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Bailey Keogh

Arsenal U21 player ratings vs Northampton Town as Nwaneri and Smith impress in 3-1 Gunners win

Karl Hein: Hein made a good few saves to keep his side in the game and demanded his box aside from the first goal conceded, which came from a corner. His distribution, however, could have been better. 6

Reuell Walters: Walters struggled with the intensity in the first half but was very impressive in the second. He added more tenacity to his game and became a threat when in possession of the ball for the Gunners. 7

Zach Awe: An impressive performance from the young centre-back who was dominant at the heart of the defence. He won every aerial ball that came his way. He did not seem fazed playing against a men's team, and this was topped off by his equalising goal in the second half. 8

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta handed perfect Thomas Partey heir as Tottenham show Edu why Arsenal can save £45m

Taylor Foran: Similar to Awe, Foran had a solid performance at the back. There were times he was overwhelmed by the opposition attacker, but for the majority of the game, he was defensively solid and impressive when passing out from the back. 6

Lino Sousa: An excellent performance by Sousa as he looked comfortable down the left-hand side. He wasn't afraid to receive the ball and was a constant threat when in attack, as well as a defensive presence for the Gunners. 8

Bradley Ibrahim: A classy performance in the No.6 role from the youngster, as he played the anchor role well tonight. He was excellent in possession as he kept the ball running for the team. However, he could have offered more protection for the back four, as they were left exposed times through out. 7

Matt Smith: Smith played in the No.8 role this evening which was different to the No.6 he played in Arsenal's last game against Spurs. He looked just as comfortable, especially when in possession. A lot of the Gunners' chances came through him, which was highlighted with his assist early in the second half. 8

Jack Henry-Francis: Henry-Francis was ever-present in the midfield for the Gunners and got in good positions to create chances for his teammates. However, the game did drift away from the midfielder at times, as he gave away the ball on a few occasions. 6

Charles Sagoe Jr: Sagoe Jr was a threat down the left-hand side and almost scored the equalising goal for the Gunners early in the second half. His supply was limited, meaning he was unable to get in behind the right back more than he would have liked. 6

Amario Cozier-Durberry: The Speedy winger was a major threat at the start of the first half as he put in dangerous crosses for his teammates. He topped off a good performance with a wonderful goal before being substituted late into the second half. 8

Nathan Bulter-Oyedeji: The striker's supply was limited in the first half of the match, but when he did receive the ball, he was a threat. He also showed good link-up play with his teammates, which was epitomised by his assist in the second half to give Arsenal a 2-1 lead. He then topped off an excellent performance with a goal in the last minute of the match. 8

Substitutions -

Ethan Nwaneri: Nwaneri was subbed on halfway through the second half and showed some impressive passes.

Myles Lewis-Skelly: Lewis-Skelly announced himself into the game when being bought on with a crunching tackle in the middle of the park. This set the tone for the 16-year-old, who was excellent for the Gunners.

Joel Ideho: Ideho had little time to impact the match after being subbed on late in the second half. But, he was still a threat for the Gunners down the left-hand side.

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