The Arsenal u21s played their first game since the January transfer window on Friday, coming from behind to draw with Leeds United.
The January transfer window is always a busy time for an Arsenal u21 side, particularly towards deadline day.
On that final day of the window, Arsenal sold Bradley Ibrahim to Hertha BSC, Lino Sousa to Aston Villa, Miguel Azeez to Atletico Baleares, and loaned out Charles Sagoe Jr., Zane Monlouis, Khayon Edwards, and Omar Rekik.
It wasn’t all bad news for u21 boss Mehmet Ali, who saw Henry Jeffcott and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji recalled from loans to rejoin his squad late in the January window. But it was certainly a period of significant change for the side.
Having lost his usual centre-forward in Edwards, Ali chose to bring Butler-Oyedeji straight back into the fray for his first start back with the club against Leeds United on Friday night.
There were plenty of other changes to the team that had faced Wolves last time out, and Jeffcott also rejoined the squad, initially sitting on the bench.
Despite all the changes, it was a game the young Gunners dominated, but they struggled to apply the finishing touch.
Michal Rosiak hit the side netting, Amario Cozier-Duberry curled a shot wide, and it was a shock when Leeds took the lead with their first shot on target in the 32nd minute.
Arsenal stepped things up and took even greater control of the contest, and it was no surprise when Josh Robinson finished well for 1-1 early in the second half, assisted by Cozier-Duberry.
The Gunners had 70% possession in that second period, outshooting their opponents by nine to zero.
Yet they couldn’t make that superiority count, and in the end Ali’s side will be grateful an offside flag denied Leeds a late winner.
The team had to settle for a point, remaining third in the Premier League 2 standings.
Arsenal u21 lineup vs Leeds United
Ejeheri, Robinson, Kacurri, Sweet, Rosiak, Kamara, Gower, Heaven, Cozier-Duberry, I. Oulad M’Hand, Butler-Oyedeji
Substitutes
Kabia (for Kamara, 77), Jeffcott (for Robinson, 87), Dudziak (for I. Oulad M’Hand, 87), Graczyk, Oyetunde
What’s next?
The Arsenal u21s face Southampton at Meadow Park on Friday, February 16th at 19:00 GMT.