Arsenal's U-21 side continued their winning start to the new season with a 2-0 away win against Aston Villa; with the likes of Bellerin, Hayden, Akpom and Diaby all impressing for The Gunners.
Their youth side set-up was solid as it always is, and they came close to breaking the deadlock within 4 minutes of kick-off. Akpom got the ball on the counter attack, looked up and passed the ball forward into the path of midfielder Maitland-Niles who attempted a curling effort from 20 yards out - the swerve confused the goalkeeper who came out to try and parry it but it flew over his head and bounced off the crossbar as an early warning sign for the hosts.
The game stayed goal-less, but Arsenal almost opened the scoring after great play from Akpom again; this time he was in space and onside to receive the ball, darts towards the box and the goalkeeper came out to try and pressure him into making a mistake. He weaved past the keeper and took an ambitious effort on-goal, knowing that there were 4 Villa players all sprinting back to avoid conceding - and was eventually denied thanks to a last-ditch sliding challenge to stop the ball from going into the net.
Eventually, the U-21's pressure was surely going to provide a goal? Yes, and Akpom was the player to take the chance. He did well to chase down a loose ball as Villa looked to pass out from the back, pressuring the defender into making a mistake and giving away possession before going around the 'keeper and slotting the ball into the back of the net to give his side the lead after 26 minutes.
Meanwhile, Arsenal defensive midfielder Abou Diaby featured in the game and almost got an assist in a professional, solid display. He cut the Villa defence with a great through ball into Akpom's feet, but the resulting effort on-goal was well dealt with by the goalkeeper who did well to react quickly by coming off his line and pouncing on the danger and keep the score at 1-0 with the Arsenal U-21's hungry for more.
At half-time, it was 1-0 despite Villa going close with a few half-chances but failing to take their opportunities. They almost equalised within minutes of the restart, but winger Callum Robinson's effort was just wide of the goal.
Hayden powered his way towards the edge of the area, crossed an inviting delivery into the box for Maitland-Niles who headed wide of the goal from close range as both teams looked eager to score.
And then, with 5 minutes to go Akpom completed his brace with an accomplished finish from a display of sheer power and speed to burst past the defenders and leave them trailing in his wake before slotting low and hard past the goalkeeper, in off the post.
Akpom's performance in the match is sure to impress a lot of the team's supporters, who have high expectations for him and the rest of the current crop of Arsenal's youth players.
Final score: Arsenal U-21s 2-0 Aston Villa U-21s.