The under-21 team hosted Aston Villa in the Division Two under-21 play-off final on Tuesday night. Arsenal had beaten Blackburn to progress to the final but faced a very good team in Aston Villa.
During the season, Aston Villa had beaten Arsenal both times, meaning this was not going to be an easy game by any means. From the offset, Villa looked to press Arsenal and it worked. After a poor pass back from Chambers, goalkeeper Macey took a poor touch causing him to rush his clearance. From that clearance, Villa attacked quickly which lead to Hepburn-Murphy scoring the first goal.
However, Arsenal began to grow into the game and looked sharp going forward. Francis Coquelin – one of the four first team players – clipped a great ball over the top for Mavididi who crossed for Willock to tap in the goal.
The second-half was a completely different game. Arsenal looked much more assured and comfortable with the ball. Willock was a constant threat down the left and set up Mavididi for both his two goals in the second-half. The first, Willock crossed for Mavididi who nodded it into the net. The second goal, Willock slid a great ball through to Mavididi who finished well in the corner.
Arsenal won 3-1 securing promotion for next season.
