Kevin Betsy’s Arsenal U23s drew 2-2 with Blackburn Rovers U23s at Meadow Park on Monday evening.

The talented young guns raced into an earl lead through Miguel Azeez who fired home with a low right-footed shot to beat Rovers keeper Antonia Stergiakis.

Lino Sousa doubled the lead shortly afterwards after George Lewis' shot well was saved by Stergiakis.

However, Rovers offered a spirited response when Joe Ferguson reduced the deficit after an assist by Rovers Sam Durrant before the interval.

Despite plenty of attacking intent which saw Lewis and Joel Ideho rattle the woodwork the visitors pulled level through Jack Vale who slotted home from close range despite the Gunners dominance to make it 2-2.

Read the Gooner Fanzine’s Player Ratings from Meadow Park

Arsenal U23

Hubert Graczyk: 7/10 - Showed good anticipation and strong hands when dealing with Rovers shots on goal. Interesting to note that the Arsenal U23 keeper signed his first pro deal with the club a year ago this week. It's not been entirely plain sailing for the Polish-born 19-year-old who has had to hold the bench at younger age levels but is now progressing well

Reuell Walters: 7/10 - Intelligent overlapping from former Peckham Town player Reuell Walters who once scored a goal from the halfway line for his Sunday side. The 17-year-old has made significant progress this term and has established himself in the Arsenal U23 side. He's showing good energy as ever

Lino Souza: 7/10 - Netted Arsenal’s second to cap an encouraging performance

Alex Kirk: 7/10 - The centre-back from Hitchin is solid on the deck and reliable in the air. Could have scored at the near post early in the second half but his powerful header flew over when well placed. Does the simple things well and never overcomplicates as a centre-back

Mazeed Ogungbo: 6.5/10 - A powerful, athletic presence. Never wasteful in possession. Always an intelligent presence

Jack Henry Francis: 7/10 - Relished the battle while always being neat and tidy with possession. Positionally aware and always offered valuable support by being available to drop back when Kirk and Ogungbo pushed forward to supplement attacks

Nathan Butler-Oyedeji: 7/10 - A tricky livewire with an excellent touch and technique. A constant threat down the right flank whether it be from cutting inside or driving down the channel

James Olayinka: 6.5/10 - Good to see him back following what looked like a serious injury against Chelsea U21s at the Emirates back in January. Been an in and out couple of years for James Olayinka. Was an unused sub during 2020 Community Shield vs Liverpool in August 2020. Saw him play during his loan at Southend last season following a spell at Northampton. Also trained with the Arsenal first team back in September 2021

George Lewis: 6.5/10 - Good to see him play No9. The 21-year-old has had a patchy time due to injuries since signing after impressing during a two-week trial back in March 2020. Born in Kigali, Rwanda, moved to Norway as a child before joining Tromso as a youth

Miguel Azeez: 7/10 - Emphatic finish to fire home with a low right-footed shot to beat Rovers keeper Antonia Stergiakis and put Kevin Betsy’s side ahead here at Meadow Park. Looks to have grown physically after his loan spell on the south coast with Portsmouth earlier this season

Joel Ideho: 7/10 - Full of attacking intent throughout. Powerful first half shot parried well by Stergiakis prior to opener. Needs to work on his aerial ability - but then you’re not signed as an Arsenal academy attacker for your heading prowess

Substitutes:

Amario Cozier-Duberry replaced Nathan Butler-Oyedeji on 82 minutes

Marcelo Flores on for Joel Ideho in a double substitution