For our League One opponent, a team including Martin Odegaard, Ben White, Jurrien Timber, and Fabio Vieira was too powerful; we controlled events for most of the afternoon.

Having had some training already under their belts, Mikel Arteta’s team included mostly of players who were not engaged at the Euros or Copa America. 

Possibly a picture of one person playing football, soccer, and text.

Starting at left back, young players Ayden Heaven and Myles Lewis-Skelly were also included from the start; the former was in the center of defense alongside Jurrien Timber.

Perhaps a picture of one person playing American football and text, then playing football.

The initial twenty minutes saw little goalmouth action, and indeed our first shot on target produced the first goal. Excellent left wing effort between Lewis-Skelly and Reiss Nelson produced Eddie Nketiah squaring for Jesus to tuck home.

Perhaps a picture of two persons playing American football and text, football, two people playing.

As we increased our efforts, the goal set off a flurry of opportunities. While Vieira shot over from close range, some great close control from Jesus resulted in an opportunity for Nketiah pushed wide by the keeper.

Perhaps a picture of one person engaging in American football, playing football and texting.Could be a picture of two people playing American football and text alongside two people playing football.With Karl Hein barely disturbed in goal, behind his young defense, our forwards were buzzing around dangerously combining effectively.

Smith Rowe arrived at half-time and within three minutes extended our lead. Once more involved, Jesus brought a high ball under his spell and laid it off for Smith Rowe to rīfle past the keeper. 

Nketiah then had a low shot saved following an Odegaard lay off and Smith Rowe fired wide as we sought to force home our advantage. 

While most of our substitutions came on the hour, the visitors had altered most of their team at half-time. Among those brought in was Salah Oulad-M’hand, who immediately involved himself and had a shot deflected wide following a changeover of play.

Now the side looked far more modern, but we still controlled the play. Although Charles Sagoe Jr. late on forced a save from Sam Howes in the Orient goal, we were well worth the 2-0 victory.