Pre-Match Report

U-23s: Everton v Arsenal - The Brief

Willock

We’re set to face table toppers Everton in the Premier League 2 at Merseyrail Community Stadium on Monday night.

Read on for all you need to know ahead of kick-off:

THE STORY SO FAR

We head into this fixture unbeaten in our last four PL2 fixtures, winning two and drawing two, scoring an impressive 13 goals along the way

During our most recent outing, a 2-2 draw with Swansea City, we displayed fantastic spirit to bounce back from 2-0 down to secure a share of the spoils.

Half-time substitute Folarin Balogun reduced the deficit with a strike from distance, meaning he’s now scored 20 goals across all competitions this season, before Nathan Tormey equalised with a cool finish from a tight angle. 

Prior to that, we thrashed our north London rivals 4-0 on the road and defeated Manchester City 5-1 at Meadow Park.

We’re currently seventh in the PL2 table on 24 points, just five points adrift of third-placed Derby County, who have played two games more.

Balogun cele

THE OPPOSITION 

The Toffees will be full of confidence ahead of Monday’s clash, having won each of their last four PL2 outings.

David Unsworth’s side have been outscored by seven PL2 outfits this season - but it’s at the other end of the field where their organisation has allowed them to maintain their place at the top of the table.

Everton have conceded 12 fewer goals than any other side in the division this season (8) - and currently find themselves on an impressive defensive run, having gone 360 minutes without conceding.

Bassala Sambou is their current top goalscorer with seven goals in 16 appearances.

Unsworth

ONE TO WATCH

Given that the Toffees boast the league’s greatest defensive record this season, we’ll be needing Xavier Amaechi at his creative best on Monday.

The skilful winger has been in fine form since returning from injury in January, scoring two and assisting two more in four PL2 appearances.

Typically a right winger, Amaechi looks to cut inside and cause havoc with his left foot, by either firing at goal or playing a deft pass into the feet of the centre forward.

The 18-year-old has thrived under Freddie Ljungberg’s guidance this season - and displayed great consistency with any attacking lineup.

Xavier Amaechi

FOLLOW THE ACTION 

You can receive live updates by following our Twitter account @ArsenalAcademy

See Full List

Fixtures & Results

Premier League
Ticket Info