Arsenal’s Under 18’s made it two wins in three days against London rivals this morning, when they edged out Chelsea at their Cobham training centre to win 4-3.
Striker Benik Afobe proved to the difference, as he took full advantage of a rare start to walk away with an important brace. Sandwiched in between, was Jonas Rasmussen’s first for the club, and a Rhys Murphy penalty.
Shea
Obed – Blackwood – Miquel – Evina
Rasmussen – Byles – Boateng – Freeman
Afobe – Murphy (c)
The Gunners struggled in the opening stages, and found themselves a goal down when Jacopo Sala took advantage of poor defending to lash home the opener.
After more pressure leading up to half time, Sala again worked an opportunity, and doubled his and his teams tally. But half time would see Steve Bould earn his money.
The response was almost as instant as that from the F.A Youth Cup game on Thursday. Within 60 seconds of the restart, leggy winger Jonas Rasmussen rifled home his first for the club.
Seven minutes later, Chelsea’s lead had diminished. Afobe bullied his way into position, and calmly helped himself to his 3rd Academy League goal of the season.
The Arsenal poacher was making life difficult for the Blues, and when he strode into the box on the hour mark, Rohan Ince clipped the England Under 17 international down, and a penalty was awarded. Rhys Murphy confidently converted from 12 yards, and the win appeared to have been snatched.
However, Joshua McEahon’s 87th minute effort salvaged a point. Or so he thought.
Benik Afobe matched Sala’s two goal haul with a stunning winner in stoppage time. A 25-yard-lob which had the small crowd applauding the audacious strike. It was a fitting end to an exceptional game.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Hopefully he will just keep his head down and he could do whatever he wants. What a brillant week. Is there any news on wellington?
can you clear up the confusion on the last goal JS? Arsenal gave it to Freeman
It was Afobe, 100%. No idea why they said Freeman.
They also said it was a tight finish from Freeman, when it was actually a lob from Afobe. Weird one.
Whos better Afobe or rhys murphy? I have not seen benik afobe play but i have seen rhys murphy for england under 17 in the euro champions. I remeber him and Henri Lansbury playing and i thought both of them were world class prospect. Murphy looked liked a wayne rooney type while lansbury who was the best english player in that tournament played like a steven gerrard.
What kind of chance does Rhys Murphy have of making the first team in the near future? Does anyone have an opinion on him?
The was alot of confusion to who score but it was Afobe who score with a stunning lob
The Arsenal.com report changed as earlier they were saying it was a Chelsea own goal!
Only Shea started from Thursday and we still have a few players who can play for the under 18s who are on loan or with the first team. Nice pool of talents there. Hope a few can make the step up.
its ironic you say that about afobe because ive been trying to find the youtube videos of benik and they have dissapeared. so has the story on arsenals official website with him training with brazil. it got me thinking are they trying to keep him under wraps to keep the attention away. because in my eyes he looks like he could be the next biggest thing. Just a thought.
Does anyone know how Ignasi Miquel got on?
Chelsea’s third goalscorer was Josh MacEachran, slight spelling error.
Keeping Afobe under wraps until he’s signed a professional contract is a very, very good idea. *hint, nudge, wink J.S.*
AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH
ignasi played :D