By Max Jones at Meadow Park
SUMMARY
Arsenal Under-19s cruised to a 5-1 victory against Galatasaray at Meadow Park on Wednesday afternoon.
The young Gunners were tested in the first half but, after Gedion Zelalem gave Arsenal the lead on the stroke of half-time, the floodgates opened.
Kaylen Hinds, Chris Willock and Alex Iwobi struck before Daniel Crowley netted from the spot to complete the rout.
Galatasaray did get a consolation, but it was too little too late as the young Gunners outclassed their opponents to make it two wins out of two in the Uefa Youth League.
SETTING THE SCENE
Steve Gatting and Frans de Kat made just one change to the under-19 side that beat Dortmund 2-0 in their Youth League opener.
George Dobson’s return to the starting line-up saw Tafari Moore replace Elliot Wright at left back, while Hinds retained his place up front after netting a brace in Germany last week.
Both teams had won their opener but Galatasaray sat top of Group D on goal difference after they beat Anderlecht 3-0.
FIRST HALF
Arsenal started brightly, with Hinds smashing over from close range before Crowley floated a free-kick just over.
As the half went on there was a growing feeling that Arsenal would unlock the Galatasaray defence, and Crowley was the man with the key, latching onto Iwobi’s pass and crashing an effort against the crossbar from 20 yards.
The playmaker forced Ali Buyuk into a low save before setting up Dobson to volley wide moments later. But Arsenal didn’t have to wait much longer to break the deadlock.
Gedion Zelalem collected just inside the Turkish half and drove into the box, showing quick feet to beat his man and then fire past Ali Buyuk.
SECOND HALF
Arsenal continued in a similar vein after the break, their possession and pressing preventing Galatasaray from leaving their half.
It only took another 12 minutes for the young Gunners to double their lead. Moore burst down the left-hand side and centred to Hinds for an easy tap-in.
Then Willock got in on the act, rifling home from 10 yards before Iwobi lashed in from the edge of the box after being found by Crowley.
The playmaker got his deserved goal after he was hacked down in the box and made no mistake from the spot, firing into the bottom corner.
Furkan Kopuz smashed home in the final minute to reduce the deficit but Arsenal were emphatic and worthy winners.
Gedion Zelalem scores against Galatasaray
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