By Lloyd Webb
Summary
Joe Willock scored twice in a comprehensive 4-0 victory against Southampton on Saturday as Arsenal Under-18s returned to winning ways.
Donyell Malen’s trickery assisted Josh Dasilva to put the Gunners in front, before Willock fired in at the near post to double their advantage.
Willock was on target for the second time just before the break when his 25-yard-strike found the back of the net.
Malen deservedly got on the scoresheet with a fine effort from outside the box to seal an encouraging performance.
Setting the scene
George Philips made his debut for the Gunners in goal, while under-21 striker Malen started in attack.
First half
Good early build-up play was capped off by Malen’s pirouette to feed the ball to Dasilva, who fired low into the corner to put Frans De Kat’s side in front.
Willock then got on the scoresheet when he latched on to a through ball and he produced an assured finish at the near post.
The midfielder then got his second when his strike from 25 yards beat the outstretched Harry Lewis moments before the break.
Second half
Southampton looked rejuvenated in the second half and gave the Gunners an early warning when Joseph Lea rattled the crossbar after capitalising on a defensive error.
Malen, having been at the centre of most of Arsenal’s attacking moves, then scored when he found the bottom corner from outside the box.
Arsenal continued to create chances throughout the closing stages but despite good opportunities for Willock and Savvas Mourgos, the Gunners could not add to their lead.
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