Arsenal U18’s played out an entertaining game with Leeds for their first home fixture of the season.
McDermott
Byles – Hajrovic – Boateng – Evina (c)
Ozyakup – Yennaris – Henderson – Meade
Deacon – Freeman
Subs: – Shea – Obed – Brislen-Hall – Frimpong
Steve Bould made three changes from the side that drew 1-1 against Sheffield United the previous Saturday. Benik Afobe and Chuks Aneke were absent due to international duty, whilst Rhema Obed dropped to the bench. Perhaps the most interesting member in the starting eleven was Sead Hajrovic who was signed from Grasshopper during the summer and along with Sean McDermott were two players making their Arsenal debut. Highly-rated Jernade Meade was also given a start.
The Leeds line up had three players over age; Andy Milne, Tom Lees and Tom Elliott all close to turning 19. Elliott has already had a few first team appearances under his belt at Leeds and his Heskey like build gave a clear indication as to how Leeds were going to play; physical and direct. Some early clattering challenges by both teams certainly enhanced this claim, and Elliott was certainly causing some trouble for the Arsenal defence with his physical presence. After a nice piece of control from the Leeds front man he was able to knock the ball in to the path of Mike Whitwell who picked his spot well, putting Leeds in to a surprise lead.
Arsenal seemed a little stunned from the opener and were finding it hard to really stamp their authority despite maintaining possession. Meade created himself a half chance, but it was the in form Roarie Deacon who had scored an exceptional goal earlier in the week for the reserves who got Arsenals equaliser. Conor Hendersons quick thinking enabled Deacon to collect the ball from Hendersons throw and wiggle is way through the Leeds box before slotting the ball past the Leeds goalkeeper. Then in the 40th minute it was Decaon again. After some great build up play, Ozyakup was able to find Deacon on the edge of the box who was able to turn and let fly with a ferocious left footed drive giving Jones no chance.
Steve Bould made a significant change at half time, bringing off the very composed and impressive Conor Henderson who had a major hand in both goals and brought on one of last season’s success stories; Emmanuel Frimpong. It was the industrious midfielder’s first taste of competitive action since he suffered an unfortunate injury in the FA Youth Cup Final victory over Liverpool back in May.
Leeds came out searching for an equaliser and tested McDermott on a couple of occasions. However, it was the little assassin Luke Freeman who added to Arsenal’s advantage. An out of character long ball from Arsenal caught the Leeds defence out and a miss guided header sent Freeman through whose pace was able to get to the ball ahead of another Leeds defender before calmly slotting the ball past Ryan Jones.
Cedric Evina’s mazy run then led to a snap shot from Freeman which was saved by Jones, but it left Evina incensed that he should of had a penalty.
Despite the positives Frimpong had to be withdrawn after just 17 minutes in to his comeback as he was still feeling the effects of his knee injury and was replaced by George Brislen-Hall.
Leeds began to put a little pressure on as Arsenal slightly took their foot of the gas. A wonderful save from McDermott kept out a glancing header from Andy Milne and in the 67th minute Arsenal finally cracked as Elliott hustled Hajrovic in to making a mistake. As the debutant tried to head the ball back to McDermott it was too short and Elliott was able to round the goallee comfortably and place the ball in the net.
The game now was pretty open with Leeds direct approach causing the Arsenal defence some problems, yet on the other side of the pitch Freemans nippy footwork helped create a couple of half chances.
Eventually Freemans off the ball movement soon created a crucial moment as Ozyakup was able to deliver an inch perfect through ball for the decisive number 9 who calmly took it round the keeper and put the result to bed as Arsenal went home with all three points.
Article By – Nick Love