Post-Match Report

U21s report: Arsenal 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Zac Awe in action against Tottenham Hotspur U21s

Tottenham Hotspur U21 -

Meadow Park, Boreham Wood
Premier League 2 - Division One
Premier League 2 - Division One
  Arsenal U21
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Arsenal U21
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  Tottenham Hotspur U21
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Tottenham Hotspur U21

WHAT HAPPENED

Our under-21s suffered a narrow loss to north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in what was our first home league defeat of the season.

Amario Cozier-Duberry gave us the lead, however we were pegged back when Lucas Moura netted before the interval, with the visitors completing the comeback when Nile John drove home what proved to be the winner on the hour mark.

Given the magnitude of the fixture, the game started off in feisty fashion with a number of strong challenges in the first 10 minutes as both sides tried to get a foothold in the contest.

We went close with the first major opportunity when Ethan Nwaneri’s determination allowed him to steal the ball high up the pitch but he fired his effort inches over the bar.

However, we broke the deadlock on 20 minutes when a delightful pass from Zach Awe split open the Spurs defence, and the ball found its way to the back post where Cozier-Duberry finished with pure conviction.

The away side almost replied instantly but Taylor Foran’s important touch deflected the ball onto the post. However, Spurs did find an equaliser when Brazilian international Moura, in the side as he attempts to gain full fitness, tapped home from close range.

That ensured we went into the break on level terms, and the second half started similar to the first well with Nwaneri shooting just wide from the edge of the box, but the visitors took the lead on the hour mark when John fired in from just outside the area.

Hubert Grazcyk made crucial saves to stop Tottenham from going further ahead as we threw everything to find an equaliser, but the away side’s defence held firm.

WHAT IT MEANS

We remain fourth in Premier League 2, but currently sit just three points behind league leaders Chelsea with two games in hand.

WHAT'S NEXT

We host Burnley in our final Premier League Cup group game on Tuesday at Meadow Park - kick-off is at 7pm (UK).

TEAM NEWS

Starting XI: Grazcyk, Walters, Foran, Awe, Sousa (Lewis-Skelly, 68), Smith, Cottrell (Bandeira, 84), Nwaneri (Cirjan, 62), Cozier-Duberry, Sagoe Jr (Taylor-Hart, 68), Butler-Oyedeji

Sub not used: Hillson

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