The Arsenal u18s kept their recent strong form going with another win on Saturday, defeating Birmingham City in the u18 Premier League Cup.
The Arsenal u18s have been on a positive recent run of results, turning around a slow start to win three league games in a row before the international break.
Saturday’s return to club football saw the u18s back playing in the u18 Premier League Cup, looking for their first win in the competition after a 3-3 draw away to Blackburn Rovers back in August.
The young Gunners’ opponents were Birmingham City, who had lost their opening group game to Sunderland, so Arsenal knew that a win would leave their fate in their own hands ahead of the final match against the Black Cats in early November – regardless of the other result.
Summer signing Axel Donczew was among the starters for the game, with fellow new addition Vincent Joseph beginning the match on the bench.
Arsenal were dealt an early blow, going behind within nine minutes, but the team levelled midway through the half after Jaden Maghoma converted a penalty.
10 minutes later, the u18s had the lead, with Charlie Purdy setting up Abraham Owusu-Gyasi for 2-1, which is how it remained until half time.
But after Birmingham equalised again in the second half, Arsenal were once again bailed out by a Maghoma penalty for 3-2. The 15-year-old has been a big driver of the team’s recent form, notching six goal contributions across their four-game winning streak.
The win guarantees Arsenal will finish the group stage ahead of Birmingham, as the young Gunners now sit four points ahead of Saturday’s opponents with one game remaining.
Whether the team can ultimately top the group and progress to the knockouts will depend on that final result against Sunderland, but at least it will be in their hands.
- Arsenal youngster hits 6 g/a in 3 gamesThe Arsenal u18s kept their recent strong form going with another win on Saturday, defeating Birmingham City in the u18 Premier League Cup.
- Manchester City & Premier League held settlement talksManchester City held settlement talks with the Premier League in the early stages of the financial breach case against them, according to reports.
- Early Arsenal team news as 2 injured players spotted with squadInjury doubts Kai Havertz and Ezri Konsa were part of the group on the Arsenal pre-match walk ahead of Saturday’s game against Leeds United.
- Arsenal tube station reopens after ‘sinking’ fearsArsenal tube station has reopened just in time for the Gunners’ game against Leeds United on Saturday afternoon, following concerns that it was sinking.
- How Arsenal could reach EFL Trophy knockout stagesThe Arsenal u21s may need to win their final EFL Trophy match to reach the knockout stages, and they certainly need to avoid any form of defeat.