Premier League Cup : Arteta, Xhaka & Martinelli watch Ideho score in Arsenal's 2-1 win vs Swansea

Arsenal U21 faced Swansea City U21 team at Meadow Park in the Group Stage of the Premier League Cup on Wednesday evening as the young Gunners ran out 2-1 winners.

According to Football. London, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was in attendance as Nigeria-eligible youngsters Zach Awe, Butler-Oyedeji, Miguel Azeez and Joel Ideho made the starting line-up while Tim Akinola had to settle for a place on the bench.

First team stars Granit Xhaka and Gabriel Martinelli also watched the game at Meadow Park in Hertfordshire.

After Swansea went ahead in the 13th minute through a Joshua Thomas strike, Ideho equalised in the 18th minute with a smart finish after a wonderful pass from Lino Sousa.

Azeez and Butler-Oyedeji then grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck as they combined effortlessly to put Swansea under intense pressure, however, Azeez's shot was eventually saved.

Senior team right-back Cedric Soares then put Arsenal ahead with a free-kick in the 34th minute before Swansea's Joe Thomas was sent off in the 40th minute for a heavy challenge on Sousa.

The second half began with the Nigeria-eligible youngsters stepping up their game as Butler-Oyedeji, and Ideho created but missed goalscoring opportunities.

Azeez was a metronome in midfield, spraying passes and keeping up the flow.

Awe was also strong at the back as he made some blocks and timely tackles. Akinola them came on for Azeez for the last fifteen minutes.

The young Gunners held on to the 2-1 scoreline to mark their first group stage game of the Premier League Cup with a win.

Sofoluwe Mayowa

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