Pre-Match Report

Match preview: Arsenal U-23s v Dinamo Zagreb

THE STORY SO FAR

We opened our Premier League International Cup campaign in impressive fashion by putting three goals past Villarreal at Meadow Park.

Nathan Tormey opened the scoring against the Yellow Submarine when he headed home from close rage, after Jose Carceles parried Trae Coyleโ€™s powerful strike into the air.

Shortly after half time, Emile Smith Rowe doubled our advantage when he linked up nicely with Tormey, before firing into the net. Coyle then sealed all three points, late on, when he arrived at the back post to slot past Carceles.

We come into the match looking to bounce back after losing our last match, 1-0 to Brighton, in the league.

Robbie Burton was sent off for a second yellow card early in the second half, before Peter Gwargis curled the only goal of the game into the top corner from 25 yards.

We currently sit top of group A, above Dinamo, on three points.  

THE OPPOSITION

Dinamo Zagreb also won their opening match in Group A against Villarreal.

Sandro Kulenovic scored the opening goal of the game from the spot shortly after Miguel Angel Leal Diaz was sent off for the Spanish side.

Antonio Marin then doubled their advantage in first half stoppage time before Diego Raya pulled a goal back for Villarreal, five minutes after the restart.

Despite Marko Gjira receiving a red card, Zagreb held on to claim all three points.  

ONE TO WATCH

Zech Medley started back-to-back league games for this first time this season against Blackburn Rovers and Brighton and looked back to his best.

The 19-year-oldโ€™s chances have been limited this season due to the fierce competition in defence, but he will hope to maintain his place in the team after scoring our second goal in the 3-1 victory against Rovers.  

Calm on the ball with a strong aerial presence, Medley offers many options across the backline due to his versatility at either centre back or at left back. 

He made his professional debut for the club last season, playing 30 minutes against Vorskla in the Europa League group stage.

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Stay close to Arsenal.com for our match report and post-match reaction from Steve Bould.

By Sam Cox