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Arsenal U21s demolished Manchester United 6-2 to advance to the quarterfinals of the Premier League 2 Division One play-offs.
Arsenal's U21 side produced a devastating attacking display to demolish Manchester United 6-2 and advance to the quarterfinals of the Premier League 2 Division One playoffs.
The young Gunners were fired to victory by a brace from Nigerian striker Butler Oyedeji, while compatriot Ethan Nwaneri also got on the scoresheet from the penalty spot.
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17:32 - 28.03.2024
Super Eagles eligible midfielder Ethan Nwaneri signs first professional contract with Arsenal
The Arsenal youngster made his debut aged only 15 years and continues his development with a new contract at the club
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Nigerian Oyedeji Double Rocks United
It was Oyedeji who set Arsenal on their way, netting the opener in the opening 14 minutes to give the hosts a dream start at Meadow Park.
The powerful 21-year-old's first was a composed close-range finish, before he displayed his aerial prowess to head home his second just before the break.
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His impressive brace helped to put Arsenal firmly in control against a United side consisting mainly of U18 players struggling to cope with the intensity.
Nwaneri Penalty Seals Rout
With the game slipping away from United after halftime, any faint hopes of a comeback were extinguished when the referee pointed to the spot before the hour mark.
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Up stepped 17-year-old Nwaneri, who won and coolly dispatched the penalty to make it 5-0 before United briefly threatened a revival by reducing the arrears to 5-1.
Nwaneri's strike and the cherry on top from Amario late sealed a hugely impressive team performance from the young Gunners as they booked their place in the PL2 playoff quarterfinals in style.
The two Nigerians will now hope their starring roles caught the eye of Mikel Arteta as they stake their claim for first-team opportunities next season.
For United's shell-shocked youngsters, it's an early lesson in the harsh realities of knock-out football at this level as their playoff run was abruptly halted.
But for Arsenal's talented crop, including Oyedeji and Nwaneri, optimism will be high that they can go all the way and lift the PL2 playoff crown in the coming weeks.
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