A group of academy players gained further valuable experience as the Arsenal first-team lost 3-2 to Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup today.
Max Dowman started the game, while Marli Salmon was introduced on the hour mark.
During his time on the pitch Salmon, 16, showed that he can make an impact on either side of the central defensive partnership and he made one superb challenge to close down Serhou Guirassy.
In the 78th minute four academy players entered the fray as Theo Julienne, Josh Ogunnaike, Ceadach O’Neill and Ife Ibrahim all came on.
The quartet all gave good accounts of themselves, with Julienne and Ogunnaike making an impact in the full-back berths while Ibrahim and O’Neill played with confidence in midfield.
Arsenal found themselves 2-0 down after goals from Samuele Inacio and Konstantinos Karetsas.
Ethan Nwaneri got a goal back before Joane Gadou netted for Dortmund, with Viktor Gyokeres later scoring a penalty for Arsenal.
There was a pre-planned penalty shootout after the game, which Arsenal won 5-4, with Ethan Nwaneri scoring the decisive spot kick.
Ismeal Kabia was an unused substitute, while goalkeeper Khari Ranson was also with the team but wasn’t part of the matchday squad.
Arsenal face Como at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night in their final pre-season friendly.