Afobe goal not enough as Arsenal U18s lose to Norwich

It had been coming. After a shaky performance against Charlton last week, Arsenal u18s still managed to run out 3-1 winners but today’s game with Norwich proved to be a step too far for Bould’s boys.

Sandwiched in between the two games was Wednesday’s incredible comeback in the FA Youth Cup against Aston Villa, but with several players rested ahead of the Reserves clash with Portsmouth on Tuesday, this was a weakened Gunners side which took to the field at London Colney.

Bould made eleven changes from the side which faced Charlton with schoolboys Charlie Mann, Oguzhan Ozyakup, Ignasi Miquel-Pons and Benik Afobe all starting in an experimental 4-2-3-1 formation.

——————————————-Mann——————————————

———–Obed————Blackwood——————–Miquel-Pons——-Evina

———-Rasmussen—–Ozyakup———————–Watt—————–Freeman

——————————————-Deacon—————————————

——————————————-Afobe——————————————

Arsenal edged a tight game 3-2 when the sides met earlier this season and it was clear from the off that this was going to be another tight affair. A Canaries side featuring several trialists looked threatening early on and took the lead after just six minutes when Nick Davey volleyed home Johnbull Omeregie’s cross. The Gunners were lucky to go into the break with only a one goal deficit after the visitors squandered further chances to extend the lead.

Whatever Steve Bould said to his side at half-time must have gone in one ear and straight out the other as Norwich doubled their advantage nine minutes into the second half. Josh Dawkin played in a sublime through-ball and Danny Kelly was on hand to poke it in.

It looked as if it was going to be the first occasion on which the young Gunners haven’t scored this season, but at least there was something to cheer two minutes from time. Damien Lathorpe commited a foul in the box and Benik Afobe stepped up to take the resulting spot kick. The schoolboy showed no fear in slotting the ball into the back of the net but it was too late to stage a comeback.

So, Arsenal end 2008 on a low note but on the whole it has been a fantastic twelve months for the youngsters. Highlights include reaching the Premier Academy League semi-final and Wednesday’s fantastic win over Aston Villa and the Gunners remain top of Group A as the season reaches it’s midway point.

There are no games for over a month now at this level so the players will have a long time to think about today’s game and how they can build upon it in the future.