Report – Arsenal U21s thrashed 5-1 by Barnet in Horseman’s first game in charge
EFL Trophy
Barnet 5 (Siaw 9, Maskell 25, Knowles 45, 56, 69) Arsenal 1 (Knowles 36 (o.g.))
By Jeorge Bird @ The Hive
Arsenal’s U21 season, EFL Trophy campaign and David Horseman’s tenure started in deeply disappointing fashion as the young Gunners were thrashed 5-1 by Barnet tonight.
It was a very slow start by Arsenal, with Barnet pouncing upon some slack defending and although Horseman’s side improved a little going forwards the hosts were superior throughout.
One positive to take from proceedings was the fact that Elijah Upson made his debut, with the defender coming on after Arsenal had already conceded five goals.
U18 players Emerson Nwaneri, Maalik Hashi, Hakeem Abubakar and Saurap Sampang also made their EFL Trophy debuts as substitutes.
Arsenal were without Brayden Clarke, with midfielder Teshaun Murisa asked to fill in at centre-back alongside Josh Ogunnaike.
Ranson
Julienne-Murisa-Ogunnaike-Washington
Ibrahim
O’Neill-Agustien
Stevens-Mooney-Harriman Annous
Subs: Emerson Nwaneri (for Mooney, 70), Upson (for Murisa, 71), Hashi (for Agustien, 71), Abubakar (for Washington, 82), Sampang (for O’Neill, 87). Not used: Porter, Owusu-Gyasi.
Arsenal got off to a concerning start and it set the tone for what was to come, with goalkeeper Khari Ranson squandering possession and his defence not inspiring much confidence.
Barnet couldn’t quite connect properly with an early effort and then Theo Julienne, back from his recent involvement with the first-team, did well to win a free-kick.
Soon, though, Barnet took the lead as Bright Siaw finished easily.
Ranson made a save before Barnet then doubled their advantage through Jack Maskell, with Arsenal’s defensive shortcomings being highlighted once again.
Archie Stevens was one of the few positives in the first half for Arsenal with the winger putting his previous experience of senior football with Dunfermline to good use.
One dangerous delivery from Stevens deflected in off Knowles as Arsenal temporarily reduced the deficit.
Arsenal appeared to be building up attacking momentum thereafter but Barnet quickly added a third goal with Knowles quickly redeeming himself with a neat finish.
In the early stages of the second half Barnet sent an effort wide before Ceadach O’Neill’s attempt was deflected for a corner at the other end.
Any hope of Arsenal getting back into the game quickly disappeared, however, as Knowles made it 4-1 to Barnet.
Stevens, to his credit, kept trying and had an effort saved with Andre Harriman-Annous then coming close with a lofted shot.
There was further misery to come for Arsenal as Knowles completed his hat-trick for Barnet and rendered his previous own goal a distant memory.
Upson, Hashi and Emerson Nwaneri then entered the fray, with the latter stationed on the left wing which allowed Harriman-Annous to move up front.
Harriman-Annous demonstrated his capabilities up front as he carved out a good chance for himself and struck the post.
Abubakar and Sampang entered the fray but the final whistle then blew on a chastening night for Arsenal.
There are some mitigating circumstances – it is always difficult to play against senior teams (although Barnet also had a few youngsters of their own) and the U21s didn’t have much of a pre-season together due to the involvement of various players with the first-team.
Some of the selection decisions were baffling, however. For instance, if Upson wasn’t ready to start the game then surely an U18 centre-back such as Abraham Owusu-Gyasi or Daniel McCarron could have been called upon instead.
Arsenal start their Premier League 2 campaign on Saturday against Crystal Palace and a much better performance will be needed otherwise concerns will start to mount that the new regime could be just like the old one.
