Leyton Orient 1–2 Arsenal U21

A second half strike by Ismael Kabia was enough to seal victory for Arsenal U21s at Leyton Orient on Tuesday evening, after the home side's late penalty miss by Dan Agyei. 

The diminutive No45 made the score 2-1, following O's Dan Happe equalising the impressive Josh Robinson's third minute opener in an absorbing clash. 

Young Guns boss Mehmet Ali made a single change from the side that beat Aston Villa U21s in Premier League 2 on Friday evening at Meadow Park, with Zane Monlouis replacing Ayden Heaven for the trip to East London.

The North Londoners came into the clash against the League One side full of confidence, after netting 11 goals during their three wins from their trio of matches this term - which also included the 3-1 win at Wolves U21s, following Ali’s side’s 4-2 victory over Manchester United U21s on the opening weekend of the PL2 campaign.

The visitors underlined their excellent form practically from kick-off, with Josh Robinson steering the ball into an empty net to make it 1-0 to the Arsenal U21 side after only three minutes.

The opener coming after O’s keeper Sam Howes raced out of his area in a failed bid to clear the ball, which saw the Gunners right-back capitalise with a cool finish from distance.

After a hesitant opening the third tier side started to dominate play, and levelled through O’s defender Dan Happe, who guided the ball past Brian Okonkow in the Gunners goal to make it 1-1 after 25 minutes.

However, the visitors went ahead in the 56th minute, when Kabia steered the ball home after O’s keeper Howes went walkabout once again, to make the score 2-1 to Arsenal.

That was prior to Orient being awarded a penalty in the 88th minute that No7 Dan Agyei proceeded to blast over the bar, much to his frustration - and yong guns delight, as the visitors from North London held on to post a hard-fought victory. 

Find out who impressed with our Gooner Fanzine Player Ratings from Brisbane Road on Tuesday evening

Arsenal U21 Player Ratings: 

Brian Okonkwo: 7/10 - Could the Young Guns keeper have done better in preventing Orient’s No5 Dan Happe from steering the ball past him and into the net for the O’s equaliser? Nevertheless, a good experience all-round for the Arsenal shotstopper who grew into the game even if he occasionally appears a trifle hesitant on crosses into the box. Deserved a spot of luck when O's No7 Dan Agyei blasted his 88th minute penalty over the bar 

Josh Robinson: 8/10 - Continued his excellent early season form by firing into an empty net from distance with O’s keeper Sam Howes nowhere to be seen to put the Young Guns ahead within 180 seconds here in East London. An outstanding prospect, both offensively as an attack-minded right-sided defender/wing-back, but equally, as a solid defender with pace and ability, not to mention strong in the air, and when challenging on the deck. Recovers so well, even under pressure. One to watch

Elian Quesada-Thorn: 5/10 - Raw and still much to learn, not least in ceding possession too easily – but that is exactly why Arsenal enter an U21 side in this tournament – for young players to pick up experience against seasoned professionals. Needs to primarily focus on preventing his man from progressing

Maldini Kacurri: 7/10 - Brave blocks to frustrate the O’s forward line. Strong in the air when required 

Zane Monlouis: 7/10 - Came in for Ayden Heaven as the only change made by Young Guns boss Mehmet Ali after Friday’s 4-1 victory over Aston Villa U21s in Premier League 2.

Michael Rosiak: 6.5/10 - Not as influential as he would have liked to have been

Ismeal Kabia: 7.5/10 - Pulled out of position defensively at times by the O’s, and will have better days in front of goal – with one half chance ending up on the roof behind the Orient goal – but refused to be downhearted, and slotted home early in the second half for a deserved goal, after O’s keeper Howes went walkabout again

Jimi Gower: 7/10 - Arsenal’s pocket-rocket battler in the heart of midfield, but was muscled off the ball at times by the League One side. Needs to work on his heading and aerial ability, especially when presented with a chance from a cross into the box

Khayon Edwards: 6/10 - A quiet evening spent mostly with his back to goal, but will have learned so much from the experience. Replaced by Romari Forde with seven minutes remaining

Salah Oulad M’Hand: 5/10 - Ploughed a lone furrow up top at times. Quick feet but not much end product alas during an insipid display for one so talented 

Nathan Butler-Oyedeji: 6/10 - Engaged in an absorbing duel with Os’ former Glasgow Rangers centre-back Jack Simpson, which saw referee Stephen Parkinson book the 27-year-old League One defender for hauling down the young Arsenal attacker when attempting to break through on goal

Substitutes:

Harrison Dudziak: 7/10 - Replaced the underwhelming M’Hand on the hour mark and battled hard

Camron Ismail: Came on for Quesada-Thorn with 15 minutes remaining

Seb Ferdinand: Swapped with Edwards on 83 minutes

Romari Forde: Took the place of the redoubtable Kabia

Penalty miss! Leyton Orient No7 Dan Agyei spurns the chance to equalise by blasting his 88th minute penalty over the ball. With five minutes of added time just announced here at Brisbane Road Arsenal U21s still lead 2-1 pic.twitter.com/nPh2GPbDib

— Layth (@laythy29) September 3, 2024