Arsenal’s Under 18’s cemented their position at the top of Academy League Group A yesterday with a 3-1 victory over bottom side Charlton Athletic.
A bitterly cold London Colney was he venue for the clash, with Charlton in the knowledge that Steve Bould’s boys are unbeaten in 7, and averaging two goals a game.
Despite the gulf in the class that the table suggested, Charlton put themselves about in the early stages, and could have taken the lead on no less than three occasions.
Rhys Murphy’s side footed effort was the closest Arsenal came in a frustrating opening 30 minutes, but eventually the hosts got their noses in front.
Skipper Jay Emmanuel-Thomas provided the finish on 38 minutes, his 5th goal of the season proving that the captain should lead by example.
Indeed, on the hour mark Murphy took Thomas’ baton and ran with it, scoring his 6th of the campaign to double the Gunners’ advantage. Sloppy play at the back was costly as the Addicts pulled one back a minute later, but it was far from game on for Charlton.
Emmanuel-Thomas matched Murphy’s 6 goal haul on 74 minutes, capping off an inspirational afternoon. It finished 3-1, Arsenal stay top, Charlton remain bottom.
Whilst the Under 18’s romped home, Arsenal’s Under 16’s had a more testing afternoon against their London counterparts.
Steve Gatting’s boys were on the ropes for sections of the first half, summed up when they went behind to a scrappy strike which will no doubt have left Gatting frustrated.
However, this young squad is one of the best around, and they showed their character when skipper Benik Afobe flew past 4 defenders and was kicked down by the Charlton ‘keeper.
Afobe was spot on from 12 yards, levelling the scores and setting up an exciting finish. Both sides had further chances, but it was the hosts who stole it with diminutive winger Jernade Meade bagging the winner.
Article By – J.Sanderson
In your opinion what do you think Thomas has to work on to make it at Arsenal? I think he could be a great talent.
Do you know if the Brazilian players were involved in this match?
He has alot of things to work on. He finds this level far to easy, but whenever he steps up to the Reserves he looks miles out of his depth.
He is very much like Nicklas Bendtner, very talent but often too casual, and abit cocky too.
Hi Jamie,
Do you have the U18 team who played against Charlton.
I know Coquelin, JET and Murphy has played. Who else?
Thanx mate ;)
good post Jezza:p, I’ve always rated Jay Emmanuel-Thomas n whenever i see the highlights he bosses games and is very gifted techniqually… he actually reminds me of Abou Diaby, i fink he is the next big thing in the youths and reserves after Wilshere
btw, it’s Vince ;)
J could you do a prediction for the team on tuesday, do you think Wilshere will be included?
Both Murphy and Thomas are pure class talents. Great potential.
I’ve noticed u keep calling Charlton player ‘Addicts’ instead of Addicks ….
Great footballers are good at making decisions, even if a player has okay 1st touch and close control but make many good decision, they can amount to very good players. [Diaby & Thomas are the exact same thing], both have fantastic footwork and height, go on many aimless dribble [instead mixing up between passing & dribbling @ right time] matched with low concentration level and have terrible space awareness.
guilherme the brazilians couldnt b involved becus this is a competitive game, dey can only play in friendlys i think is that right jamie?
Sanderson, what was the u16s scoreline against crystal palace and who were the goalscorers?
Does anyone know something new about Lenny?
Thanks carlos vela :)
I thought the whole lenny thing turned out to be unfounded.
Good to see the youngsters doing well. If Jay Thomas improves his work rate he can be a great player for us in the future. Oh and JS does Wellington the young Brazilian play for Brazil U17? I was watching some friendlies between USA U17 vs. Brazil U17 today and Friday, they had a player by the name of Wellington on the Brazil team. He played on the wings then sometimes came in the middle. He’s a tiny guy! Very small but very mobile! Scored in both games. They had another youngster by the name of Coutinho him and Wellington were the best players I think they said Inter Milan has signed Coutinho but can’t join until he’s 18.
No Chuks no midfield bcos hes wasted with this lot.’Steve Gatting’s boys were on the ropes for sections of the first half’- what against Charlton. Bruv Charlton are poor at this level we should be smashing this team 6nil