Arsenal’s under-21s beat Newcastle United 2-1 in Premier League 2 on Friday night.
The Gunners needed a 93rd-minute penalty winner to see off the Magpies at Meadow Park, to send Mehmet Ali’s team through to the last 16 of the league’s new play-off system.
Nathan Butler-Oyedeji converted a spot-kick mid-way through the first half to give Arsenal the lead, before Scott Bailey equalised for the travelling side shortly after the break.
Khayon Edwards secured the victory in stoppage time, tucking home from 12 yards after Charles Sagoe Jr. had been brought down by Rory Powell inside the box.
Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Khayon Edwards impressed for Arsenal against Newcastle
Butler-Oyedeji made his Premier League debut last week against Ipswich, coming on as a late substitute at Portman Road.
The young striker has been involved in several matchday squads for the senior side this season, clearly impressing Mikel Arteta in training.
Meanwhile, Edwards has also been on the cusp of the first team, training regularly with Arteta’s squad and threatening to feature on the bench.
The goal-scorers on Friday night, Butler-Oyedeji led the line for the opening 73 minutes and impressed for the Gunners.
A constant threat running in behind, the Hale End star showed composure to convert his penalty and looked mature playing at a level that is probably now beneath him.
Meanwhile, Edwards was only on the pitch for the final five minutes, replacing Andre Harriman-Annous, but he made this short cameo count.
Scoring the winner, it was a lovely moment for the Arsenal under-21 stalwart in potentially his final game at the home of Borehamwood.
Butler-Oyedeji and Edwards could feature in Arsenal’s PSG squad
Both Butler-Oyedeji and Edwards are expected to leave Arsenal at the end of this season, once their contracts expire.
However, they could yet garner a Champions League winners medal, and their involvement with the Gunners’ youth team on Friday would’ve been all about that.
The two strikers were fighting for their chance to earn a spot on Arteta’s bench for the tie against Paris Saint-Germain.
Assistant manager Albert Stuivenberg was in attendance at Meadow Park for the Newcastle game, and he certainly would’ve liked what he saw from Butler-Oyedeji.
The 22-year-old staked more of a claim for a place in the PSG squad than Edwards.
While they’re extremely unlikely to feature in the Champions League in any capacity, the optics of being on the bench for a game of such magnitude are certainly good.
Butler-Oyedeji will be able to add this involvement to his CV, something potential suitors in the EFL will be attracted to.
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