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Premier League 2
Arsenal 1 (Mooney 45) Leicester 5 (Otchere 11, Briggs 24, 35, Carr 62, Richards 85)
By Jeorge Bird @ Meadow Park, Borehamwood
Arsenal U21s fell to a 5-1 defeat away to their Leicester City counterparts as they produced a concerning performance.
There was a lack of cohesion throughout the game from Max Porter’s team, with some players arguing with each other at times.
Furthermore, the absence of balance in midfield was a key issue, while individual errors didn’t help matters.
Arsenal were without Max Dowman after he trained with the first-team today, but the likes of Marli Salmon, Jaden Dixon and Andre Harriman-Annous were back involved at this level while Josh Ogunnaike started at left-back in place of Marcell Washington. There was also a start in midfield for Ceadach O’Neill.
Porter
Dixon-Salmon-Clarke-Ogunnaike
Ibrahim-Julienne
Bailey Joseph-O’Neill-Harriman Annous
Mooney
Subs: Ferdinand (for Dixon, 45), Washington (for Ogunnaike, 60), Stevens (for Bailey-Joseph, 60), Agustien (for Julienne, 69). Not used: Mitchell.
There was a bizarre start to the evening, with an announcement in the ground asking whether there were any qualified officials in the ground.
The game eventually got underway around ten minutes later than scheduled and Leicester immediately provided an indication of their attacking intent, with Andre Harriman-Annous making an important defensive intervention.
Soon the visitors took the lead as Kirsten Otchere found the net following an error from Brayden Clarke.
Jack Porter then made a save to prevent Otchere from scoring again but Leicester then made it 2-0 courtesy of a goal from Logan Briggs.
Leicester threatened again but Arsenal did at least manage to create a chance themselves as Ogunnaike shot just wide.
A third goal followed for Leicester, however, with Briggs scoring again as Arsenal’s defence was bypassed all too easily.
There was a response from Arsenal just before the break with Harriman-Annous showing excellent skill prior to finding Evan Mooney, who finished well to reduce the deficit.
Jaden Dixon then had to be replaced by Seb Ferdinand after suffering an injury.
Leicester threatened a couple of times early in the second half as Porter was pressed into action again.
Arsenal then had efforts courtesy of O’Neill and Mooney before making a double change which saw Archie Stevens and Washington replace Brando Bailey-Joseph and Ogunnaike.
Leicester proceeded to add a fourth goal via a superb strike from Riley Carr.
Demiane Agustien then replaced Theo Julienne and immediately tried his luck as he shot wide.
To add to the disappointment for Arsenal, Leicester substitute Amani Richards, who once featured at this level for the Gunners as a schoolboy, went on to make it 5-1.
Despite eight added minutes Arsenal couldn’t muster any further attacking momentum as a deeply disappointing night came to an end.
Arsenal, who are in 11th place in the table, are still on track to secure a spot in the playoffs but could miss out on home advantage.
Just a few weeks ago, when they overcame Reading in superb style, the U21s appeared to be heading in the right direction.
Now, though, matters have taken a turn for the worse and the disjointed nature of the performance was concerning, with many players bickering during the game.
The midfield was very unbalanced and Arsenal were far too predictable in terms of their overall play.
Significant improvements will certainly be needed if Arsenal are to stand any chance of a lengthy run in the playoffs, should they reach that stage.