Matches

Arsenal kicked off their Dallas Cup SuperGroup campaign in style this morning, coming from behind to thrash The Dallas Texans 5-1. Goals from Conor Henderson, Roarie Deacon, Luke Freeman and a brace from Josh Rees sealed the win.

Neil Banfield’s boys came into the game knowing Club Bolivar had beaten Chorrillo FC 2-1 in Bracket A, so a three goal margin would put them top. However, Corinthians and Barcelona had been beaten by American sides earlier in the day, so the Gunners knew they faced an up hill task.

ARSENAL: Martínez; Hajrovic, Boateng, Monterio, Bihmoutine; Frimpong, Ebecilio; Deacon, Özyakup, Henderson; Freeman

The Dallas Texans promised they would mean business this week, and followed that mandate straight from the off set. A slick team move saw Douglas find space on the edge of the box, but his volley ended up inches wide.

As Arsenal struggled to get into the game, the hosts kicked on. A hopeful ball over the top caused panic in the back line, leading to Martínez coming racing out of his goal. He got nowhere near the ball, and clattered into Richardson. Despite the huge protests from the crowd, no penalty was given.

The Texans would have their revenge shortly after, though. Arsenal failed to deal with a simple free-kick, and Eduardo Aranda was on hand to turn home from close range. 1-0, and thoroughly deserved.

It could have been more just minutes later, when a long throw was lashed just wide by Aranda, before Richardson smacked the bar with a neat volley. Özyakup then looked to respond with a rare Arsenal chance, but his free-kick hit the wall and was easily cleared.

Arsenal won another just before half time, but this time Henderson stepped up to take it. He curled the ball expertly, and despite a deflection, it flew into the net. 1-1 and the Gunners had a foot hold to build on.

Freeman showed off Arsenal’s growing confidence with a flick header that went just wide in first half stoppage time, before an injection of quality saw the visitors take the lead. Özyakup’s delightful through ball found Deacon, and as the ‘keeper rushed out, he finished well to put the Gunners in front at the break. 2-1.

Banfield rotated at half time, bringing on George Brislen-Hall in place of Bihmoutine. It may have a been a tactical change to combat the attacking threat of Richardson, but his second half only lasted a matter of minutes, as the Texan forward was dismissed for a second yellow card.

Arsenal pressed home their advantage, and all but sealed the win when Freeman bundled home Özyakup’s corner, after a shot from Ebecilio. 3-1, and no way back for The Texans.

Frimpong came off shortly after, with the Ghanaian looking a little tired in the midfield. Josh Rees replaced him, and he added the icing to the cake in the closing stages, with a delightful header to make it 4-1. He followed that up with another shortly after, finishing a fine through ball, for what proved to be the final meaningful action of the game.

The full time whistle brought to an end a super start to Arsenal’s Dallas Cup challenge. The young Gunners recovered well after going behind, and will surely face easier challenges ahead in Chorrillo and Club Bolivar.

Arsenal played out their final home game of the Premier Reserve League season in style this evening, beating Sunderland 4-2 in an entertaining fixture, watched over by Emmanuel Eboué. Goals from Roarie Deacon, Jérémie Aliadière, Josh Rees and Luke Freeman gave the Gunners the win, despite being pegged back twice.

Neil Banfield was again able to call upon the experience of 41-year-old Jens Lehmann, while Jérémie Aliadière continues to train with the club and also started. Emmanuel Frimpong was named on the bench, after returning from anterior cruciate ligament damage, which has kept him out all season.

ARSENAL: Lehmann; Hajrovic, Boateng, Miquel, Meade; Deacon, Ozyakup, Henderson; Murphy, Aliadière, Freeman.

SUNDERLAND: B Wilson; Bagnall, Adams, N Wilson, Egan; Laing, Mitchell, Knott; Noble, Lynch, Fletcher.

If Arsenal were determined to leave Underhill for this season in style, they got off to a near perfect start. Within 30 seconds they should have taken the lead, as Freeman unlocked the Sunderland back line and found Aliadière. He controlled well, but lashed wide. A superb chance.

The Gunners didn’t have to wait long to go in front though, as Murphy found Deacon in the box. He shuffled away and finished confidently to give Arsenal a fourth minute lead. 1-0.

