Stevens impresses but Arsenal U21s are beaten by Barnet

Arsenal U21s started their season with a disappointing 5-1 loss to Barnet’s senior side in the EFL Trophy last night but there was a glimmer of hope in the performance of Archie Stevens.

Stevens, 20, was the architect for Arsenal’s goal, with his delivery inadvertently being turned into his own net by Barnet’s Tom Knowles.

Knowles went on to score a hat-trick for Barnet, who dominated for most of the game and caused all manner of problems for a vulnerable Arsenal defence.

Stevens, however, can be pleased with his performance with the winger showing directness and determination.

It probably helps that Stevens has some prior experience of senior football having featured eleven times for Dunfermline Athletic while on loan from Rangers, for whom he also made one first-team appearance.

Stevens joined Arsenal last year following a successful trial but found it difficult to establish himself in the starting lineup for the U21s.

Now, however, there could be an opportunity for him to feature regularly on the right wing with Ceadach O’Neill being used more as a midfielder while Ismeal Kabia has joined St. Mirren on loan and Seb Ferdinand has departed the club.

Stevens will be aiming to build upon his display when the U21s commence their Premier League 2 campaign at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on X @jeorgebird

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