Post-Match Report

Youth League: Dinamo Zagreb 0-2 Arsenal

Chris Willock scores against Dinamo Zagreb

GNK Dinamo Zagreb -

Stadium Maksimir
UEFA Youth League
UEFA Youth League
  GNK Dinamo Zagreb
   crest
GNK Dinamo Zagreb
0 - 2
  Arsenal U19
      
                  Christopher Willock (44)
                   Ben Sheaf (66 pen)
            
   crest
Arsenal U19
Christopher Willock (44)
Ben Sheaf (66 pen)
(This fixture kicks-off at 4pm local time)

By Max Jones at Maksimir Stadium

SUMMARY

Chris Willock and Ben Sheaf were on target as Arsenal Under-19s beat Dinamo Zagreb 2-0 in their Uefa Youth League opener.

The young Gunners struggled to break down the hosts’ well-drilled defence at Maksimir Stadium, but when they did, in the 44th minute, the goal was definitely worth the wait.

Willock collected the ball just inside Zagreb’s half and left three Croatian defenders in his wake as he burst into the box and found the bottom corner to put Andries Jonker’s side ahead.

The tricky midfielder then beat another two players before he was brought down in the box, allowing Sheaf to score from the spot and give Arsenal a perfect start in Group F.

SETTING THE SCENE

Jonker named a strong team for his first game in charge of Arsenal’s Youth League side.

Finland youth international Hugo Keto started in goal behind Tafari Moore, Julio Pleguezuelo, Krystian Bielik and Marc Bola - the same back four to have only conceded three goals for the under-21s this season.

Sheaf retained his place having been named Player of the Durban International Tournament in the under-19s’ last outing, and was paired with Willock in central midfield.

Elsewhere, schoolboy Reiss Nelson started the game on the left-hand side while Kaylen Hinds and Stephy Mavididi looked to continue their impressive partnership in an exciting front line.

FIRST HALF

Zagreb started the brighter side on home turf, going close through Ivan Bozic and Dani Olmo Carvajal in the opening exchanges, but Keto produced two fine saves to deny the forwards.

Arsenal threatened straight back, though, and Adrian Semper was forced into a crucial save to keep out Mavididi’s close-range header before the England Under-17 striker sent a dipping drive inches over the crossbar.

The Gunners had controlled possession but the hosts continued to create chances on the break, and Keto had to make a brilliant reflex save to hold onto Vinko Soldo’s header as Zagreb looked to gain a foothold in the game.

But then Willock produced a moment of magic. Collecting the ball just inside Zagreb’s half, the tricky midfielder glided past three defenders into the box before smashing into the bottom corner to give Arsenal a deserved lead at the break.

SECOND HALF

Jonker’s side showed no signs of easing up after half-time and nearly doubled their advantage within two minutes of the restart when Mavididi powered into the box, but the striker poked his effort wide from a tight angle.

Iwobi was then denied from close range by Semper’s feet before Bielik headed Sheaf’s corner off target, but the Gunners soon doubled their advantage - and Willock was heavily involved again.

The midfielder - now stationed on the left after Savvas Mourgos’ introduction - sped past another two defenders before he was tripped in the box, allowing Sheaf to curl into the top corner from the penalty spot.

Zagreb had one final chance to pull one back in the second half when substitute Tin Matic cut in from the left-hand side, but his swerving strike crashed off the post as Arsenal held out to take all three points back to north London.