By Connor Armstrong
SUMMARY
Eddie Nketiah’s goal made all the difference as Arsenal Under-18s won 1-0 against Norwich City.
The prolific striker scored his 10th of the season in the 35th minute, volleying home a free-kick from Donyell Malen.
Malen went close to adding another but could only rattle the crossbar after latching on to a backheel from Nketiah.
Joe Willock went close late on, but his lung-busting run and spin away from his marker ended with Fergal Hale-Brown parrying the ball to safety.
SETTING THE SCENE
Kwame Ampadu once again opted for Joao Virginia ahead of Hugo Keto in goal.
Nketiah continued to lead the Arsenal attack, supported by Malen, Vlad Dragomir and Nathan Tella.
Josh Dasilva was partnered in midfield by Marcus McGuane.
Trae Coyle, who scored in the previous match against Reading, was on the bench.
FIRST HALF
The Gunners looked to force the issue from the off, but were frustrated by the Canaries for the opening half hour.
They made the breakthrough in the 35th minute, with Nketiah firing home from close range after Malen’s free-kick found the forward.
Malen also went close when his rasping drive cannoned off the crossbar.
Next, a diagonal ball sought out the run of Nketiah, who exchanged passes with McGuane, before Dasilva whipped a left-footed effort wide of the far post.
SECOND HALF
The second half lacked as much attacking action as the first, but saw the Gunners go close to extending their lead.
Malen played in Tella, but after the attacker saw his initial effort saved, he blasted over on the rebound.
With time running out, a direct break upfield by Willock saw him race away from Canaries defenders, before spinning inside and unleashing a powerful low drive that required a save from Hale-Brown.
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