The advantage lasted barely 90 seconds. Mitchell and Fletcher combined in the box, and the latter easily got away from Miquel and drilled the ball beyond Lehmann for the equaliser. 1-1, with six minutes on the clock.

Lehmann then had a scary moment when Noble almost robbed him of possession, but the big German came to his sides rescue moments after, brilliantly saving from the same player. Deacon, Freeman, Henderson and Aliadière all had half chances to put Arsenal back in front, but at half time, it was 1-1.

Banfield sent his charges out for the second half in much same fashion as the first, with an attacking impetuous. Aliadière again blasted an early shot wide, but the Frenchman justified his inclusion on 52 minutes, latching on to Boateng’s delicious through ball to put Arsenal back in front. 2-1.

Holding leads is an issue for the Reserves though, and just four minutes after Aliadière’s strike, Sunderland equalised once more. The tricky Ryan Noble headed home from close range to make it 2-2.

Henderson was then put through one-on-one with Wilson, but wasted the chance, before Banfield turned to the bench. Emmanuel Frimpong, making his first appearance of the season following injury, replaced Murphy, while Aneke came on in place of Ozyakup.

Frimpong could have put the hosts 3-2 up from a quality Freeman delivery into the box, but it was another substitute who would do the honours. Banfield switched Josh Rees for Deacon, and four minutes later, the versatile youngster lashed home from Freeman’s pull back. 3-2.

Freeman turned in another excellent shift, and not content with making goals, he scored one to finish Sunderland off. Aneke picked Luke out, and he smashed the ball into the top right corner to make it 4-2, and all put seal it.

The full time whistle brought cheers from the small ground at Underhill. Impressive performances from Freeman, Aliadière, Deacon, Aneke and Henderson will all please Banfield, plus the return of Frimpong in the middle.

Arsenal’s Premier Reserve League title bid was dealt a huge blow this afternoon, as the Gunners lost 2-1 to Wigan Athletic. A second half Callum McManaman strike combined with a late Joe Holt effort gave the Latics the win, despite a Rhys Murphy penalty.

Neil Banfield was able to call upon considerable experience for the game, with 41-year-old Jens Lehmann dropping down from the first-team. Jérémie Aliadière, back training with the club, was granted a Reserves registration and also started.

ARSENAL: Lehmann; Hajrovic, Boateng, Miquel, Meade; Rees, Ebecilio; Murphy, Henderson, Freeman; Aliadière.

WIGAN: Welsby; Buxton, Mustoe, Chow, Golobart; Robinson, Myler, Breeze, Rugg; Redmond, McManaman.

Arsenal may have had renewed optimism after their 2-1 win over Liverpool, but it was Wigan who snapped out of the traps quicker, forcing an early corner. Lehmann got his first touch as he punched clear.

The visitors then began to settle, and hit Wigan on the break for their opening chance. A flowing move saw Aliadière and Freeman combine, until a cynical foul from Buxton ended the move. Henderson’s resulting free-kick lashed against the wall.

Wigan had a set piece of their shortly after. Redmond showed Henderson how its done, as his curling ball picked out McManaman in the box. He pulled off his man and headed beyond Lehmann and into the net. The offside flag came to Arsenal’s rescue. Jens reacted by bellowing instructions to the young defence in front of him.

The messages didn’t seem to be taken on board, as moments later Arsenal were carved open. Miquel panicked and clipped down Myler, and a the referee adjudged he was the last man. A straight red card for the captain.

Lehmann was then involved in the final two incidents of the half. He first saved brilliantly from a Rugg effort from a yard out, then he kicked thin air when attempting to lash a back pass up field. It proved to be an eventful end to a half of few chances.

The second period promised to be the same, but on 53 minutes, Wigan found a break through. Lehmann again sliced a back pass and the hosts won a corner. After keeping possession well, Redmond slipped in McManaman, and he finished well beyond the on rushing German for 1-0.

McManaman almost had a second three minutes later, but the cross bar came to Arsenal’s rescue, after a powerful drive from inside the box. The Gunners were holding on, and should have been 2-0 down when Lehmann came racing out and lost the ball, only for Breeze to have his shot blocked on the line by Boateng.

Freeman and Aliadière had half chances, but the win was sealed in the 83rd minute, then Holt rounded Lehmann and tapped home. 2-0. It was a bitter blow.

