One for the future? Jeffrey Monakana

Jeffrey has worked his way through the Hale End academy system and now plays for the u-16s. A goal-getter, he fits in well with Arsenal’s style of play and is also a keen musician. Watch out for him in the seasons to come as he is very dedicated as well as being very talented.

Match Report: Arsenal Academy 0 Norwich Academy 0

Arsenal u-18s were held to a 0-0 draw by Norwich this morning at the Colney training centre in East Anglia. In a tight, physical game, neither side managed to create many clear cut chances. Arsenal started off the brightest, attempting to play their flowing, passing game in the image of the first team, but Norwich were up for the challenge physically and Arsenal were restricted to efforts from long range.

First Rhys Murphy fired a low shot into the arms of Norwich ‘keeper Declan Rudd, then Jonas Rasmussen’s dipping effort almost caught Rudd out, but he got enough on it to push it behind for a corner. Jack Wilshere has an impressive scoring recordfor the u-18s this season, but was restricted here as Norwich acted to close him down whenever he got the ball. Norwich weren’t having much luck going forward either, with the wind against him, Bally Smart skipped past Anton Blackwood but the end product wasn’t there.

As the first half petered out it became clear that a single goal could win the game. 

In the second half, it was Norwich who started the brightest, forcing Arsenal to concede three consecutive corners. However, Wojciech Szczesny was equal to everything that Norwich had to throw at him.

Arsenal introduced Freeman and Conor Henderson on the hour, and Henderson could have won the game for Arsenal in the dying moments, but blazed his shot over the bar. Rhys Murphy returned up front and was clear through on several occasions, but the linesman called for offside every single time. It was a frustrating afternoon for Arsenal, who lost further ground in the race for the title. They face Charlton next week at home in a game they cannot afford to lose if they are going to be Champions this season.

To sum up a bad day for Arsenal, the u-16s lost 4-0 to Norwich, despite fielding players such as Benik Afobe, Rorie Deacon, Oliver Nicholas and George Brisnal. Norwich’s training ground is on a par with Arsenal’s in my opinion, the facilities are second to none and I enjoyed my trip there. Hopefully next time Arsenal will be able to pick up more than just a point.                 

Norwich: Rudd, Adeyemi (booked), Habergham, Lathorpe, McLean, Ashman,R.Kelly, Smith, D.Kelly, Daley, Smart. Subs: Yong (for Ashman, 85). Not used: Steer, Cooper, Stephens, Richardson.

Arsenal: Szczesny (6), Blackwood (6), Ayling (5), Thomas (7, captain), Evina (5), Rasmussen (4), Eastmond (6), Frimpong (5), Wilshere (6), Sunu (6), Murphy (7). Subs: Freeman, for Rasmussen 60, (6), Henderson, for Frimpong 60, (6). Not used: Byles, Nicholas, Shea

 MAN OF THE MATCH 

 Rhys Murphy- Worked hard and would have scored a hat-trick if it wasn’t for bad decisions from the linesman