Our under-21s wrapped up pre-season in style with a confident 3-1 victory over Monaco on Saturday afternoon.
The game began at a slow tempo, but just before half-time, Tommy Setford was called into action with a superb point-blank save, diving low to his right to deny Monaco. Josh Nichols was quick to react, heading the danger clear.
We took the lead right on the stroke of half-time when Ismael Kabia unleashed a thunderous 25-yard strike into the top corner — a moment of pure quality to send us into the break ahead.
After the restart, we started the second half brightly and came close to doubling our lead. Kabia, again at the heart of the move, produced brilliant work out wide before crossing to the far post for Louie Copley. His header looked destined for goal, but a Monaco defender produced an excellent block.
We made sure of the result in added time when Archie Stevens wriggled his way through the box and calmly slotted past the goalkeeper to seal a strong pre-season finale.
### What’s Next
Our under-21s now turn their focus to the 2025/26 Premier League 2 season, which kicks off next week with a home fixture against Fulham on Friday, August 15.
Kick-off at Meadow Park is at 7pm, and entry is free for all supporters.
### Team News
**Arsenal XI:** Setford, Nichols (Sweet, 65), Salmon (Kacurri, 65), Clarke, Washington, Dudziak, Copley (Ibrahim, 65), Agustien, Kabia (Ferdinand, 65), Bailey-Joseph (Sagoe Jr, 65), Harriman-Annous (Stevens, 65)
**Subs not used:** Nygaard, Oyetunde, Ismail
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