Sixteen-year-old Josh Tomlinson broke Jimmy Benton’s record to become the club’s youngest ever scorer when heading in after just eight minutes, but missed chances came back to bite Town as goals from Zach Awe, Amario Cozier-Duberry and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji gave Arsenal all three points. Here are our player ratings from a promising display from Northampton’s young guns at Sixfields...
5. Aaron McGowan
Skipper for the night and it was all about minutes in the legs for the returning full-back. Came through 50 minutes unscathed on his first appearance of the season and it should do him a world of good as he looks to get back to full speed... 7 Photo: Pete Norton
6. Ryan Haynes
Whipped in a string of devilish crosses from the left flank in the first-half, less so in the second as the tide turned in Arsenal's favour. Always an outlet and nearly scored himself, forcing Hein to beat away a powerful drive... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton
7. Peter Abimbola
He's a real terrier in the middle of the park. Showed his turn of speed when cranking on the afterburners to snuff out a dangerous counter-attack.His anticipation and work ethic are both impressive, can be tidier in possession... 7 Photo: Pete Norton
8. Ben Fox
Clearly the best player on the pitch, at least for an hour until Arsenal started to exert some control against an increasingly makeshift Cobblers team. Ran the show in the first-half and integral to nearly all of Town's best periods of play. Should have had an assist or two. Shame he will now miss the next three games... 8 CHRON STAR MAN Photo: Pete Norton