Arsenal’s Under 18’s remain on course to win Academy League Group A, after edging out last season’s main rivals West Ham United at London Colney this morning.
Steve Bould was able to call on Oğuzhan Özyakup following international duty, and the Dutchman was thrown straight into the starting XI – partnering Francis Coquelin in the middle.
England’s involvement in the Algarve Tournament robbed Bould of a host of usual options, including the in form Emmanuel Frimpong and Benik Afobe.
Shea
Eastmond – Blackwood – Ayling – Cruise
Coquelin – Ozyakup
Deacon – Watt – Thomas
Sunu
Subs – Evina – Obed – Byles – Rasmussen.
The opening stages were tentative to say the least. Neither side really got going and with Arsenal wanting to get the League wrapped up, frustration began to creep in.
Gilles Sunu and Özyakup exchanged wasted efforts, before West Ham began to step the pace up and dominate. The Gunners weathered the pressure, and should have grabbed the lead when Jay Emmanuel-Thomas burst forward and fed Sunu, but the French striker failed to convert.
Tricky Bajner bought himself enough room and time to get a shot away, but James Shea reacted well to deny the leggy forward. Up the other end, Sanchez Watt and Özyakup for a second time could have opened the scoring, but the youngsters lacked composure.
Former Gunner Abdulla was starting to pull the strings. He showed quick feet to place Payne through, but the lack of composure was also affecting the visitors.
Yet as the referee was deciding how much stoppage time to add on, Thomas combined neatly with Sunu to open up the Hammers back line. The result saw Arsenal’s skipper in space, and from a difficult angle, he emphatically smashed his side into the lead.
The second half saw the game become more end-to-end and open up. Watt deserved to be on the score sheet, but another tame finish from a good position meant West Ham were always in the contest.
Anton Blackwood made a superb last ditch challenge to stop a certain equaliser from Bajner late on, before Evina should have wrapped up the victory but nodded Thomas’ cross over.
It was the final action of the morning. Unconvincing, but effective. Arsenal took the three points.
Article By – J.Sanderson
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at least one arsenal team can win lol
I’m always impressed with Jay Thomas. Looks like he will be in the carling cup if he continues with this form. Don’t you think J???
Why not? he’s doing very, very well. 11 goals this season in a host of positions is very impressive.
What was the West Ham team?
Bajner, Payne and Street are their best players by a mile. We could do with signing those 3 classy players.
Another one for Thomas…legend. I love JET, could become a massive talent, still has a way to go but it’s looking bright so far.