Arsenal’s Under 18’s drew 0-0 with Norwich Under 18’s this morning, as the frustrating lack of consistency continued, many of the first choice squad were missing as Neil Banfield arranged a training session at London Colney to asses the Reserves team and help with team bonding.
Blackwood – Ayling – Thomas (c) – Evina
Rasmussen – Eastmond – Frimpong – Wilshere
Sunu – Murphy
Subs: Shea, Nicholas, Byles, Freeman, Henderson
But there were positives, Gilles Sunu passed a fitness test and started, alongside Rhys Murphy, Danish midfielder Jonas Rasmussen was also given a start, Anton Blackwood, and Luke Ayling also started in a re shuffled back four, with Jay Thomas skippering the side
But the game was almost a mirror of the way the first team played last season, finding it difficult to match up to the physical style of the East-Anglian out-fit, but some excellent pass and move football followed, with various chances for England youth striker Rhys Murphy, but the brightest chance came for Jonas Rasmussen who with a delicate lob tried to catch the home-sides stopper Rudd of his line.
But if Arsenal were finding it difficult to beat the Norwich keeper, the Canaries would find it equally as difficult to beat Arsenal’s Polish stopper Szczesny who made several impressive saves, showing his recent work with the first team has really improved his all round ability.
Still the midfield battle continued in a difficult game, you got the impression if the Gunners had the likes of Nacer Barazite, and Rui Fonte the game could have been won, but that was taking nothing away from Rhys Murphy who despite still being a little short of fitness was impressive, him and Jack Wilshere were at the heart of everything that was good about the team.
Changes were made in the second half with Luke Freeman and Conor Henderson being introduced for Rasmussen and Frimpong respectively, but it would finish goal less leaving Arsenal will now fading chances of winning the title.
Full time – Norwich 0-0 Arsenal.
Arsenal’s impressive Under 16’s side were hammered by Norwich 4-0 to cap of poor afternoon for our youngsters, striker Benik Afobe who has struggled for goals recently again failed to get on the score-sheet and without his predatory instincts a goal for Arsenal never looked likely.
Impressive performance from new Scholar Rorie Deacon, and he will be looking to step up to Under 18’s football.
Article By – J.Sanderson
So the Arsenal U16’s team lost 4-0 to Norwitch City this morning mabey Arsene Wenger should try and get some of there young players to come join Arsenel because even at that age to loose by that scoreline to a so called lesser club who probably have about 10% of Arsenal’s Acadamy budget to spend on youth development is a very very very embarassing thing to happen to our club IMO
i see your point Kent.
But we do have a large squad, but with Banfield taking alot of the boys away for private training it opened up gaps in thr sides
I take it the U16 team was made up of 14 and 15 year olds. As the U18 looks a young team
exactly both squads were under strenght.
Kent Paul, your assessment seems harsh. The players are young and learning so things like this can happen. It’s all about player development at this level, results are secondary. Good players will learn from adversity.
anybody know anything about Ramussen?
I know it is about player development but with our scouting network, bugdet, training ground, coaches and the ability to attract the best young football players from England and abroad to Arsenal we should still not be loosing games 4-0 nil to a small club like Norwitch City know matter what age level IMO
hi sir
i am abdul
i am 14 and i raelly i want joint the acedamy
i am young telant footbal player i am sure 100% i can make
if you give abourtinote
hi sir
i am abdul
i 14 years old young football talent
i am really love to play your academy