An Arsenal U21 side travelled to the Ricoh Arena to take on League One side Coventry City in their first-ever match in the Checkatrade Trophy. Read Layth Yousif’s PLAYER RATINGS
Arsenal
Deyan Iliev: 5.5 - Tested with a succession of aerial balls into the box. Didn’t always convince.
Joe Oluwu: 6.5 – Replaced by Tobi Omole at the interval
Zach Medley: 6.5 - With his height advantage it was disappointing not to see him dominate in the air as the Sky Blues pumped long balls into the box to test the Gunners backline. Will be better for the experience but memories of his poor showing at Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup final still linger.
Robbie Burton: 7 – Tested keeper O’Brien at the near post with a ferocious near post shot early in the second half
Tolaji Bola: 7 – Worked hard but still raw
James Olayinka: 7 – Needs to work on his distribution
Charlie Gilmour: 7.5 - Metronomic as ever. Excellent positioning as befits a promising defensive shield
Julio Pleguezuelo: 7 - Showed his versatility by switching flanks in the second half to patrol the right channel
Emile Smith-Rowe: 7.5 - Showed his clinical side with a calm finish to net the young guns opening goal early on
Joe Willock: 7 – Always influential at U23 level against youngsters but struggled to impose himself against the League One side, which is a concern as their starting XI was not their strongest side by a long shot. Excellent finish late on to underline the potential he needs to realise
Tyreece John-Jules: 7.5 - Great movement on and off the ball. Always lively. One to watch
Substitutes:
Tobi Omole: 6.5 - Replaced Oluwu at half-time
Eddie Nketiah: 7.5 - On for Burton with 19 minutes remaining. A class act
Bukayo Saka: N/A Late replacement for Pleguezuelo
Coventry City
Liam O’Brien: 7
Dujon Sterling: 6.5
Chris Camwell: 7
Tom Davies: 7
Liam Kelly: 7
Abu Ogogo: 7
Jordy Hiwula: 7
Amadou Bakayoko: 7.5
Tony Andreu: 7
Reisse Allasani: 7
Follow Arsenal reporter Layth on Twitter @laythy29
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