Report – Harriman-Annous scores; Dowman and Salmon feature as Arsenal U21s draw with Crystal Palace
Premier League 2
Arsenal 1 (Harriman-Annous 64) Crystal Palace 1 (Gozo 50)
Andre Harriman-Annous found the net, while first-team squad members Max Dowman and Marli Salmon featured as Arsenal U21s commenced their Premier League 2 campaign with a 1-1 draw at home to Crystal Palace today.
Arsenal were eager to respond after being thrashed by Barnet in the EFL Trophy in midweek and coach David Horseman was able to name a much more balanced team, with Elijah Upson making his first start for Arsenal as he partnered Salmon at the back.
Jack Porter replaced Khari Ranson in goal while second year scholar Saurap Sampang was named on the bench. Brayden Clarke and Louis Zecevic John were also amongst the substitutes having recovered from minor injuries.
The Crystal Palace side included 26-year-old Cheick Doucoure as well as talented youngster Joel Drakes-Thomas.
Porter
Julienne-Upson-Salmon-Ogunnaike
Ibrahim
O’Neill-Dowman
Stevens-Mooney-Harriman Annous
Subs: Clarke (for Upson, 46), Zecevic John (for Mooney, 64), Washington (for Ogunnaike, 68), Sampang (for Julienne, 78). Not used: Ranson, Agustien.
Dowman demonstrated his ability early on as he played in Archie Stevens, whose effort went wide.
Palace responded with an effort of their own as Adler Nascimento shot off target.
Evan Mooney and Ife Ibrahim tried their luck for Arsenal but the young Gunners then had to demonstrate their defensive attributes with Josh Ogunnaike and Upson both called into action.
Drakes-Thomas sent an effort wide for Palace before Caleb Kporha’s attempt with the outside of his boot was kept out.
Porter did well to make a save and Harriman-Annous then had an effort deflected wide at the other end in the final meaningful action of the first half.
Arsenal made a change before the start of the second half as Clarke replaced Upson.
Palace took the lead early in the second half as Zavier Gozo finished well following a breakaway move.
There were some concerning signs thereafter as Porter was pressed into action again and then Palace struck the post with a free-kick.
Zecevic John came on for Mooney in a move that saw Harriman-Annous switch from the left wing to the central striker position.
Within seconds of that change being made Harriman-Annous put the ball in the back of the net as he finished well following good work from Dowman, who showcased his excellent control before playing a neat pass.
Marcell Washington replaced Ogunnaike and then Sampang came on in the opposite full-back berth in place of Theo Julienne, who needed treatment.
Arsenal tried their utmost to get a winner – firstly Salmon had a powerful effort kept out with Zecevic John then denied.
Salmon had another chance as his header was kept out before Porter made a late save.
Arsenal had to settle for a point in the end but it was certainly a marked improvement from the display against Barnet.
Salmon and Dowman both impressed on their return to U21s action while Harriman-Annous provided another indication of his quality as a striker.
There were some good signs from Upson too and Sampang was a lively presence after coming on.
Although improvements still need to be made there were several positives to take from today’s game for the U21s.
