WHEN it comes to anticipating life at Arsenal after Thierry Henry, names such as Emmanuel Adebayor, Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott are supposed to inspire optimism.

New £8m signing Eduardo da Silva was at Underhill yesterday but only in a spectating role so it was left to 17-year-old Nacer Barazite to provide the most exciting contribution to the now traditional opening preseason friendly between the Gunners and Barnet.

The young Dutchman, signed a year ago from NEC Nimegen, is likely to see much of Underhill this year as Arsenal play their reserve matches at the sloped ground.

After replacing Van Persie at half-time, the strongly-built Barazite struck spectacularly after 66 minutes, collecting a ball in midfield before shrugging off a couple of Barnet challenges and sending a firm right-footed shot past helpless goal-keeper Dave Blackmore.

Van Persie made his first start since breaking a metatarsal bone in his right foot in January while Walcott was back in action after missing the last couple of months of the season because of shoulder surgery.

Van Persie was integral to Arsenal’s opening goal in the 18th minute when his low cross evaded defenders in a packed penalty area before being turned into the net by Adebayor. Walcott’s pace was a threat down the right flank until he was replaced after an hour.

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger saw midfielder Denilson stretchered off after a challenge from Barnet’s Jason Puncheon but said: “It should be just a couple of days and he will be okay.” Wenger, whose future had been in doubt recently, said he had shown his commitment to the club in the past and, in a reference to Jose Antonio Reyes, who has cited the rain as one of the reasons why he wants to return to Spain, added: “I never worry about the weather.”

The Arsenal manager also said that he never believed that midfielder Cesc Fabregas would leave the club. “He has six, seven years left on his contract. We had to keep the stability after Thierry left and it never came into my mind he would leave.”

There was no Fernando Torres, Yossi Benayoun or Ryan Babel in the Liverpool side that won 3-0 at Crewe, so it was time for a couple of their young home-grown players to step into the spotlight.

Lee Peltier, a 20-year-old Liverpool-born midfielder, fired them in front with a low shot. England’s Peter Crouch steered in the second with his right foot before another local lad, 18-year-old left winger Ray Putterill, added the third.

Rafael Benitez, the Liverpool manager, was delighted with his youngsters. “The young players should show passion and quality, and it is good that they scored.”

Lomana LuLua was on target as Portsmouth won 2-0 at Yeovil. Giovanni, who is seeking a contract with the club, scored their second. Meanwhile, Premiership newcomers Derby County were held 1-1 at Blue Square Premier side Stafford Rangers.