Match Review: Arsenal U21s 1 Boro U21s 0

An early second-half goal from Ismeal Kabia saw Boro U21s narrowly edged out by Arsenal U21s in the opening match of 2024.

The Gunners hit seven minutes into the second period to inflict defeat on Mark Tinkler’s charges, who were without several regulars for the trip to north London.

On top of Jack Stott’s short-term switch to Gateshead, the clash against the Gunners came less than 24 hours before the first-team’s fixture at Millwall and many of Boro’s development squad were again expected to plug the gap for Michael Carrick’s injury-plagued outfit.

That meant there were four changes to the XI that were held at Reading on 18 December - George McCormick came into the line-up for his first showing at U21 level with U18 team-mates Felix Elliott and Ollie Samuels included on the bench.

Knowing victory would see them leapfrog Arsenal in the PL2 table, Mark Tinkler’s charges started the brighter of the two sides, Max Howells testing Ovie Ejeheri with a vicious drive.

Only two points separated the Teessiders and Arsenal heading into the contest, and it made for an even first half with chances at a premium.

The hosts saw the majority of possession but Boro looked to spring swiftly, Fenton John’s shot was crowded out in the area before Nathan Simpson fired narrowly wide on the angle.

The Gunners had fashioned very little in the way of clear-cut chances up until Ayden Heaven’s double opening, Shea Connor making a fine save at the end of the first period.

The hosts, though, would hit the front within seven minutes of the restart, Kabia on hand to convert from six yards.

Tinkler responded by making an immediate switch, Ajay Matthews, who bagged a brace against the Royals last time out, was introduced in place of Fenton John.

Having taken the advantage, Arsenal went in search of a second. Connor's smart stop denied Khayon Edward, who arrowed the rebound off target.

It was an incredibly tight affair but Boro had openings for an equaliser. A well-crafted move saw the ball land at the feet of Howells, who saw his shot blocked, and Luke Woolston went close from a free-kick.

Even with 10 minutes allocated for stoppages, the game's stop-start nature continued - an injury to the referee on top of substitutions for both teams saw 17 additional minutes played, George Gitau's header almost salvaging a point before the sounding of the final whistle.

Despite defeat, Tinkler's side remain fifth in PL2. Attention now turns to the Premier League Cup as the U21s travel to Ipswich Town on 23 January.