Steve Gatting’s under-23 side head to Stamford Bridge on Friday as they look to avenge Monday’s defeat to Everton.
It was a steep learning curve for a young side consisting of a number of under-18s players, due to a host of regulars being called up to the first team for the EFL Cup.
Among those making their under-23 debut were 16-year-old midfielder Emile Smith-Rowe, who described the evening as "a good experience" despite being on the receiving end of a heavy defeat.
“It’s very different [at U-23 level],” he said. "The tempo is higher and it is much more physical. But I enjoyed it, it’s good to get games at this level."
Eddie Nketiah also made his Premier League 2 bow, having signed his first professional contract a matter of days earlier.
With changes enforced by a number of senior team call-ups for the likes of Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Krystian Bielik, Gedion Zelalem and Stephy Mavididi, it was a much-changed side that took on the league leaders on Monday.
A number of the aforementioned names will be back in the fold for the trip to Stamford Bridge, as the Gunners prepare to face the Blues in a London derby.
Arsenal currently sit 10th in the table, and now go in pursuit of their second win of the season as they head to west London.
We'll be providing updates from Stamford Bridge on @Arsenal throughout the evening, with kick-off at 7pm (UK time). For post-match reaction stay close to Arsenal.com.
Emile Smith-Rowe makes his U-23s debut against Everton
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