U-23s: Arsenal v Manchester City - The Brief

We’ll be aiming  to return to winning ways in the Premier League 2 on Monday night when we face Manchester City at Meadow Park. 

THE STORY SO FAR 

We’re currently ninth in the PL2 table on 17 points, having won four and drawn five from 14 outings. 

During our most recent fixture, a 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, we delivered a dominant first-half performance and went in at the break with a one-goal lead. 

Brighton forward Anders Dreyer then went on to score twice in the second half to place the hosts in front, before Gedion Zelalem popped up with a late goal to ensure a share of the spoils. This draw brought an end to our four games losing streak in the PL2. 

A win on Monday night could see us leapfrog Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City into seventh place. 

THE OPPOSITION 

Manchester City are currently seventh in the table on 20 points, having won six, drawn two and lost six. 

They head into fixture off the back of two consecutive defeats in the PL2, which includes a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur and a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of West Ham United. 

Paul Harsley’s side have conceded 32 goals in the PL2 over the course of the season so far, but they’ve also scored 27, which can only be bettered by West Ham United. 

The last time we faced the Blues, they came out on top in a thrilling 6-5 win on the opening day of the season. 

ONE TO WATCH 

Xavier Amaechi made his return from injury last week in a 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, scoring once and assisting Zelalem’s late equaliser. 

The 18-year-old spent over three months on the sidelines, but that didn’t stop the skilful winger from tormenting the Seagulls defence for 90 minutes. 

With Bukayo Saka the only other natural winger in the squad, Amaechi will be needed if we’re to leave Meadow Park with all three points on Monday. 

FOLLOW THE ACTION 

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