Mehmet Ali’s young Gunners launched their 2024/25 league campaign in style with a commanding 4-2 victory over Manchester United at Meadow Park on Friday night.
A brace from Khayon Edwards, along with goals from Michal Rosiak and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, paved the way for a decisive three points.
From the outset, our side showed intent, taking the lead just 12 minutes in. Ismeal Kabia's relentless effort down the right flank paid off as he delivered a precise cross to Khayon Edwards, who was perfectly positioned to tap in our first goal of the season.
We nearly doubled our advantage when a mistake by United’s goalkeeper gifted Jimi Gower a chance. Spotting the opportunity, Gower fired a long-range shot from just inside their half, narrowly missing the target.
The floodgates opened before halftime, with three goals in ten minutes. The second goal came courtesy of Michal Rosiak, who unleashed a powerful strike from just outside the box, finding the bottom corner. Moments later, Myles Lewis-Skelly played a clever pass to Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, who skillfully weaved his way into the box and smashed home our third.
The first-half goal spree was capped off when Edwards netted his second of the night. After some brilliant play by Butler-Oyedeji, Edwards fired home the rebound, rounding off a scintillating first half.
After the interval, Manchester United swiftly responded, with Ethan Ennis capitalising on a loose ball and finding the corner from close range.
Their hopes of a comeback were further dashed just before the hour mark when Ethan Williams was shown a straight red card for an off-the-ball incident, reducing United to 10 men.
Though the Red Devils managed to pull another goal back late on through Ethan Wheatley, we comfortably controlled the remainder of the match, securing the three points and capping off an impressive performance.
What It Means
We’ve kicked off the season on a high note, securing all three points and setting a positive tone for the 2024/25 campaign.
What’s Next
Up next, we head to the West Midlands for our second league match of the season, where we’ll face Wolves on Friday, August 23.
The match will take place at Aggborough Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 7pm (UK time).
Team News
Arsenal XI: Okonkwo, Nichols (Kamara, 85), Monlouis, Heaven (Kacurri, 65), Lewis-Skelly (Robinson, 65), Rosiak, Gower, Oulad M'Hand (Dudziak, 85), Kabia, Butler-Oyedeji, Edwards
Subs not used: Ranson
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