Arsenal’s u23s put five goals past Bayern Munich on their way to qualifying for the knockout stages of the Premier League International Cup.

Arsenal needed a win to guarantee their progression from Group E and into the knockout round. They squared off against Bayern Munich for the umpteenth time, but unlike the first-team, were not on the receiving end of a thrashing.

Arsenal were without Matt Macey, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah as the trio were training with the senior side. They did, though, have Rob Holding in the team, playing in a back three alongside Ben Sheaf and Konstantinos Mavropanos.

Up top, Emile Smith-Rowe and Jeff Reine-Adelaide supported Vlad Dragomir, who had to play up front due to Nketiah and Chuba Akpom’s absence.

The young Gunners opened the scoring when Joe Willock’s pass found Dragomir. The Romanian produced a smart finish that betrayed his makeshift striker status.

He turned provider as we doubled our advantage on the night, setting-up Reine-Adelaide for his second goal in two games. Bayern fought back in the second half, however. Goals from Maxime Awoudja and Okyere Wriedt drew them level by the hour mark.

With the scores level, the game opened up, and Arsenal exploited the space.

Right wing-back Jordi Osei-Tutu put the home side back in front. Reine-Adelaide added his second of the game, before Smith-Rowe rounded off the scoring with a late goal.

Arsenal’s youth sides have been in fine form recently. The u23s will go into Sunday’s game against Sunderland full of confidence as a result.