Arsenal u-18s opened their season with a tough away game at Sheffield United and walked away with a very hard fought draw.
Shea
Byles – Obed – Boateng – Evina (c)
Ozyakup – Yennaris – Aneke
Deacon – Afobe – Freeman
Subs – McDermott – Hajrovic – Brislen-Hall – Edge
After Arsenal ran away with the league last year it was expected that Sheffield United would struggle to compete, but instead it was Arsenal who found it difficult to get to grips with Sheffield United’s hard graft and determination in closing down the ball.
Nico Yennaris filled in at centre back for Ignasi Miquel, plus new faces Jamie Edge and Sead Hajrovic who were signed from Cheltenham and Grasshopers over the summer made the bench.
Arsenal kept the ball well during the game, but Sheffield United made it very hard for Arsenal to make any real breakthrough. However, despite going behind to a Jordan Chappel goal in the 60th minute Arsenal responded well and man of the match Roarie Deacon who is looking to impress this season equalised in the 72nd minute, earning Arsenal perhaps a somewhat fortuitous point. Aneke and Ozyakup were notable performers in midfield whilst Nico Yennaris performance in an unfamiliar centre back role was very encouraging.
Article By – Nick Love