After the frustration of their 6-1 defeat away to West Ham United in their opening fixture, Arsenal U23s bounced back in impressive fashion last night with a 4-2 victory at home to Crystal Palace.
Recently-appointed coach Kevin Betsy secured the first victory of his tenure, with Omari Hutchinson to the fore with an outstanding first half display. Hutchinson, who featured for the first-team in pre-season, scored two goals, with the first being of a particularly high standard as he burst forward prior to finding the net.
Striker Mika Biereth, who signed from Fulham, made an impact with a goal and assist, while Zak Swanson was also on the scoresheet late on.
Palace played the second half with ten men after Scott Banks was sent off towards the end of the first half, while Miguel Azeez also missed a penalty for Arsenal in what was a rather entertaining encounter.
Some of Arsenal’s play on the counter-attack was of a particularly high standard, even after Hutchinson was substituted at half time due to being on a yellow card.
Midfielder Charlie Patino became increasingly influential as the game progressed and played some excellent passes, although there remained some concerns defensively and Betsy will be a little alarmed that his team have conceded eight goals in two games.
The performance against Palace was definitely a significant improvement, however, and will give Arsenal something to build upon going into next week’s game away to Tottenham Hotspur.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Thanks.
Why wasn’t Ben Cottrell used?
He’s still coming back to full fitness after injury and he also doesn’t really suit the formation that Betsy is playing.
What do you think that’ll mean Jeorge if he doesn’t go on loan as he seemed to be progressing nicely towards the senior squad?
I think he’ll still go on loan either this month or in January but if he stays it might get a bit frustrating for him, especially with the club wanting to develop Azeez and Patino. Maybe he could play out wide.
Keep an eye on Mika Biereth, first team breakthrough incoming. It’s just something different seeing him play. seems to score for fun
Patino, Hutchinson and Biereth are the next generation. Balogun and Azeez are sort of in between generations.
We need Europa games desperately to blood these guys next season.
The future’s bright. The future’s red and white.
Great to hear that Patino was moving the ball around nicely. High hopes for this generation.
Some real talent there!
I watched the game online, and they young guns seemed to have a similar hole in centre midfield on every transition when palace sprung a quick attack, leaving the defence exposed. (Sure I have seen that somewhere before). Do we have any defensive minded, midfield destroyers coming through?
Patino reminded me a little bit of Jack Wilshire with his bursts forward out of contact.
I watched the highlights and Patino was so impressive. So was Kido.
@George any word on when Catalin Cirjan back playing?