Tom Smith
Captained the side in the first half and made a couple of saves to keep Hitchin at bay. 6
Ryan Alebiosu
Looked much better in the second half, after giving the ball away a few times early on. Seems happier as an attacking full back and combined well with Nathan Butler-Oyedeji down the right. 7
Joel Lopez
The Spainish left back joined from Barcelona’s La Masia last summer. As expected, Lopez has an excellent first touch and close control but didn’t do too much of note in an uneventful first half. 6
Miguel Azeez
Played holding midfield today, rather than the more attacking role he did against Barnet last week. Azeez is very comfortable with the ball at his feet and always seems to be looking to make things happen. 7
Levi Laing
Made some clearances during the first half and has a good understanding with Ogungbo. 6
Mazeed Ogungbo
Did well when called upon and kept a clean sheet in the first half against a fairly rapid Hitchin attacking line. The Republic of Ireland U16 International also looked decent on the ball. 7
Matthew Dennis
Scored Arsenal’s only goal, arriving in the box at the opportune moment to get on the end of Taylor-Hart’s ball. 7
Stan Flaherty
Was lively and grew into the game, largely as a provider to Greenwood up top. 7
Alfie Matthews
Played in a number ten role behind the striker but couldn’t really influence play as much as he might have hoped from there. 5
Kido Taylor-Hart
Got the assist for the opener after a great run and displayed some skillful movement and touches. A constant nuisance to Hitchin down the left flank and Arsenal’s best player. 8
Sam Greenwood
Might have done a bit better with the chances he had but the young striker is starting to mature physically and showed strength against the Hitchin back line. 6
Subs:
Jason Sraha
Defender signed from Chelsea didn’t really have time to impose himself on the game. 5
Hubert Graczyk
Polish goalkeeper made a couple of strong saves in the second half. He looks like a decent shot-stopper. 7
Luke Plange
Has pace to burn and was an effective replacement to Taylor-Hart, albeit with a more direct style. 7
Nathan Butler-Oyedeji
Small, quick and strong, the winger was eager to make things happen when he came off the bench. 7
Catalin Cirjan
A Romanian prodigy who has already played senior football in his home country, Cirjan looked a tad overwhelmed against adult opposition on this occasion. 5
Zane Monlouis
Started off at centre-back and then shifted to right-back. Looked equally comfortable in both positions. 7
Zach Awe
Towered above most of his Arsenal teammates and has a nice touch. 6
Henry Jeffcott
Played the whole of the second half at left back, combining well first with Taylor-Hart and then with Plange. 7