A stoppage time penalty from Murphy made it 2-1, but the defeat leaves Arsenal needing an almost flawless finish to the season if they want to win the Premier Reserve League title.

Arsenal inflicted a first defeat on new manager Pep Segura as the Gunners beat Liverpool 2-1 in the Premier Reserves League this evening.

Neil Banfield layed out a plan to win the league this week, but he lost George Brislen-Hall and Chuks Aneke before kick off, with the latter failing a fitness test following a training incident with Jack Wilshere. Roarie Deacon was drafted in as a late change.

ARSENAL: Shea; Hajrovic, Boateng, Miquel, Angha; Rees, Ozyakup, Henderson; Deacon, Murphy, Freeman.

LIVERPOOL: Hansen; Mendy, Cooper, Sama, Wisdom; Thomas, Silva, Saric, Ince; Roberts, Irwin.

Arsenal elected to attack down the slope on their return to Underhill, but it was Liverpool who began the brighter, forcing Miquel to clear two dangerous Ince crosses.

The Merseysiders continued to press down the flanks, but it was Arsenal who created the first real chance, which Murphy wasted after good work from Freeman in the middle.

Liverpool then returned to their plan of retaining the ball, but it proved to be their down fall. Sloppy play at the back was taken advantage of by Deacon, he slipped in Freeman who beat one man, then smashed a powerful drive into the top corner on his weaker right foot. It was a stunning opener. 1-0.

Deacon continued his dangerous play and won a penalty nine minutes later, after Wisdom tripped him in the box. Murphy grabbed the ball and casually sent Hansen the wrong way, only to see the ball smack the post and bounce clear.

It proved to be the final real action of the first half.

Liverpool returned from the break a better team, but Shea proved to be on his guard denying Ince and then Saric from the re-bound as the play began to get stretched.

Freeman did his best to try and seal the game late on, but his volley in the box went inches over. He had another chance shortly after, when Wisdom passed the ball straight to him, but the resulting shot was easy for Hansen.

The visitors tried to grab a last ditch equaliser, but a succession of free kicks and corners came to nothing. It appeared to be a frustrating night, but Ince cropped up in the 88th minute to slide home following a save from Shea. 1-1.

The draw seemed all but certain, but Arsenal forced a late corner. Freeman pulled off his man and turned home in stoppage time for a late winner. 2-1.

The win leaves Banfield’s boys very much in the title hunt as the season enters its final stages.

Arsenal lost further ground in their hunt for the Premier Reserve League title this afternoon. The Gunners had to come from behind once more, this time to grab a point against West Brom. A first half stunner from George Thorne opened the scoring, but Roarie Deacon equalised in the second half following a mistake by Donovan Daniels.

Neil Banfield may be losing players week by week, but his side showed only two changes from the 2-2 draw with Wolves last time out. Ignasi Miquel was rested after being on first-team duty at the weekend, while Roarie Deacon replaced Benik Afobe, who has returned to loan club Huddersfield Town.

ARSENAL: Martínez; Hajrovic, Boateng, Cruise, Brislen-Hall; Özyakup, Aneke, Henderson; Deacon, Murphy, Freeman.

Subs: McDermott (GK), Angha, Webb, Rees, Ebecilio.

Arsenal could have been forgiven for lacking leadership without Miquel, but stand in skipper Rhys Murphy led by example straight from the off. He almost opened the scoring after collecting the ball in the box after good work from Freeman down the left, but a last ditch block from James Hurst prevented the perfect start.

West Brom then snapped into life through Saido Berahino. He had their first real chance, but the England winger couldn’t keep his powerful shot down, and it ended up comfortably over Martínez’s goal.

The two sides then exchanged corners before the Baggies bagged a stunner. Former Arsenal target George Thorne crashed home a superb effort from all of 25 yards. It was against the run of play. 1-0.

Callum Webb then replaced Özyakup for his Reserve team debut, and Arsenal finally seemed to have an anchor in which to build their midfield on.

Banfield’s boys didn’t look dangerous until after the break, when Deacon’s ball from the left picked out Murphy in the box but, his header was just over the bar. It was an excellent chance.

