Zak Swanson thinks he did well against ‘one of the best players in the league’ in Leroy Sane, playing for the Arsenal u23s on Friday night.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Zak Swanson of Arsenal is challenged by Felix Nmecha of Manchester City during the Premier League 2 match between Arsenal U23 and Manchester City U23 at Emirates Stadium on February 28, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 28: Zak Swanson of Arsenal and Felix Nmecha of Manchester City. PL2 match between Arsenal U23 and Manchester City U23 at Emirates Stadium on February 28, 2020, in London, England. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)

Friday’s u23 match between Arsenal and Manchester City was a bit of a strange one. The Gunners gave game-time to four first-team players, getting a half each. Meanwhile, City gave 45 minutes Leroy Sane after his injury, up against u23 defender Zak Swanson.

The young right-back came through the half strongly though, making a number of key tackles and interceptions to stop Sane getting any real chances.

Speaking after the game, Swanson admitted he enjoyed the challenge:

“I think to play against a player like that in Leroy Sane, he does it in the Premier League week-in week-out and he shows he’s one of the best players in the league,” Swanson said.

“To play against him and test myself against him is the best thing to do and it’s how you get better and how you improve. If you play against the best players week-in, week-out that’s the best way to improve. Personally, I felt I did well tonight.”

Unfortunately, Arsenal lost the match 4-2, but there wasn’t much Swanson could do about that. The first two goals were a long shot and a goalkeeping error, neither of which came from Swanson’s flank. Then he came off in a substitution before City’s late winners.

All the same, Swanson was happy to play at the Emirates Stadium, given he’s a boyhood fan of the club.

“It’s the best thing for an Arsenal fan like me. We’ve played here three times this season so I think it gives me the belief and focus to make it a regular thing.”