U18 Premier League
Fulham 3 Arsenal 2 (Fortune, Coyle)
Second half goals from Yassin Fortune and Trae Coyle weren’t sufficient to prevent Arsenal U18s from falling to a defeat away to their Fulham counterparts today.
The young Gunners found themselves three goals down at Motspur Park but, despite improving significantly in the second period, still saw their impressive recent run come to an end.
With a host of youngsters having left the club on loan in the closing stages of the transfer window, several key players weren’t involved for the U18s today as they are instead expected to feature for the U23s against Everton on Monday – with Josh DaSilva, Vlad Dragomir, Donyell Malen, Tolaji Bola, Joseph Olowu and Eddie Nketiah all falling into that category.
In their absence, there were a batch of players brought into the U18 side, with Zech Medley, Daniel Ballard, Robbie Burton and Jay Beckford all starting, the latter making a rare appearance.
Arsenal got off to a bad start with Kostas Pileas scoring an own goal, and then Fulham doubled their advantage courtesy of substitute Michael Elstone.
Early in the second half it was 3-0 to the hosts as Joseph Felix found the net from the penalty spot.
Arsenal attempted to reduce the deficit and they did just that when Fortune scored his first goal of an injury hit season.
The Frenchman was substituted shortly afterwards and replaced by schoolboy Tyreece John-Jules, who proceeded to tee up Coyle to make it 3-2.
Fulham, however, managed to hold on to take all three points.
Arsenal: Crean; Osei-Tutu, Medley, Ballard, Pileas; Gilmour, J. Willock; Beckford, Burton, Coyle; Fortune.
Subs: John-Jules (for Fortune, 63), Thompson (for Beckford, 77), Omole (for Ballard, 84). Not used: Barden.
Jeorge Bird's Arsenal Youth 