Report – Koscielny features as nine-man Arsenal U23s are thrashed by Derby

Premier League 2

Derby County 5 (Thorne 25 (pen.), Cresswell 47, Knight 71, Sibley 77, 90)
Arsenal 0

Laurent Koscielny completed 45 minutes as he made his return from injury, but it was a hugely frustrating night for Arsenal U23s, who were thrashed 5-0 away to Derby County.

Freddie Ljungberg’s side, who were deprived of the services of a host of key players, ended the game with nine men following the dismissals of Daniel Ballard and substitute Jordi Osei-Tutu.

Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe, Joe Willock and Julio Pleguezuelo, who could be involved with the first-team against Vorskla Poltava, were all absent, along with Zech Medley.

Club captain Koscielny started the game, as did Gedion Zelalem, while Joseph Olowu returned from injury to make the bench.

Derby took the lead in the 25th minute after they were awarded a penalty following a clumsy challenge from Tolaji Bola.

The experienced George Thorne, who was linked with Arsenal as a youngster, stepped up to slot the ball past Iliev.

Koscielny, in a pre-planned change, was withdrawn at the break, with Jordi Osei-Tutu entering the fray.

Arsenal got off to a woeful start in the second half, with Cameron Cresswell finding the net.

Both teams were then reduced to ten men, with Thorne and Osei-Tutu dismissed following an altercation.

Matters subsequently went from bad to worse for Arsenal as Ballard also saw red for a reckless lunge.

Derby took full advantage of their numerical superiority, with substitute Jason Knight scoring before Louie Sibley struck a brace.

Arsenal were left deeply disappointed and their hopes of retaining the title have suffered a major blow – they are now seven points behind Derby, who went top of the table tonight.

Arsenal: Iliev; Olowu, Ballard, Koscielny (Osei-Tutu 46), Bola, Bramall; Olayinka (Omole 76), Gilmour; Zelalem (Saka 64), Coyle; John-Jules. Subs not used: Hein, Tormey.