Albion's under-21s were outclassed by Arsenal at the Amex tonight.

Simon Ireland's side, featuring summer signings Danny Holla, Paddy McCourt and Nzuzi Toko as over-aged players, were beaten 4-0 by the Gunners.

Solly March's intended run-out, after his first team return from four months out with a stress fracture of the back against Fulham on Saturday, was aborted as a precaution.

Albion fell behind in the nith minute to a fine 20-yard strike by Arsenal midfielder Glen Kamara, beyond England under-20s keeper Christian Walton into the top corner.

The slick Gunners, coached by Hove-based former Albion FA Cup finalist Steve Gatting, doubled their lead 11 minutes later, prolific 18-year-olf Chuba Akpom tapping in from a well-worked corner routine straight off the training ground.

Akpom scored his second and Arsenal's third in the 34th minute. The rangey and rapid centre-forward latched onto Tyrell Robinson's pass and chipped over the stranded Walton.

It could have been worse for Albion by the interval after losing striker Chike Kandi through injury.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles slotted against a post for the Gunners when it seemed easier to score.

Akpom's hat-trick beckoned at the start of the second half but he shot wide with only Walton to beat.

Holla had a rare effort for Albion from long range tipped over by keeper Ryan Huddart before Walton denied Akpom with another opportunity to complete his treble.

The Seagulls improved in the second half, pressing more out of possession and showing more purpose with the ball, but Walton was still required to keep the score down with further saves to foil the ubiquitous Akpom and Daniel Crowley.

Akpom would not be denied, bagging his hat-trick in stoppage time from the penalty spot after Albion's ex-Arsenal centre-half Tom Dallison brought him down.

The result drops Albion back to the foot of the Premier League division two table on goal difference below Stoke. Arsenal, with one defeat and only six goals conceded in nine games, remain second behind Newcastle.

Albion (4-1-2-3): Walton; Barry, Barclay, Dallison, Hunt; Holla; Toko, Starkey (Harris 68); Cole (Davis 87), Kandi (Muitt 43), McCourt. Subs not used: Doherty, Wiltshire.

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Huddart; Johnson, O'Connor, Ajayi, Robinson; Kamara, Maitland-Niles; Iwobi, Zelalem, Crowley (Willock 79); Akpom. Subs not used: Sheaf, Keto, Dobson, Mavididi.