The build up was a warning of just how quick and tricky Deacon is. West Brom didn’t read the signals. Moments later, Daniels dwelt on possession too long at the back, and Roarie nicked in. He out paced the defence and from inside the box, he finished calmly to level the scores. 1-1.

Martin Angha was next off the bench, and he was needed as West Brom planned a final onslaught. Thorne should have had his second after the ball dropped to him from a free-kick, but he toe-poked the ball over the bar. It was a real let off for Arsenal.

The Gunners briefly threatened at a late winner, but a point each was fair. It means Arsenal have work to do if they’re serious about winning the Premier Reserve League this season.

Arsenal came from behind again to secure a 2-2 draw on a cold, rainy away trip to the Midlands at AFC Telford United’s New Bucks Head stadium. Wolves went 2-0 up early in the second half but goals from Henderson and Luke Freeman penned them back, with Arsenal going close on several occasions near the end.

ARSENAL: Martinez, Hajrovic, Boateng, Miquel, Brislen-Hall, Henderson, Ozyakup, Murphy, Aneke, Freeman, Afobe

Benik Afobe was eligible to play in this game due to his loan being a ‘youth loan’. This means he can take part in reserve games when not on duty with Huddersfield.

Arsenal made a sloppy start and took a while to find their rhythm. However despite this the first chance fell to Arsenal with Freeman continuing his good form with a run down the right resulting in a lovely cross for Chuks Aneke who’s improvisation so nearly resulted in an early goal for Arsenal. His acrobatic shot went just over but it was only a minute or so before Arsenal had another chance with Hajrovic heading just over from an Ozyakup as the Gunners started to get into their side.

Freeman was again threatening along with Henderson, both having shots blocked and fired over the bar respectively – Brislen-Hall was also having a very good game, providing a cross for Afobe but the man on loan at Huddersfield couldn’t quite turn and get his effort away. Arsenal were by far the better team but were as yet unrewarded for their efforts.

Boateng was called into action to clear as Spray threatened, the defender did a fine job too preventing what would have become a very dangerous situation. It was Wolves first meaningful attack but it was quickly reversed with two more good chances for Arsenal following.

The first fell to Freeman, who steered a tricky chance into the side netting and then Brislen-Hall unleashed a monster of a shot which ended up safely in the hands of the keeper. Brislen-Hall is not one of the star names in the reserves but he was having a very enjoyable and productive evening as he threatened once again.

Wolves, however, took the lead just a couple of minutes later. A free-kick – so often the downfall of the first team – was floated in, knocked back into the six yard area and Spray tucked it away. 1-0.

There was still time before the first 45 was up for Martinez to take command of his area and Aneke to attempt a volley.

The second half started slowly and things got worse for Arsenal, Bia Mujangi converted a cross and they found themselves 2-0 down with much of the second half left to play – they would have to come from behind again.

Henderson clawed a goal back almost immediately, converting a brilliant free-kick and giving Arsenal the kick up the rear they greatly needed to get into their stride again and it wasn’t long before the ball was in the back of the net again. It was Afobe who scored this time but it was flagged offside after the keeper spilled another effort from Henderson.

It was still 2-1 to Wolves when Martinez was forced into a brilliant point-blank save to keep the difference down to one goal and was quickly rewarded as Luke Freeman struck again to get the two sides back on level terms.

Luke missed from a narrow angle earlier on in the game but he was not to be stopped this time as he squeezed the ball home, the comeback kid had done it again and Arsenal were looking good for a win, and continued to create chances.

Arsenal had a long spell of pressure but nothing came from it as the final piece of skill was missing but Miquel started a lovely move for Brislen-Hall to burst forward and into the area, he could have taken it upon himself to shoot but chose to square the ball to Afobe but the pass evaded the Huddersfield man – chance gone, and possibly with it the chance of salvaging a win.

Miquel had not finished yet, though. He fired in a thunderbolt which crashed into the crossbar.

A fair share of the spoils, but Arsenal will regret the missed chances. Luke Freeman will be pleased with his contribution after another good game.

Arsenal came from behind to draw 2-2 with Chelsea at Cobham in the Premier Reserve League this afternoon. Rhys Murphy’s first half strike was cancelled out by second half efforts from Connor Clifford and Milan Lalkovic, but Luke Freeman came up with a stoppage time equaliser.

