Arsenal under 21s secured a dramatic late win over Newcastle United in Premier League 2, maintaining their unbeaten run with another clean sheet.
Arsenal under 21s left it late to secure a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United in Premier League 2, extending their unbeaten run to four matches, all with clean sheets, after their 7-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool.
At Mangata Developments Stadium, Max Porter’s side controlled much of the contest without finding a breakthrough. Theo Julienne won an early free kick on the edge of the box, which Demiane Agustien struck narrowly over Aidan Harris’ crossbar.
The best opening of the first half followed a sweeping cross field pass from Marli Salmon to Marcell Washington, whose touch set up Brando Bailey-Joseph, but Harris parried the volley behind.
January signing Evan Mooney threatened before the interval, beating two defenders and shooting from 18 yards, though without enough power to trouble the goalkeeper. At the other end, Tommy Setford and a back line initially marshalled by Salmon, then Jadon Dixon, ensured Arsenal’s defensive control remained intact.
Newcastle struck the woodwork early in the second half when substitute Michael Mills capitalised on a loose ball and fired past Setford, only for the effort to clip the outside of the post.
The decisive moment came in the closing stages. Newcastle forward Matheos Ferreira was shown a straight red card for a late challenge on Callan Hamill, leaving the visitors down to 10.
Deep into stoppage time, Mooney found Andre Harriman-Annous with a diagonal pass and the winger was brought down inside the area. Harriman-Annous saw his initial penalty saved by Harris, but reacted quickest to head home the rebound in the 96th minute and seal all three points.