Arsenal U21’s played their first home match at Meadow Park against Derby U21's and made two changes to the side that beat Reading. Kamara and O’Connor came into the starting line up which saw some familiar names to Gooners who might not look the U21 side regularly. Zelalem, Hayden, Olsson, Akpom and rising star Crowley all started.

Derby had the first chance of the match but Naylor didn’t trouble Macey in the Arsenal goal. Arsenal’s first chance of the half came on the 26th minute and fell to Akpom after build up from Crowley but he couldn’t keep his shot down.

Akpom did come close to giving Arsenal lead just before the end of the half after good work from Maitland-Niles. His pass found Akpom but his striker cannoned off the woodwork. Daniel Crowley then had an excellent chance to put Arsenal in front after a pass from Zelalem, but he couldn’t convert from close range.

After a scoreless first-half it was Derby who should’ve taken the lead but Thomas somehow headed wide when faced with an open goal. Arsenal responded brilliantly and took the lead after a good pass from Olsson and Maitland-Niles controlled well and calmly struck to give the home side the lead.

10-minutes remaining and Derby were awarded a penalty after Iwobi tripped Freedman in the box. Santo sent the 'keeper the wrong way and the game was all square. Arsenal put on the pressure and Akpom and Crowley had chances to restore Arsenal’s lead but Mitchell was up to the task. Mitchell denied Arsenal for a third time when Akpom attempted to chip to the keeper.

Arsenal could’ve taken it but in the end the points were shared.

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