Arsenal’s Under 18’s finally returned to action this morning, as the Academy season came back with a bang – with a contest between two of the most highly rated youth systems around.
Strikes from captain Jay Emmanuel-Thomas got the Gunners going, before Rhys Murphy doubled the advantage. A comeback from the hosts penned the scores back to 2-2, but Emmanuel Frimpong came up with the goods late on to make it 3-2.
The back four remained the same from that which lost to Norwich in a friendly last week, whilst their was an exciting yet balanced midfield. Athletic and powerful wingers in Gilles Sunu and Jay Thomas were a frightening prospect, Özyakup and Frimpong started in the engine room.
Shea
Eastmond – Ayling – Bartley – Cruise
Sunu – Özyakup – Frimpong – Thomas (c)
Deacon – Murphy
Subs – Mann – Evina
After a blustery and cold start, Arsenal kicked into gear, with devastating consequences. After looking average against Norwich, Jay Thomas hit back at some of the critics with a well taken left footed strike.
Sunu and Özyakup had further chances to extend the lead, before a goal of the season contender from Rhys Murphy gave Bould’s boys a secure lead. The England Under 19 international took possession, and unleashed a delightful chip over the head of the back-pedaling Palace goalkeeper.
However, if the visitors thought they were comfortable, The Eagles would give them other ideas. They quickly forced a goal back, before winning a surprise penalty. It was converted, leaving Steve Bould furious on the touchlines.
He had not have worried, as Emmanuel Frimpong made it 2 goals in as many fixtures, with a vital match winner. 3-2 is how it finished, meaning Arsenal continue their lead at the top of the table.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Does Evina never play anymore? What is he?
don’t think so, he was transferred in august i believe. good result for the lads today, a couple of class players on show today
He does still play, and he came on as a sub. He started against Chelsea a few weeks ago, and has been in and out the team.
Cracker from Murphy eh, and one from Pongo.
Excellent.
i feel violated
is blackwood injured?
He’s always injured, Randall
Is Cedric any good? No one mentions him anymore.
Fair enough. How good is he when he is fit
He is decent, not overally special. Very quick and tricky, but little end product.
Özyakup looks like he has a bright future ahead of him what is his style of play?
I saw two of the players this morning from my dad’s car. Rory Deacon was in the car with his dad and stopped to let another player in the car (i think Craig Eastmond) even though he was 100m away from the ground.
They play at the training ground now don’t they J? They used to play over the road where the GOALS five-a-side pitches are on the playing field, but they don’t anymore. I was working at GOALS and would have stayed to watch.
What was the 16s score v Palace
Under 16s Palace v Arsenal 0-5 scorers Neil Johnson 1, Jenade Mead 1, Zak Ansah 1, Benik Afobe 2
Arsenal got lucky, not even that good, had a poor game but nxt time the score will be different
Arsenal u16s got lucky, not even that good, had a poor game but nxt time the score will be different
Arsenal got lucky, not even that good, had a poor game but nxt time the score will be different