Arsenal U21s came from behind to beat League One outfit AFC Wimbledon 2-1 in the EFL Trophy at the Cherry Red Records Stadium on Tuesday.
The result sends the young Gunners to the knockout stages of the competition for the first time since the introduction of the group stage format.
Arsenal started on the back foot, with Wimbledon asserting their dominance in the early stages.
The hosts produced the first shot on target, with Aron Sasu stinging the palms of Khari Ranson in the Arsenal goal.
The north London side quickly responded with a chance of their own at the other end. Theo Julienne threaded a pass through to Mylo Bernard, who fired over the crossbar.
James Scanlon and Igor Tyjon’s efforts were blocked as Arsenal grew into the contest.
Scalon was then handed a golden opportunity to put Arsenal ahead following a defensive mistake, but Freddie Simmonds’ recovery run prevented him from converting.
Elijah Upson returned the favour, putting his body on the line to keep out Ed Leach’s goal bound strike.
Julienne fluffed an opportunity just before halftime, sending a close-range effort straight at McDonnell with the goal at his mercy.
Wimbledon broke the deadlock in the 48th minute as Callum Maycock picked out the bottom corner with a well-struck attempt from inside the penalty area.
Emerson Nwaneri drew a save from McDonnell with a powerful strike from the edge of the box.
The Gunners drew level in the 72nd minute when Nwaneri delivered a pass across goal for substitute Evan Mooney to find the net.
Three minutes from time, Nwaneri completed the turnaround with a deflected strike into the bottom corner, securing Arsenal’s place in the knockout stages.