Osman Kamara’s second half goal made the difference to see off Derby County 1-0, as our young Gunners made it four wins on the bounce on Friday, 26 September.

Ahead of kick-off, a minute’s silence was held in memory of Billy Vigar, a former player of both clubs, who sadly passed away on Thursday morning.

Read more Billy Vigar | 2003-2025

We enjoyed the majority share of the ball inside the opening spells of the affair, which culminated in Will Sweet meeting Demiane Agustien’s outswinging corner in the air. The centre-back dominated the Rams’ airspace but struggled to gain enough height on his leap to direct the header on target.

Charles Sagoe Jr came closest to opening the scoring after he pounced on a mistake by Derby at the back. Tricky footwork from our striker fashioned a good opportunity on net, but he dragged his shot wide of Jack Thompson’s far post.

The home side’s clear counter-attacking approach almost caught out Max Porter’s defence just after half an hour played, but Marli Salmon tracked back well to deflect wide Cruz Allen’s shot from range.

Khari Ranson was called into action on the stroke of half time to make an assured double save, first to deter Adisa Osayande’s narrow shot, before he cradled the follow-up attempt from proximity. 

On the hour mark, Sagoe Jr took advantage of a loose ball and looked certain to break the deadlock on the hour mark. Our forward drove into an abundance of space with just the Thompson to beat, but wasn’t able to keep his shot low enough to trouble the no.1.

We did find a way through Derby’s defensive block on 71 minutes, however, after Sagoe Jr weaved his way down the right flank before cutting inside to drill in a low cross into the danger zone. Thompson could only parry into the path of substitute Kamara, who controlled superbly and fired his shot high into the roof of the net to register his first of the season.

Sagoe Jr almost found the target himself five minutes later, again using his dribbling flair to go clear of the defender before he unleashed a powerful attempt, but the Derby ‘keeper got down well to palm the ball behind.

Our under-21s withstood a late flurry of County pressure, but saw the game out with confidence to take the points back down South and make it four wins in a row.

What’s Next

Our young Gunners will be back in UEFA Youth League action on Wednesday, October 1, when they take on Olympiacos at the Mangata Developments Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 1pm (UK time).

Team News

Arsenal: Ranson, Hamill, Nichols, Salmon, Sweet, Dudziak (Ibrahim 57), Copley, Agustien (Kamara 58), Stevens (Clarke 85), Ferdinand (Harriman-Annous 58), Sagoe Jr.

Subs not used: Mitchell.

Derby: Thompson, Perry (Crolla 28), Turley, Wähling Canoville, Osayande, Wheeldon, Allen, Oguntolu (Wilson 77), Eames, Osong (Richards 58). 

Subs not used: Price, Tola.

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