Tyreece John-Jules marked his first senior appearance for Arsenal with the game’s decisive goal as the Gunners beat Al-Nasr 3-2 in a friendly in Dubai.
The talented young striker, who entered the fray as a second half substitute, showed impressive composure to control the ball prior to finishing adroitly.
Unai Emery gave starts to a host of youngsters, with Ben Sheaf partnering Charlie Gilmour at the base of the midfield, while Xavier Amaechi started on the right wing and Zech Medley was deployed out of position at left-back.
Medley, usually a centre-back, struggled at times, while Amaechi was unable to have much of an influence on the game.
Sheaf, though, was quietly effective as, back in his previous position of central midfield, he played some neat passes.
Arsenal weren’t at their best in the first half and fell behind but a very rare goal from Carl Jenkinson just before the break pulled them level after good work from Denis Suarez.
In the second half more youngsters received run-outs, with Julio Pleguezuelo and Dominic Thompson both coming on.
Despite having moved into midfield for the U23s in recent weeks, Thompson was used in a more natural position on the left side of the defence.
Jordi Osei-Tutu, John-Jules and James Olayinka then came on, with the latter pair making their first appearances for the senior side.
Arsenal started to grow in influence, with Alexandre Lacazette putting them ahead following impressive work from Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Mesut Ozil.
John-Jules certainly made an impact with his well-taken goal, while Olayinka produced an energetic display.
As for the other youngsters involved, Olayinka will have done his chances of further involvement no harm at all, although Amaechi couldn’t quite seize his opportunity on this occasion despite being one of Arsenal’s standout prospects.
Overall, the trip to Dubai has been hugely beneficial for Arsenal’s youngsters as it has enabled them to experience life in a first-team environment and has provided them with the opportunity to impress Unai Emery.
John-Jules in particular will be delighted with the impact that he made.
Arsenal: Leno; Jenkinson, Mustafi, Mavropanos, Medley; Gilmour, Sheaf; Amaechi, Ozil, Suarez; Lacazette.
Subs (all used): Cech, Koscielny, Maitland-Niles, Pleguezuelo, Osei-Tutu, Thompson, Olayinka, John-Jules.
Jeorge Bird's Arsenal Youth 