Arsenal 3-2 Norwich – U18's – Arsenal 4-1 Norwich – U16's

Arsenal Under 18’s matched the achievements of their first-team counterparts this morning, by coming from behind to win – 3-2 against Norwich at City’s Colney training centre.

As we told you yesterday, Oğuzhan Özyakup made his first start of the campaign in the centre of the park, whilst the England Under 19 trio all returned and started. Anton Blackwood had to make do with a place on the bench, Luke Freeman and Emmanuel Frimpong were away on International duty.

Shea
Obed – Ayling – Bartley – Cruise
Sunu – Özyakup – Thomas (c) – Eastmond
Murphy – Deacon

Arsenal started the brighter of the two sides, creating two early chances against a struggling Norwich. They had nothing to show from the dominate spell, although the post had been battered.

Eventually City managed to find their feet, and on a rare counter attack, striker Tom Adeyemi saw his long range drive handled in the box, and a penalty was awarded. It was the second such decision in as many games, following Anton Blackwood’s hand ball last week at Fulham.

Kris Renton buried the spot kick to put the hosts ahead, however it would not last. A swift break put Gilles Sunu in, he finished well from close range to make it 1-1, just 60 seconds later.

Between the sticks Rudd denied Sunu with half time approaching, yet it was Norwich who take the next goal. Renton controlled neatly in a crowded penalty area, before unleashing a spectacular scissor-kick which left Shea no chance.

Half Time – Arsenal 1-2 Norwich

Steve Bould’s half time team talks has been crucial in influencing results this campaign, but with an hour gone it showed no signs of helping on this occasion. That was until Dario Dumic’s clumsy foul on Murphy was punished, the England striker smashed in the resulting penalty to level the game.

Both teams battled to get a strangle hold, but on 85 minutes Arsenal bagged the winner. A jinking run from Gilles Sunu saw him cut through City’s defence, as Rudd advanced he lashed a powerful drive into the corner to win the Gunners the points. It finished 3-2 to the visitors, in a truly exciting encounter.

Full Time – Arsenal 3-2 Norwich

In other news, Arsenal’s Under 16’s smashed their Norwich counterparts 4-1, gaining revenge for a defeat last term.

Zak Ansah’s third goal of the season made it 1-0, further strikes from Neil Johnson, Alex Witham and then Benik Afobe – playing after being an unused substitute for the Under 18’s – sealed the 4-1 rout.

Article By – J.Sanderson