Arsenal U21s 3-5 Aston Villa U21s

Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice help put pressure back on Man City

Report as Bukayo Saka's penalty, a Leandro Trossard strike and a Declan Rice own goal sends Arsenal U21s to the top of the Premier League 2 table

Arsenal U21s kept their Premier League 2 title hopes alive with a stunning 5-3 victory over Aston Villa U21s on Monday night.

Bukayo Saka gave the Gunners an early lead from the penalty spot after just nine seconds, but Villa hit back through Louie Barry and Arjan Raikhy.

Leandro Trossard restored Arsenal's lead before the break, but Villa levelled again through Cameron Archer.

Declan Rice put Arsenal back in front with an own goal, but Villa equalised once more through Hayden Lindley.

However, Arsenal were not to be denied and they snatched all three points in the dying minutes through goals from Charlie Patino and Omari Hutchinson.

The victory moved Arsenal top of the Premier League 2 table, one point ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

Arsenal will now face Manchester City in a crucial title clash on Friday night.

Conclusion

Arsenal U21s' victory over Aston Villa U21s was a timely reminder of their title credentials.

The Gunners have now won four of their last five games and they will be confident of beating Manchester City in their next match.

If Arsenal can win that game, they will be in a strong position to win the Premier League 2 title for the first time since 2016.