New signings Jonah Ayunga and Henrik Bjordal had a sobering start to their Albion careers in the under-21s at Arsenal today.

Ayunga earned a first half penalty which Jack Harper failed to capitalise on, with the Seagulls already 3-0 down.

Bjordal came on for his debut in the second half of a 4-1 defeat.

Albion were 3-0 adrift in the opening 17 minutes of the contest at Arsenal's London Colney training ground.

Reiss Nelson fired the Gunners in front after two minutes, then delivered a corner for Kristian Bielik to flick in the second (14).

Nelson was the provider again three minutes later, slipping through Stephy Mavididi for an accomplished finish past Christian Walton.

Albion wasted a chance to reduce their arrears on the half-hour when debutant Ayunga, signed from Dorchester for £40,000 at the end of the transfer window, was pushed by Kristopher Da Graca inside the box.

Harper's penalty was saved by Matt Macey and the Scot signed from Real Madrid in the summer put the rebound over the bar.

Ismael Bennacer scored Arsenal's fourth with a free-kick 12 minutes from time, shortly after Norwegian teenager Bjordal bought for £300,000 last month replaced Harper.

Albion were awarded a second penalty in the 85th minute, Marcus McGuane bringing down Dylan Barnett.

James Tilley made no mistake from the spot to provide Simon Rusk's youngsters with a late consolation.

Ex-England and Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck played for an hour for Arsenal after ten months out with knee trouble.

Arsenal: Macey (Huddart 46); Da Graca, Bielik, Pleguezuelo, M.Bola, Nelson, McGuane, Bennacer, Willock (Mourgos 81), Welbeck (Da Silva 60), Mavididi. Subs not used: Eyoma, Malen.

Albion: Walton, Hunt, Barnett, Molumby, Hutchinson, Dallison, Ward, Starkey, Ayunga (Deen 76), Harper (Bjordal 72), Tilley. Subs not used: Doherty, Tighe, Barclay.