U21s report: Arsenal 2-1 Middlesbrough

Our Under-21s struck late to beat Middlesbrough in the Premier League 2 on a cold Friday night at Meadow Park. 

Goals either side of half-time from Khayon Edwards and Michal Rosiak saw us overcome a stubborn Boro side to take all three points. 

What Happened

We made the better start to the game and had a chance just seven minutes in when Edwards picked out Charles Sagoe Jr on the edge of the box, but Shea Connor produced a fine save in the Middlesbrough goal. 

After plenty of good football from Mehmet Ali's team, we eventually got the breakthrough ten minutes before half-time, when Khayon Edwards set himself up with an excellent touch before firing his effort into the net. 

Middlesbrough responded well to going behind and just five minutes into the second-half they had their equaliser, Sonny Finch making no mistake from the penalty spot after Dan Nkrumah had been fouled. 

Our Gunners didn't lie down though, instead taking control of the game. The winner came ten minutes from time when Michal Rosiak fired home from a precise Charles Sagoe Junior cross. 

Finch had a chance to equalise in stoppage time when he was played in on goal, but Khari Ranson rushed out of his goal to make a big save and secure the points for us. 

What it Means

We move up to 10th in the Premier League 2 table after our seventh win from 14 league games. 

What's Next

Newcastle United under-21s will be in North London next Friday, February 21. 

Kick-off at Meadow Park is scheduled for 7pm (UK time). 

Line-ups

Arsenal XI: Ranson, Rosiak, Nichols (Ismail, 61), Salmon, Sweet, Henry-Francis (Oulad M'Hand, 50), Sagoe Jr, Gower, Edwards, Salah (Ferdinand, 84), Harriman-Annous

Subs (not used): Nygaard, Kamara

Middlesbrough XI: Connor, Dede, Samuels (Patterson-Powell, 85), Lindo, McCormik, Johnson, Finch, Stott, Nkrumah (Lennon, 77), Cartwright (Coulinson, 61), Simpson

Subs (not used): Hamelberg, Fisher