Neil Banfield was without Carlos Vela, Benik Afobe and Gilles Sunu from the 1-0 win over the Blues last time out, but did welcome back James Shea between the sticks and Rhys Murphy in attack.

ARSENAL: Shea; Hajrovic, Boateng, Miquel, Cruise; Aneke, Ozyakup, Meade; Deacon, Murphy, Freeman.

Substitute: Martínez (GK), Angha, Rees, Ebecilio, Ansah.

Chelsea began the game like a team with a point to prove, pressing the young Gunners right from the off set with much success. Hajrovic struggled to deal the pressure and gave an early throw in straight to Lalkovic, who just volleyed over. A superb early opening.

The pressure continued and Chelsea should have opened the scoring when Tore beat Meade on the wing, and crossed for Clifford in the box. The midfielder could only lash at Shea from close range after a brilliant run. It was a big warning. Tore then came even closer moments later, but Shea saved once more.

Freeman had Arsenal’s first real chance when he burst away from Clifford and through on goal, but the on rushing Bruma tracked back and tackled well. The Blues reacted with a chance of their own, as Tore’s free-kick was headed off the inside of the post by Philip. The hosts were getting ever closer.

Yet just as it seemed inevitable Chelsea would score, Arsenal hit them on the break. McEachran was caught on the ball by Aneke, he held off the challenge of Bruma and slipped Murphy in on the penalty spot. The striker controlled and finished brilliantly to give the Gunners a surprise lead on the cusp of half time.

Miquel came off in first half time stoppage time, replaced by Martin Angha after complaining of a hamstring problem. Banfield’s boys managed to hold on to go into the break in front.

The Arsenal goal in the FA Youth Cup game only served to rejuvenate Chelsea, and so it proved this time out. Steve Holland’s side returned from the half time interval with fresh impetus, and took the game to their visitors.

Kyle Ebecilio came on at half time but there was little he could do when a flowing move saw Connor Clifford collect the ball on the edge of the box. He controlled and slammed home via the right post. 1-1 and a well deserved equaliser.

Arsenal then survived two penalty appeals from Philip and Lalkovic before Chelsea pressed home their advantage. Shea made two brilliant saves but eventually, the pressure tolled. Billy Clifford flicked around Ozyakup and then crossed for the unmarked Lalkovic, he slid home from close range. Arsenal appealed for offside, it was ignored. 2-1.

Zak Ansah came on for the third and final change, but just as he did, Shea went over on his ankle and needed treatment from physio David Wales. Shea looked in trouble but had his ankle strapped up and he continued.

The Gunners struggled to get back into the game after going behind, and despite Murphy causing problems with his pace, the game fizzled out. However, with just stoppage time left, Freeman jinked past Clifford and smashed home from a difficult ankle to level it. Probably undeserved but 2-2.

A difficult 90 minutes for Arsenal, coupled with injuries to Miquel, Aneke and Shea, but late character and resilience see Banfield’s boys grab a point.

Arsenal continued their hunt for the Premier Reserve League title with a 1-0 win over Chelsea at London Colney this afternoon. A controversial penalty in first half stoppage time from Mexican international Carlos Vela proved to be decisive.

Neil Banfield was able to call on first-team striker Vela, plus Benik Afobe, who is still recovering from a knee injury. Thomas Cruise and Luke Freeman both started their first games since returning from loan spells.

ARSENAL: Martínez; Hajrovic, Boateng, Miquel, Cruise; Özyakup, Eastmond; Sunu; Freeman, Vela; Afobe.

Banfield had urged his side to show their true quality after the 10-1 defeat to Aston Villa, but Arsenal began tentatively. Chelsea took full advantage and looked bright in the early moments, with Gokhan Tore shooting wide after a slip from Thomas Cruise.

The Gunners eventually found their feet and pushed for an early goal to settle themselves. Özyakup’s deliveries from set pieces have been a dangerous weapon this season, and so they proved again today. First Vela pulled off his man and volleyed at Turnbull from a free-kick, then Sunu just glanced wide from the resulting corner. It was a clear warning sign.

Yet the best chance of the half came right at the end. Sunu lifted the ball over Bruma’s head and found the on running Afobe. He tried to flick home from a tight angle and only found the side netting.

After a frustrating first half, the break through was finally found in first half stoppage time.

