Post-Match Report

Match report: Bournemouth 1-1 Arsenal U-23s

Zak Swanson

Bournemouth U23 -

Vitality Stadium
Premier League Cup
Premier League Cup
  Bournemouth U23
   crest
Bournemouth U23
1 - 1
  Arsenal U23
   crest
Arsenal U23

WHAT HAPPENED

Our under-23s were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth in Group A of the Premier League Cup on Wednesday night.

Zak Swanson opened the scoring for Kevin Betsy’s side, but the Cherries struck late on to end our hopes of securing a first victory in the competition.

The hosts started strong at the Vitality Stadium, testing Ovie Ejeheri with a powerful header from a set-piece routine, but we soon wrestled back control and finished our first clear opening of the evening.

Joel Ideho and Omari Hutchinson combined closely in the final third, before the latter raced into the penalty area and teed up Swanson with a disguised backheel assist. Our right back showed excellent composure to time his run perfectly and brush the ball into the bottom corner.

Nathan Butler-Oyedeji came close to doubling our advantage on the stroke of half-time, only to see his powerful effort from distance tipped over the bar by Cameron Plain

Bournemouth came out fighting after the restart, though, and after creating a number of half chances, equalised in a moment of confusion and chaos for our youngsters, with Christian Saydee converting from close range.

It was a cruel moment for Betsy’s side, who deserved all three points for their spirited attacking display.

WHAT IT MEANS

Premier League Cup table

WHAT’S NEXT

Our under-23s will now prepare to face Liverpool in the Premier League 2 on Saturday, October 16.