An Arsenal XI suffered a 4-0 defeat to Championship side QPR during a behind-closed-doors friendly on Thursday.

Despite most of the Gunners squad being away on international duty this week, the friendly gave an opportunity to fringe players and those recovering from injury to get much-needed game time.

As a result, both Thomas Partey and Takehiro Tomiyasu featured from the start of the match, with Partey playing over an hour and Tomiyasu completing the first half.

Ghana international Partey was involved in a number of attacking moves, including a shot in the early stages that was well saved by QPR goalkeeper Joe Walsh.

Marti Cifuentes’ side, who are battling relegation, had a strong squad to choose from, although key players such as Lyndon Dykes, Kenneth Paal and club captain Asmir Begovic were not involved.

But Ilias Chair, who has been of the side’s key players this season, was named from the start, while former Arsenal youngster Chris Willock was on the bench and played the second half of the fixture.

Swiss striker Michael Frey netted a brace either side of half-time, while former Liverpool midfielder Elijah Dixon-Bonner and left-back Ziyad Larkeche also got their names on the scoresheet.

Arsenal’s squad, meanwhile, was largely made up of under-21 players, with the likes of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Taylor Foran playing 90 minutes.

And Amario Cozier-Duberry, who has been on the first team bench on several occasions this season, also appeared for over an hour as he attempted to stake another claim for senior football in the coming months.

Despite the outcome, Mikel Arteta will have been happy that Partey and Tomiyasu finished the match unscathed; also, it means that Arsenal’s younger players will get more playing time against Championship opponents.

Additionally, if a spot opens up in the squad due to Bukayo Saka’s departure from the England team, there may be a chance for one of the younger attackers to play against Manchester City on March 31.