Vela had cut a frustrated figure the whole game, but he took advantage of a quick goal kick from Martínez to find Afobe with a slick pass. Benik picked out Freeman in the box, but as the former Gillingham front man tried to finish, Turnbull clattered into him and a harsh penalty was awarded.

Vela coolly slotted home from 12 yards 1-0 at the break.

Arsenal took their advantage from the first-half and ran with it in the second. Afobe could have had two goals from Cruise crosses in the opening minutes, but Bruma was on hand to make two brave blocks.

Chelsea then found their feet again and looked to hit back. Eastmond stood on the ball and fell over on the edge of his own box, but Tore failed to take advantage, over hitting the loose ball for Philip. Martínez was then called into action as Connor Clifford smashed an effort at the Argentine from close range. Big chances for the visitors.

Roarie Deacon replaced Afobe shortly after and Arsenal should have wrapped the game up with two moments of brilliance from Vela. First he curled a difficult free-kick inches wide, then the Mexican unlocked the Chelsea back four and found Freeman, but he could only shoot at Turnbull who saved with his face.

Rhys Murphy and Jernade Meade came on with 10 minutes left, but the fresh blood wasn’t needed. Chelsea looked down and out by the time the full time whistle blew. An important three points on a difficult afternoon.

Enjoy the very best in Free Betting Offers all day.

Free Betting Offers

Chelsea came from behind to beat Arsenal 2-1 in the Fourth Round of the FA Youth Cup this evening. A brace from Milan Lalkovic completed a well earned come back after an own goal from Billy Clifford put the Gunners in front at Stamford Bridge.

Steve Bould was able to call upon Benik Afobe after he passed a late fitness, he started along with Sead Hajrovic and Jernade Meade, both of whom returned after injuries. Ignasi Miquel stepped down from first-team duty to captain the side.

ARSENAL: Martínez; Boateng, Hajrovic, Miquel, Brislen-Hall; Özyakup, Yennaris, Ebecilio, Aneke, Meade; Afobe.

Bould and his opposite number Dermot Drummy both predicted a tight affair, but Arsenal got a near perfect start. Emi Martínez’s long punt forward saw Benik Afobe win his side an early corner. Oğuzhan Özyakup’s delivery was flicked on by Sead Hajrovic, and with nobody around him, Billy Clifford turned into his own net from close range. 1-0 after just 90 seconds.

Chelsea hit back instantly, and Arsenal had Martínez to thank for keeping them in front. Milan Lalkovic first worked the Argentine after a flowing move, then he blocked and Miquel was forced to turn over his own bar from one yard out after Lalkovic piled on the pressure.

The game then became end to end. First the visitors were denied a tame penalty appeal through Afobe, then Clifford thought he got the equaliser only for it to be ruled out for offside. The Blues kept going, and should have finally levelled when Pappoe had a free header from close range, but Martínez denied Chelsea again.

Nico Yennaris and George Saville then had a coming together in the middle of park, after going for a 50:50 ball. Yennaris came off far worse and medical staff from both clubs came on to treat the youngster. He was eventually put on a stretcher and taken straight to hospital with a suspected broken ankle. Josh Rees came on, but the injury was a massive blow.

Afobe and Lalkovic then had efforts cleared off the line in first half stoppage time, but at the break Arsenal maintained their slender advantage.

Drummy got his players fired up as they came out for the second half, and it took them just four minutes to turn that positive energy into end product.

A loose ball was allowed to run by Miquel, Lalkovic took advantage and ran onto it and finished beyond the on rushing Martínez. A comical goal to concede, but Chelsea didn’t mind, 1-1, game on.

The hosts then pressed home their advantage and had Arsenal hanging on in a dominant 15 minute spell. Lalkovic forced Martínez into two fine saves, then Brislen-Hall was forced to block and clear two goal bound efforts following set pieces.

With extra time looking inevitable, Chelsea finally got their break through. Martin Angha came on to strengthen the back line, but there was little he could do as Lalkovic finished brilliantly in the 91st minute to win the game. It was a massive blow. 2-1.

Arsenal failed to hit back, and go out of the FA Youth Cup in the worst possible way. A derby defeat in that manner, coupled with the injury to Nico Yennaris, add up to a disappointing night for Bould’s boys.