Arsenal’s Under 18’s racked up another win this morning by beating their Fulham counterparts 4-2 at Motspur Park. A hat-trick from powerful striker Benik Afobe, his 4th, 5th and 6th goals in his last 5 games. Dutch midfielder Oğuzhan Özyakup celebrated his new professional contract with his first of the campaign to level things at 2-2.
Steve Bould switched his side around but kept the 4-3-3 which is currently being deployed throughout the ranks. Roarie Deacon was dropped to the bench in favour of Chuks Aneke in a unfamilar right wing position. It was a decision which appeared to have failed after a lack luster performance from the leggy midfielder.
Shea
Boateng – Hajrovic – Miquel – Evina
Ozyakup – Yennaris – Henderson
Aneke – Afobe – Freeman
Subs: – Charles-Cook, Obed, Byles, Brislen-Hall, Deacon.
The Gunners began well at a windy Motspur Park and took the lead when Afobe buried a rasping right foot shot into the net to hand Steve Bould’s boys a deserved lead. But they appeared complacent and went into the break 2-1 down after Danny Hoeson bagged a classy brace after poor defending from Sead Hajrovic and Ignasi Miquel.
Oğuzhan Özyakup looked superb in the middle of the park and he would grab the equalizer shortly after the break. A jinking run from skipper Cedric Evina caused problems and after crossing, Özyakup was on hand to tap home from close range. Evina was soon at it again. Another lung-busting run resulted in another cross and another goal. This time a header from Afobe.
At 3-2 the Gunners looked comfortable. Özyakup showed off his excellent radar by providing a neat ball through the Fulham backline to put Afobe 1 on 1 with the ‘keeper. He stroked home with his left foot to complete the perfect hat-trick. Right foot, left foot and header. It really was a perfect day for the burly forward.
Article By – J.Sanderson
i guess afobe is back on top of his game
Good report. Can’t really understand why Deacon was dropped. He’s our best U18 attackerthis campaign (Afobe is probably more talented) and should get a professional contract soon.
Sure he isn’t injured or something?
surely anuke should play in midfield in the centre. Plus how do people rate yennaris and henderson, i dont know much about these two.
Not injured not, otherwise he wouldn’t have travelled. He wasn’t selected from the bench either. I’d say something kicked off.
i thought chuks would be an essien like player but now his playing as a winger/forward
At their age I think they are moved around to develop their overall game.
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This was a good win. The big guys are struggling against Fulham. Zero-zero at half.
j can u plz tell me about the arsenal cup in america for youths i really wnt 2no bt u never tell me wen i post a comment plz
I don’t have any details of it yet mate. Like always, if I have any information I will add it. Simple.
Welcome to the season Mr Afobe. Now kick on and smash those goalscoring charts son.
Something kicked off? What do you mean J? Deacon got trouble with the coaching staff or something?
Sad if Deacon has problems because he has the talent and drive but like always top players needs the mentality. Hope it is a one off.
If something kicked of, that would be too bad. Deacon has been very impressive so far and if he is not mentally capable that is a shame… Next Jerome Thomas…
Ozyakup is a real talent but we have tons of quality central midfielders. Hes got a bit of the young Micheal Ballack about him. Tall, elegant box to box very productive.
Nico yennaris has impressed me alot he looks a real talent. Technically hes superb and his passes are amazing he never seems to give the ball away.
Afobe i dont really rate personally. Think he relies too much on pace and power. I do like chuks aneke but again we have lots of central midfielders.
don’t you think Deacon is on the bench cause he is too good for this level? Like Thomas last season who often started on the bench and came on if the team was struggling?
I think Deacon is pretty special
don’t you think Deacon is on the bench cause he is too good for this level? Like Thomas last season who often started on the bench and came on if the team was struggling?
I think Deacon is pretty special
OH! You’re my new favorite blogger fyi
thanks j