First-team hopefuls in action as Arsenal U21s lose to FK Austria Wien II

Arsenal U21s lost 4-1 to FK Austria Wien II in their third pre-season fixture at the Generali Arena on Saturday afternoon.

They drew their first pre-season fixture against National League club Boreham Wood before losing to St Albans City.

Interim coach Max Porter started the trio of Maldini Kacurri, Ife Ibrahim, and Harrison Dudziak — all of whom recently trained with the first team — while centre-back Will Sweet made his return from injury.

Goalkeeper Remy Mitchell, whose signing awaits official confirmation, was named among the substitutes but did not feature in the contest.

Arsenal started the game poorly as they conceded the first goal in the seventh minute. A long ball over the top was found by Konstantin Aleksa, who put the ball into the bottom corner.

Forward Brando Bailey-Joseph almost levelled the scores with a shot from distance, but goalkeeper Kenan Jusic saved his effort.

The Austrian side doubled the lead just after the half-hour mark as Marijan Osterreicher put the ball home after a one-two with Philip Hosiner.

Midfielder Alex Marciniak’s effort to reduce Arsenal’s deficit was saved by Jusic.

Romeo Morth nearly extended the young Violets’ lead with an effort while Hosiner spurned a chance to get on the scoresheet.

The hosts eventually made it 3-0 before the break through an own goal.

Potter made several changes at the interval, including the introduction of new signing Demiane Agustien, who replaced Harrison Dudziak.

Agustien nearly made an instant impact when he struck a powerful shot which whistled past the post.

The Young Violets scored the game’s fourth goal in the 78th minute, when Hasan Deshishku found Marcel Stoger, who placed the ball into the net.

Striker Daniel Oyetunde scored the consolation goal for Arsenal from close range after receiving a pass from Ceadach O’Neill.

Arsenal will face National League side Enfield Town in their next pre-season game on Tuesday.

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