The inaugural Premier League 2 play-offs have evoked much excitement and Arsenal U21s progressed to the quarter-finals stage with a 6-2 win at home to Manchester United during an enthralling encounter on Friday night.
Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Amario Cozier-Duberry both scored braces to cap off impressive individual displays, while Jack Henry-Francis also got on the scoresheet and Ethan Nwaneri netted a penalty.
It was an impressive performance all-round from Arsenal, who made matters very difficult for their opponents.
The victory means that Arsenal will be at home to Chelsea in the last eight in what seems set to be another high-quality game.
Arsenal won 4-2 when the sides last met at Kingsmeadow in March, but the young Gunners know that they will have to be at their very best in order to prevail.
Some of Arsenal’s attacking play against United was of a very high standard, with the front three of Cozier-Duberry, Butler-Oyedeji and Ismeal Kabia all providing a major threat.
In midfield, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Henry-Francis and Nwaneri gave Arsenal a combination of hard work and creativity.
There is still a long way to go in the play-offs but the win against United will certainly have provided Arsenal with much confidence going forwards.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Go all the way.
The Arsensal academy is #1 in the league in hyphenated surnames.
No complain if every hyphen means two players in one body.
The club’s accounts department are licking their lips at the prospect of them all progressing to the first team.
And expect a letter shortage when it comes to shirt printing!
Hi Jeorge. Any word on the Cozier Duberry contract situation?
I haven’t got any information on that.
Why is saka on the cover page anyone