In a significant boost for Mikel Arteta's first-team plans, Arsenal's Under-21 side secured an emphatic 3-0 victory over Manchester United in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Saturday. The match was notable for the involvement of two high-profile figures: striker Gabriel Jesus, making his latest step in a long injury recovery, and former Gunners midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Familiar Faces Boost Young Gunners
The fixture, played away from public view, provided valuable minutes for players in need of match sharpness. According to reports from journalist Nathan Salt, the United side was reduced to ten men following the dismissal of James Overy, which aided Arsenal's control of the contest.
The most heartening sight for Arsenal supporters was the involvement of Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus. Jesus has been sidelined for 11 months since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, an injury that required surgery. He had recently returned to full training and was named on the bench for the Premier League clashes with Chelsea and Brentford, though he was omitted from the squad for the defeat to Aston Villa.
Arteta's Verdict on Key Returns
Speaking about the decision to use the friendly, manager Mikel Arteta explained the rationale behind giving players like Jesus this exposure. "We took that opportunity for the players that needed a bit of exposure and competition to provide that to them," Arteta said. "It was very positive. Obviously, he has been out 11 months and you need that progression. You need to see how his body, that knee reacts and what else does he need."
Arteta offered an optimistic update, adding: "The good thing is that it is very, very close at the moment." This suggests Jesus could be in contention for a first-team return in the near future.
Oxlade-Chamberlain's Emotional Comeback
The match also marked a poignant return for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The 32-year-old midfielder, who left Arsenal for Liverpool in a £35million deal back in 2017, has been training with the club's youth setup to regain fitness after his contract with Turkish side Besiktas concluded in the summer.
This was his first appearance in Arsenal colours since a 4-0 defeat at Anfield in August 2017. Arteta, who played alongside Oxlade-Chamberlain during his own time at the club, welcomed his presence. "It's a joy, the boys will learn from it. I had the privilege to play with him and if he is around he will be a really good role model to have around the team," Arteta stated, while clarifying the arrangement was to help the player find a new club.
Other notable participants included highly-rated academy prospect Max Dowman, who continued his impressive form by scoring a goal. Charles Sagoe Jr, who has previously been in a first-team Champions League squad, was also on the scoresheet in the 3-0 triumph.
For Arsenal, the closed-door game served multiple purposes: a convincing win for the development side, crucial rehabilitation minutes for a key striker, and a supportive environment for a returning club legend to build his fitness.
