Arsenal’s Under 18’s ended their poor recent form with a 6-0 demolition of Charlton Athletic this morning at London Colney. Steve Bould’s outfit secured their win thanks to braces from Roarie Deacon and Luke Freeman while Conor Henderson and Nicholas Yennaris completed the rout.
Steve Bould welcomed back Benik Afobe who operated as the spearhead of an exciting front three which included Roarie Deacon and Luke Freeman. A midfield of Chuks Aneke, Nico Yennaris and Conor Henderson meant Bould had opted for an attacking approach. On loan ‘keeper Dunn continued.
Dunn
Obed – Boateng – Miquel – Brislen-Hall
Aneke – Yennaris – Henderson
Deacon – Afobe – Freeman
Charlton were exposed for their poor start after just three minutes. Deacon took full advantage of slack defending and bagged his 6th of the season. Arsenal continued to apply pressure and 10 minutes later the Addicks crumbled again, Freeman this time on target.
The Gunners continued to press and could have been comfortably out of sight by half time. Freeman did get another before the break to make it 3-0 but some of Arsenal’s performances recently have meant that wasn’t an all together safe lead.
However, they completed the job in the second half. Within 60 seconds of the restart Deacon made it 4-0 with his second and three minutes after that Henderson was on target with his second of the campaign. Holding midfielder Yennaris completed the rout in the 85th minute with his first Academy League goal.
An impressive performance from the Under 18’s who now face consecutive trips to the South Coast with Southampton and Portsmouth looking to claim notable scalps.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Any idea how Benik played? Does the fact that he played here mean he is not off to Barcelona? Is it fair to say Benik is the jewel in the crown of the U18s, or can any of the other lads, like Freeman, make the step up? Cheers.
Benik is playing some really good stuff at the moment but I think the general feeling is that he’s not being supported enough by the coaching staff.
He’s certainly one of the best Under 18 players but he’s yet to really hit a consistant spell, he seems to score in bursts like Adebayor did.
not being supported enough by the coaching staff?? in what way?
I thought Afobe was in Barca
Its an impression that I get. When he plays well he doesn’t seem to get supported as much as say other players. And when he’s playing poor doesn’t get as much support as he should.
Afobe is going to look at Barca, nothing is signed yet.
A good kick butt perfomance. A good win.
Afobe is going to look at Barca, nothing is signed yet.
J.Sanderson said this on November 7, 2009 at 8:45 pm
That is a pretty definite statement, how sure are you?
How old is Zak Ansah? Has he played any football at Under-18 level? If you had to rank the top 3 under-18 talents coming through the ranks, who would you nominate? I know this may be a rather futile and inaccurate exercise, but just helps me to know who to keep an eye on. It’s always sweet following the progression of a young talent from the U18s to reserve team and hopefully to the first team, much like Jack and Sanchez have done.
Thanks again.
Do u hv any idea why I can’t see your blog on my iPhone, I only get to see the comments?….or is it cos am not in the uk?
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Freeman does seem very dependable whilst Afobe is more is more explosive. Both have a long way to go but they can do no more than keep scoring.
If Afobe goes, I’m sure we will buy a young promising striker like that Anderlecht guy.
If Afobe was to go it would be in January, right? What’s the point when he’d be going pro just 1 month later over here whereas he’d have to wait over a year in Spain?
We just need to give him reserves games tbh. He deserves them but isn’t getting any.
I find it very difficult to belive that our coaching staff would not give support to one of our best young talents, unless they think he has gone billy bigtime and are trying to keep his ego in check, and do not want to appear to be scene giving individual players preferential treatment over so called lesser players at the club which i would understand because that could destroy team moral if they did.
As for whether he goes to Barcelona or not, if Benik Afobe does choose to go i will be personally dissapointed to loose one of our best young players, but it is his football career at the end of the day and he must do what he thinks is best for it, as we all would do in his position, i just hope that if he does end up going to Barcelona it is for footballing reasons and not just to line his pocket, but i will still wish him all the best in whatever decision he ends up making in regards to his football career IMO.
NO we want you to stay BENIK, dont go!!!!! please!!! stay at Arsenal, just imagine one of those moody north london nights in december…your name is ringing all around Highbury just as you’ve completed a hat-trick against the sperms!!!!
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How come i cant view the blog on my phone? I only get 2 read the comments.
I think we need to calm down about Benik. He’s only going to look there is no crime about that. There is certainly a chance he will sign for Barca but his Dad is an Arsenal fan I believe so I’m sure he will try and make him stay.
I suggest we calm down about it until there is more news.
Is Frimpong still wanting to play for England? And what about Wynter, is he wanting to play for England?
If his dad has any sense at all (which i’m sure he has) he’d make him stay too. I’m 100% sure Benik has more of a chance of making it big at Arsenal than at Barcelona and his dad and loved ones should make him aware of this if he doesn’t already know for himself.
Barca wanted Watt a couple of years ago too and Sanchez and his fam knew what was best for him. I’m sure it’ll be the same with Afobe.