Arsenal’s Under 18’s returned to action this morning following a series of frustrating postponements due to adverse weather conditions.
The opponents, Charlton Athletic, are all but resigned to finishing bottom of Academy League Group A, and knew they faced a massive challenge against their antithesis at the top at of the table.
Steve Bould left out his usual regulars, and opted to play a team of fringe players for the trip across London. Only two members of the squad have professional contracts, while none of the substitutes have signed scholarship deals yet.
Shea
Obed – Blackwood – Boateng – Evina
Ayling – Byles
Rasmussen – Watt – Freeman
Deacon
Subs – Chambers – Brisnal – Aneke – Afobe
Arsenal snapped out of the traps quickly, and could have gone in front instantly when Luke Freeman tested former Gunner Harry Lee in the Addicks goal.
Just as the momentum began to swing, skipper Sanchez Watt punished slack defending with his 4th of the campaign. Not to be undone, Charlton kicked on and forced an equaliser through live-wire winger Yabo Mambo.
Roarie Deacon’s strike matched Watt’s four goal haul for the season, but once more naive defending allowed the hosts back into the contest. Steven Lozano-Calderon rescued a point, leaving Steve Bould seething on the touchlines.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Birthday boy bagged a goal i see x
so how long was harry lee’s loan for then
Is the focus for all AFC teams DEFENSE!!! we seem to be getting outdone back there?
hey why on earth is freeman being played in the mids , isn’t he supposed to be striker ???
Just for a month, Johnny.
heramb – See this article on Freeman –
http://youngguns.wordpress.com/2009/02/06/striker-freeman-fighting-to-rescue-arsenal-career/
Just what sort of player is Deacon?
Is he a winger/forward. Does he have good close control dribbling skills? Fast?
Bottom line…does he have potential to be world class?
Sorry for not keeping up, but who are the two players on pro-contracts
what position is deacon? not right defender?
@ Jay & Voggei, R Deacon can play RM or 2nd striker or main striker. He is a decennt finisher and dribbling is his strongest technical skill and his ball manipulation is also decent.
The pros are Watt and Bartley