Tyreece John-Jules scored twice as the Arsenal u23s kicked off pre-season for the club, and the striker proved he should get first-team chances now.

In the build up to Arsenal’s clash with Boreham Wood at Meadow Park, there was a clear divide between the young players who are considered options for the first team right now and those who aren’t.

Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli all joined up with Unai Emery and the senior players for first-team training on Friday, instead of taking part in Saturday’s friendly.

Meanwhile, Xavier Amaechi, Tyreece John-Jules and Zech Medley all featured for the u23s, despite spending time around the first team last season.

After his performance against Boreham Wood, however, there’s no question John-Jules should be getting chances with the first team.

Following a tough first half where Arsenal had trouble getting a foothold in possession, John-Jules came off the bench and immediately had an impact up front.

The striker brought teammates into the game, he pressed the Boreham Wood defence in trademark style, and when a half-chance fell to him on the edge of the box he fired it into the bottom corner.

The teenager then took on the responsibility of a penalty to level the scores, and showed no nerves sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

John-Jules scored in Arsenal’s mid-season friendly against Al-Nasr Dubai SC earlier this year, but he’s yet to make his competitive debut. Pre-season is a good chance to test if he’s ready for that debut, and it’s a chance he’s earned.