Arsenal’s u23 side drew 1-1 with Slavia Prague on Thursday, and they gave a second start to trialist Redouan Taha el Idrissi.

NTC PP
National Training Center Poprad

Arsenal’s academy were playing their third friendly of their trip to Slovakia, after a 3-0 u23 defeat to Sparta Prague and a 3-1 u18 victory over Slovan Bratislava this week.

With many of the younger players leaving the squad to travel to Germany for the u17 Bundesliga Cup this weekend, the u23s started a much more experienced side against Slavia Prague.

That side included 20-year-old Redouan Taha el Idrissi, starting his second match on trial for Arsenal from FC Twente’s academy.

Slavia took the lead in the match through Martin Doudera in the 64th minute, but Arsenal fought back with an 83rd-minute Kido Taylor-Hart equaliser.

Arsenal had the vast majority of the opportunities (20 shots to nine), and Folarin Balogun will be disappointed to have missed a good chance to secure a first-half lead. The striker is sure to find his shooting boots soon and start putting the chances away.

The u23s will now return to England to prepare for next Wednesday’s friendly against Barnet.

Starting lineup vs Slavia Prague u23s: Tom Smith; Zak Swanson, Harry Clarke, Joseph Olowu, Redouan Taha el Idrissi; Matt Smith, Jordan McEneff, Ben Cottrell; Xavier Amaechi, Trae Coyle, Folarin Balogun.