Arsenal’s Under 18’s remain top of Academy League Group A this morning after edging another close fixture with a tricky Southampton side at London Colney.
Poor defending allowed the visitors the opener on 34 minutes, but Francis Coquelin drew the scores level heading into the break. Luke Ayling bundled home the winner via Gilles Sunu’s excellent corner in the second period.
As we told you yesterday, Francis Coquelin and Benik Afobe were in contention to start, they both did, with Afobe making his first start for the Academy team aged just 15. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas skippered from the centre of the park, Jonas Rasmussen came in wide on the right.
Shea
Obed – Ayling – Bartley – Cruise
Rasmussen – Coquelin – Thomas – Sunu
Afobe – Murphy
Subs – Mann – Byles – Evina – Blackwood – Deacon
The opening minutes saw a ‘tug-of-war’ in terms of styles, as Southampton opted to break up the quick pace and elegant passing with physical tackles. Eventually, the game sprung into life. Shea managed to get a firm hand to a wicked free-kick, before Murphy came inches away from breaking the deadlock.
The flowing football was slowly proving too much for the Saints, Cruise and Sunu combined down the left, but Afobe flicked his header wide. If Arsenal had shown their class from quick breaks, the roles were reversed on 34 minutes as Southampton caught the Gunners cold and after James Shea advanced, the Islington born stopper saw the ball drift over his head and into the net. A worrying start for Bould’s boys, who have often struggled when going behind.
It was all about character and personality from this point on, which was in abundance from the hosts. Kyle Bartley rose highest from a corner, only to see his header drift wide. With stoppage time looming, the equaliser finally arrived in the windy conditions.
Afobe showed great intelligence in the box, but after seeing his shot blocked the move appeared to be over. That was until Francis Coquelin reacted first and seized on the re-bound to level proceedings.
Half Time – Arsenal 1-1 Southampton
The traditional half time talk was dished out to the young charges, and like it has been in many weeks, it proved decisive. Gilles Sunu’s drilled corner was perfect for Luke Ayling, and the all action defender crashed home to complete the come back.
If he thought he could relax after the goal, Ayling had another thing coming. He was forced into action up the other end shortly after, just getting a foot to the ball to clear off the line. Deacon came on for Rasmussen as Bould looked to keep the pressure on and seal the victory, that was nearly done as Jay Emmanuel-Thomas caused chaos after shooting from a corner.
Coquelin had a further chance to extended the lead, as did Deacon, but it finished 2-1. A smash and grab win for the Under 18’s, but claiming wins when you’re not at your best is the true sign of a title winning outfit.
Full Time – Arsenal 2-1 Southampton
Article By – J.Sanderson
Pls Jay.you really need to consider making this an all time full blown arsenal blog. From first team down to the academy level..else, you blog would only to reasonably active during preseason when there isn’t first team action. Don’t be like Arsene Wenger who is too stiff headed these days, listen to this advice as it would help for the growth of your blog.
High hopes for Ayling, especially at right back. The fact he can play a number of positions is a good sign. Not too sure on Thomas, a bit hit and miss. Sunu, Afobe and Murphy good talents.
Good analysis – TB
Top Gunn, the whole reason behind the growth of this blog, is that it’s different. The site is different from the same old thing that’s out there.
The comments and views on every single article outweight those on first team blogs, so just from a stats point of view, we are better off focusing on the youth.
We are adding a domain in the next few days, so were developing in other ways, without damaging the focus.
If it aint broke, don’t fix it.
good article J
can i ask you some questions about Afobe
1,how good is he?
2,when do you think he could get into the 1st team?
3,what countries can he play for?
4,how long is he under contract?
i also agree with you about keeping this a youth blog as its the reason its so popular
1) – Very good
2) – Long way to go yet
3) – He is an England U16 International, could play for Congo.
4) – Has school boy forms, will sign scholarship with professional option in the summer.
does Evina play for france or england at youth level?
and whats the news about that player from south america who was ment to be going to salamanca
He plays for neither, neither has selected him. But he will play for France if selected.
No news about that, if there is any news, I will update the site with it.
Good ‘old’ Arsenal.(lol)
player ratings would be fantastic if possible
great site. does no one put these goals up on the net? if so could you link to them.
cheers
HI JS how tall is thomas cruise and do u see him as a CB or LB and do u think Bartley can make the step up next season challenging for the Centre back role
perfect blog. Don’t change a thing. We love it. Coquelin is a first teamer next year. What do you think?
yeah i think player ratings would give a better look on the performances of each player.(if it’s possible)
Coquelin is going to be a star. The boy is fantastic.
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