Three Stars: Arsenal U23 4-1 Chelsea U23

Arsenal hosted Chelsea today at London Colney in the Premier League 2 with head coach Steve Gatting fielded a very strong lineup, including the likes of Danny Welbeck, Rob Holding and Cohen Bramall all in the starting lineup. Goals from Holding, Nelson, Malen and Welbeck from the spot led Arsenal’s youngsters to a very convincing 4-1 win over their London rivals. It’s also worth noting that Welbeck played a full game for the first time since his return from injury.

Here are the 3 players that stood out from the game…

1) Rob Holding

A top-class performance for the English defender, always composed on the ball, passing well between the lines and solid defensively behind, he even got his first goal of the season following a good move from a corner kick. Head and shoulders above everyone today, he showed why he could quickly get in front of Gabriel in Arsenal’s defensive hierarchy.

2) Reiss Nelson

The promising forward started behind Danny Welbeck today and was a constant threat to Chelsea’s back line, due to his movement and pace. He got the assist for Holding’s opener and then scored a great goal with a very cheeky and adept finish. Definitely, one for the future, even though he’d probably be better out wide or up top.

3) Chris Willock

There were a few options for this one, with Maitland-Niles, Welbeck and Malen all having solid performances but it’s Willock that gets the nod, a very good game from the pacey winger He was always a threat on the left flank, whether it was alone in tight spaces or combining with his team-mates, he also provided cover defensively for Bramall, he needs to build on that performance.