Reading match report and news round up

Arsenal under-18s 1 Reading under-18s 0

Picture from Reading official site

A late James Dunne penalty was enough for Arsenal under-18s to secure a 1-0 victory over Reading on Saturday. Once again, Steve Bould started with a 4-3-2-1 formation but made a couple of changes. Gavin Hoyte returned to replace Ayling, who dropped to the bench, whilst James Dunne played in central midfield, with Craig Eastmond switching to right-back.

It was a frustrating game for the young gunners who created several chances to no avail. Cedric Evina had a particularly poor game at left back and it looked as if it was going to be another winless away day for Steve Bould’s side. However, after Wilshere was fouled in the box, Dunne stepped up and converted the penalty. It sealed a second successive win for the under-18s, who face Chelsea on Friday. They now have a decent chance of gaining a play-off place by winning their group.

Their remaining fixtures are as follows:

MARCH

21- Chelsea (A)

29- Cardiff City (H)

APRIL

5- MK Dons (A)

8- Millwall (A)

12- Bristol City (A)

19- Fulham (H)

All of the fixtures are certainly winnable, but I’m concerned that fatigue might have an effect on some of the players.

Reserves team news

The reserves are in action against Portsmouth tomorrow and there will be a full preview to come, but for now lets take a look at the team news.

In terms of injuries, Henri Lansbury (glandular fever) is still out whilst Sanchez Watt is doubtful, whilst Luke Freeman and Emmanuel Frimpong are on international duty,

The side should look something like this:

———-Mannone——————–

-Gilbert—Nordtveit—–Rodgers—–Steer

-Ogogo—Dunne——–Eastmond—-Thomas

——-Fonte———–Barazite

subs: Szczesny, G.Hoyte, Sunu, Murphy, Bartley

News round-up

Here’s a round-up of the other news stories concerning Arsenal’s youngsters:

Kieran Gibbs says he is pleased with how his loan spell is progressing.

He’s only played four games so far and his current loan deal runs out on April 28th. However, if he plays a few more games between now and then, it may be extended until the end of the season.

Justin Hoyte talks about the knife and gun crime in London, and how it can have a derimental effect on kids. It’s certainly an important issue and can affect some of the young footballers at top clubs as well.

More tomorrow including a full preview of the Portsmouth game.