Report – Balogun hits hat-trick and Hein debuts as Arsenal U18s beat Reading in first game since Ampadu’s departure

U18 Premier League

Arsenal 4 (Balogun 24, 64, 77, Flaherty 48) Reading 2 (Olise 42, Nevers 81)

Arsenal U18s commenced the post-Kwame Ampadu era with a 4-2 victory at home to Reading today, with Folarin Balogun continuing his fine form by hitting a hat-trick.

Stan Flaherty was also on target as the young Gunners ensured that they remain one point behind leaders Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsenal made three alterations to the team that beat West Ham United, with Karl Jakob Hein (making his debut), Zak Swanson and Stan Flaherty coming in for Arthur Okonkwo, Joel Lopez and Yunus Musah.

Hein

Daley Campbell-McGuinness-Spencer Adams-Swanson

M. Smith-Clarke

Flaherty-Coyle-Greenwood

Balogun

Subs: Cottrell (for Greenwood, 61), Alebiosu (for Flaherty, 84). Subs not used: Okonkwo, Martin, Matthews.

Balogun opened the scoring in the 24th minute following impressive work from Harry Clarke, but Reading managed to pull level just before the break when Michael Olise found the net.

Flaherty, who has been excellent in recent weeks, put Arsenal back in front with a free-kick and then proceeded to tee up Balogun, who made it 3-1.

Balogun completed his hat-trick shortly afterwards, taking his tally for the season to eight goals in six games.

Reading reduced the deficit courtesy of Thierry Nevers, but there was never any real chance of the visitors securing a comeback.