Arsenal Under-23s couldn’t quite apply the all-important finishing touch as they played out a goalless draw with Southampton on Friday.
Despite being unable to break the deadlock, the Gunners dictated the game for the majority of the encounter.
Key to that was the midfield pairing of Gedion Zelalem and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, and the former believes that they have fostered a strong understanding.
“We’ve been playing since we were 15 or 16,” Zelalem told Arsenal Player. “We know each other well and we know what we can do. He’s a bit more defensive, I like to get on the ball and pass it forward but our partnership is very good. He can also do the attacking bit, so we have a good partnership.
"It’s not just me and Ainsley, the whole team is part of that, with the wingers coming into midfield and connecting, playing one-twos - that’s what Arsenal is all about.
“We try to emulate the first team doing that, watching them every day, so we’re definitely pleased with the performance.”
Gedion Zelalem shields the ball from Southampton midfielder Jake Hesketh
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