Under-21s: Arsenal 5-0 West Ham - Report

By Lloyd Webb at Emirates Stadium

Summary

Arsenal Under-21s went top of the Barclays Under-21 Premier League Division 2 with a convincing 5-0 win against West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on Friday evening.

A quickfire double from Kaylen Hinds and Stephy Mavididi gave the hosts the lead in the first half before the latter scored his second just four minutes after the break.

Glen Kamara added to the scoring with a composed finish in the 58th minute and Ben Sheaf registered his first goal for the under-21s with an assured penalty moments from full-time.

Setting the Scene

Steve Gatting made one change to the side that beat Derby Under-21s in the league, opting to select Matt Macey in goal.

Gatting chose not to tamper too much with a winning formula as the Gunners went into the game looking to continue their 100 per cent win record in the league so far.

First Half

Both sides started the half looking to retain possession before Hinds put Arsenal ahead in the 14th minute, hammering the ball into the back of the net after his initial effort had been blocked.

Mavididi added a second just a minute later, nodding home Jeff Reine-Adelaide's looping cross.

Reine-Adelaide almost went from provider to scorer soon after but drove just wide of the post following good work from Hinds.

Second Half

Arsenal started the half brightly and were rewarded for their endeavour in the 48th minute. Again Mavididi was the scorer, the striker capitalising on a West Ham error to go through on goal and apply a composed finish.

Kamara added a fourth 10 minutes later when, following some fantastic build-up play, he slotted the ball past Sam Howes from inside the box.

Sheaf completed the scoring from the spot late on. Substitute Chris Willock was fouled in the box and the midfielder fired the resulting penalty into the roof of the net to cap an impressive team display.