Eventful first half in the U23s, Taylor Hart wins a penalty which Ben Cottrell converts. Derby then win a Penalty which Okonkwo saves
Arsenal 1-0. Derby
Arsenal 1-0. Derby
Derby put a dangerous cross in the box, it’s smartly cut out by Saliba and gathered by Okonkwo, moments earlier Cottrell forced a good save.
After an period of pressure Derby force the equaliser. Bit of indecision between keeper and CB led to the Derby player sneaking in
Cirjan plays Moller in, the swede takes the ball away from the defender ball strikes the ball wide, a big chance at 1-1, Half time approaches
HT 1-1, It’s been a decent game with both teams pressing well. Cirjan, Azeez, Kido and Cottrell have all done well linking up constantly. Derby’s pressure paid off with a bit of a sloppy goal to give away but was great to see Okonkwo make the penalty save.
2-1 Arsenal retake the lead with a great touch and finish from Nicolaj Moller after some good work from Azeez and then Cirjan to assist, great start to the second half.
3-1 Taylor-Hart, a lovely team goal that starts from a mazy run from Saliba and a great sequence of passes involving Azeez, Cottrell and Moller.
Arsenal firmly on top, lovely goal to see.
Arsenal firmly on top, lovely goal to see.
Azeez, Cottrell and Cirjan have this game by the scruff of the neck. Excellent interplay every time they receive it.
Second yellow for a Derby player McDonald, they are down to 10, was a poor challenge on Norton-Cuffy
Saliba overall has looked very good but still a few risky passes I’m not sure he should play, one nearly resulted in costing a goal, Okonkwo made a smart save.
Cottrell spins the defender and fires across goal, maybe caught between a shot and cross. Cottrell a very good candidate for man of the match
Kido Taylor-Hart has 2 chances, one a long shot bending just wide, the other he destroys the defender with step overs and drives a low shot that the keeper saves.
Kido has been excellent tonight in what may be his first start for the U23s, hopefully gets his contract soon.
Kido has been excellent tonight in what may be his first start for the U23s, hopefully gets his contract soon.
FT Arsenal U23s 3-1 Derby
Arsenal showed some great quality in this game, Cottrell and Azeez were the stand out players but Kido TH, Cirjan, Saliba, Okonkwo and Moller all did very well too. Steve Bould deserves some credit for the upturn in results
Arsenal showed some great quality in this game, Cottrell and Azeez were the stand out players but Kido TH, Cirjan, Saliba, Okonkwo and Moller all did very well too. Steve Bould deserves some credit for the upturn in results