.

As the clock ticked down Ethan Wheately grabbed a late strike to make the score a tad more respectable at 4-2, but make no mistake, Arsenal were excellent value for this eye-catching victory. 

Find out who impressed with our Gooner Fanzine Player Ratings from Meadow Park

Arsenal U21s

Brian Okonkwo: 7/10 - A sweeper keeper with excellent footwork and technique but has to be careful he doesn’t get caught playing out from the back

Josh Nichols: 8/10 - Impressed with the first team during the trip to the US.  Solid in the tackle and reliable despite a relatively slight frame. Surprisingly powerful in the air  

Myles Lewis-Skelly: 7.5/10 - Interesting to note that the talented youngster who impressed during the summer tour of America was again being played at left-back. However, in truth the 19-year-old appeared to have been given more licence to roam, and intermittently appeared more centrally and even on the right when the occasion required

Zane Monlouis (c): 7/10 - A languid style at times belies an excellent technique, which the Young Guns captain employed to get him out of tight spaces. Has to be careful elegance doesn’t slip into lackadaisical

Ayden Heaven: 7.5/10 - Will be interesting to chart the progress of another talented youngster who made progress with the first team in the States last month. Engaged in an absorbing duel with young United No9 Ethan Wheately. Yet it was his tangle with United’s other Ethan, Williams, that led to the young Red Devils’ No7 receiving a red card midway through the second half. Subbed midway through the second half, perhaps with a view to being on Mikel Arteta’s first team bench on Saturday afternoon…

Michal Rosiak: 7.5/10 - Used the ball so well despite being positioned in a busy central area. Excellent strike to double the young guns’ lead for 2-0 to cap a superb flowing move

Ismeal Kabia: 7/10 - A little more composure required in front of goal as witnessed by lifting the ball over the bar when well-placed following a sweeping Arsenal move early on. Deserved his assist for Edwards’ opener.

Jimi Gower: 7.5/10 - A battling presence who is always available to receive a pass, even in the tightest spaces, but perhaps should have scored when United keeper Elyh Harrison came well off his line, but the No8s lofted his shot narrowly wide during a dominant opening  45 minutes

Khayon Edwards: 7.5/10 - Slotted home from close range after 12 minutes to put the Gunners ahead following a sweeping move. Headed against keeper Harrison who took the ball over the line. Own goal or Edwards? I’d give it to Edwards. Kept relatively calm when United No4 Tyler Fredericson attempted to wind him up. Needs to keep calm or it will happen more and more as he progresses

Ismail Oulad M’Hand: 7/10 - Not afraid to drop deep to receive the ball but despite some nice touches and a silky style was not as influential as he would have liked

Nathan Butler Oyedeji: 7/10 - Slotted home for 3-0 before half time 

Substitutes:

Joshua Robinson: Replaced Lewis-Skelly midway through the second half 

Maldini Kacurri: On for Heaven

Harrison Dudziak: Came on for Josh Nichols

Osman Kamara: Swapped with M’Hand