Mehmet Ali’s talented young guns eased to the last eight of the U21s Premier League 2 Division One play-offs after thrashing Manchester United 6-2 at Meadow Park on Friday evening.
A hectic opening 45 minutes saw Nathan Butler-Oyedeji grab a brace, while Jack Henry-Francis and Amario Cozier-Duberry also netted as the home side led by four goals at the interval.
Premier League starlet Ethan Nwaneri slotted home a spot-kick penalty prior to Sam Mather notching a consolation for the young Red Devils. As the clock ticked down there was still time for Cozier-Duberry to post his second of the evening before Gabrielle Biancheri scored United’s second.
Fid out which players impressed with our Player Ratings:
Arsenal
Ovie Ejeheri: 7/10 – Conceded two but is growing in stature with every game. Important save early on
Reuell Walters: 7.5/10 – Another excellent performance including on the overlap. Showed versatility by moving to right-back after playing CB most of the campaign
James Sweet: 7.5/10 – Assist for Butler-Oyedeji in another fine display. Eased into midfield as the game progressed
Zane Monlouis (Nichols 59): 7/10 – Did well on his return
Ayden Heaven: 7.5/10 – Long ball over the top for Cozier-Duberry’s second goal
Myles Lewis-Skelly: 7.5/10 Is near a first team squad place next season – or a loan move to progress his development – or both
Amario Cozier-Duberry: 8.5/10 – Another who is ready for a tilt at first team action or a loan move to accelerate his progress
Jack Henry-Francis 8.5/10 – (Gower 66): Solid and relaible. Deserved his goal. Booked
Nathan Butler-Oyedeji: 8.5/10 – Grabbed a first half brace to underline his talent
Ethan Nwaneri (Quesada-Thorn 83): 8/10 – A class act. Scored a penalty and hit the post. Booked
Ismeal Kabia (Kamara 83): 7.5/10
Arsenal U21s will face the winner of Chelsea v Brighton & Hove Albion in the quarter-finals at Meadow Park.
The game is set to take place between Friday, May 10 and Monday, May 13.
Full details to be announced