Steve Gatting is still looking for his first win as Arsenal Under-18s boss after they suffered a comprehensive defeat away at Norwich City.
The damage was done early on, with the home side finding themselves three goals up inside 24 minutes before Arinse Uade was sent off for two bookable offences.
And Norwich extended their lead further after the break to condemn the under-18s to their fourth defeat in six games.
The hosts had not won at home in the league all season, but raced out of the traps and could have been awarded a penalty in the opening minute. Carlton Morris charged through before going down inside the area but, thankfully for Gatting’s side, the referee ruled there had been no foul.
The reprieve did not last long. After stealing the ball in the Arsenal half, defender Cameron Norman raced through on goal before confidently slotting the ball home.
Things got even worse for the visitors just four minutes later. This time Norman turned provider, sending in a near-post cross that caused consternation in the Arsenal box, before Roderick Young eventually poked the ball home.
Gatting’s team showed brief signs of a comeback, with a goal being ruled out for offside, but two became three soon after. Morris again went down in the box, and this time the referee pointed to the spot. Cameron McGeehan stepped up and coolly dispatched his effort.
Arsenal’s poor first-half showing was compounded late on. Having already been booked, Uade kicked the ball away and was given his marching orders.
The home side rounded off the scoring eight minutes after the break. McGeehan’s shot was saved but the rebound fell kindly to Morris, who reacted quickest to fire in.
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