**Premier League** 2
**Arsenal 1 (Bailey-Joseph 71) Burnley 0**
**By Jeorge Bird @ Meadow Park, Borehamwood**
Brando Bailey-Joseph scored a superb goal on his Premier League 2 debut as Arsenal U21s secured a much-needed 1-0 win at home to Burnley last night.
Arsenal were eager to respond after the 7-0 thrashing by Liverpool last weekend although in truth this was a vastly different team, with Josh Nichols and Charles Sagoe Jr the only players who started both fixtures.
Maldini Kacurri, who is back from his loan spell at Morecambe, was the only other player in the starting lineup who is above the U18 age group.
Louis Zecevic John made his competitive debut for the U21s and there was also a first Premier League 2 start for Theo Julienne in midfield.
Despite being the youngest player in the starting lineup, Marli Salmon was named as captain.
First year scholar Jack Talbot was again named as the substitute goalkeeper.
**Porter**
**Nichols-Kacurri-Salmon-Ogunnaike**
**Ibrahim**
**Julienne-Harriman Annous**
**Bailey Joseph-Zecevic John-Sagoe Jr**
**Subs: Agustien (for Harriman-Annous, 62), Clarke (for Salmon, 68), Stevens (for Julienne, 68), Washington (for Bailey-Joseph, 84). Not used: Talbot**
It was a quiet start to the game, with Arsenal having to be patient as they looked to break Burnley down.
Andre Harriman-Annous, who was deployed as an attacking midfielder on his first start after injury, had Arsenal’s first chance as he hit the post with a header following a cross from Charles Sagoe Jr.
Arsenal goalkeeper Jack Porter did well to punch the ball clear following a corner before Zecevic John shot over at the other end.
The half ended goalless, with Arsenal understandably lacking a little in cohesion having made so many changes.
Arsenal appeared determined to up the intensity in the second half and Harriman-Annous was denied twice in quick succession.
Burnley sent an effort wide before Demiane Agustien replaced Harriman-Annous, who played just over an hour as he continued to get valuable minutes.
Salmon, who was typically impressive, then had to be substituted after receiving treatment, with Brayden Clarke replacing him.
Archie Stevens also entered the fray in place of Julienne, with Sagoe Jr moving into an advanced midfield position.
Then came the moment of quality that decided the game, with 17-year-old Bailey-Joseph turning superbly and then bursting forwards prior to finishing well for what is likely to be the first of many goals for him at this level.
Bailey-Joseph was then involved again as he sent a teasing cross which was pushed away, with Stevens unable to convert the rebound.
Stevens then found Sagoe Jr, who shot one prior to a header from Burnley going wide at the other end.
Marcell Washington replaced Bailey-Joseph, with Ogunnaike moving forwards to feature in the left wing.
Ogunnaike had a shot saved and then Stevens struck the post having been found by Zecevic John.
Porter dealt comfortably with a Burnley header and that proved to be the final action of the game.
It wasn’t an exhilarating display from Arsenal but they will certainly take the victory after the events of last week.
The majority of these players are likely to be key figures for the U21s next season, so it seems appropriate to give them opportunities at this level now.
Bailey-Joseph in particular stood out and it certainly isn’t impossible that he could receive a callup to the senior squad on the bench against Kairat.