WITH Emanuel Adebayor’s playing whereabouts in the forthcoming season still open to debate, Arsene Wenger is clearly taking close stock of his striking options and the name of Jay Simpson could soon be figuring in the Arsenal reckoning. The powerfully built 19-year-old, who spent much of last season on loan at Millwall, already holds a place in Arsenal’s history; he was the first player to score a hat-trick at the Emirates Stadium in an FA Youth Cup tie.

After more established names such as Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner failed to impress in this now traditional preseason friendly, Simpson emerged amid wholesale changes at half-time to score one goal and play an integral part in another as Arsenal came from behind to avoid an embarrassing defeat against their near neighbours from League Two.

Arsenal started with obvious optimism. Bacary Sagna was back in the right back berth while new £5m acquisition from Cardiff City, Aaron Ramsey lined up in the centre of midfield, and despite being presented with the handicap of playing up the notorious Underhill slope, the 17-year-old Welshman played a part in most of Arsenal’s more positive moves.

Nevertheless they fell behind when teenage Norwegian defender Havard Nordtveit conceded a free kick five yards outside the penalty area and Kenny Gillet took the opportunity to curve a glorious left-footed drive out of the reach of Manuel Almunia.

Regardless of the deficit, Wenger sent on a completely fresh lineup comprising of reserves and new team players for the second half. Simpson was quick to impress, scoring cleverly in the 64th minute when he took a precise pass from Jack Wilshere and netted from an angle. Ten minutes later, Simpson set up Dutchman Nacer Barazite to score the winner.

Star Man:Jay Simpson (Arsenal)

Barnet: Beckwith, Carew, Devera, Yakubu, Gillet, Adomah, Porter, Bishop, St Aimie, Akurang, Birchall

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, J Hoyte, Nordtveit, Clichy, Lansbury, Denilson, Ramsey, Traore, Walcott, Bendtner

Scorers: Barnet:Gillet 16Arsenal:Simpson 63, Barazite 73 Referee:G Hegley Attendance:5,400