Post-Match Report

U-18s: Tottenham 2-4 Arsenal - Report

Joe Willock and Josh Dasilva celebrate with Eddie Nketiah

Tottenham Hotspur U18 -

Hotspur Way Training Centre
Premier League U18
Premier League U18
  Tottenham Hotspur U18
      
              0 (45, 67)
          
   crest
Tottenham Hotspur U18
0 (45, 67)
2 - 4
  Arsenal U18
      
                  Pileas (60)
                   Joe Willock (65)
                   Tella (89)
                   Trae Coyle (90)
            
   crest
Arsenal U18
Pileas (60)
Joe Willock (65)
Tella (89)
Trae Coyle (90)

By Connor Armstrong

SUMMARY

Arsenal Under-18s scored two last-gasp goals to earn a north London derby win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

The Gunners fell behind when Reo Griffiths struck for Spurs just moments before half-time, with Kostas Pileas equalising on the hour mark.

Joe Willock then fired Kwame Ampadu’s team in front, before Griffiths found the net once more for the hosts.

The grandstand finale was worth waiting for, with substitute Nathan Tella charging upfield before firing past Alfie Whiteman with only a minute remaining.

Trae Coyle then capped a dramatic final few minutes by slotting the ball in from close range.
 

SETTING THE SCENE

Ampadu named new signing Alex Crean among the substitutes for the game, with Joao Virginia starting in goal.

Joseph Olowu partnered Pileas in the centre of defence, with Jordi Osei-Tutu and Tolaji Bola occupying the full-back positions.

Donyell Malen, Vlad Dragomir and Trae Coyle lined up behind Eddie Nketiah, who spearheaded the Arsenal attack.
 

FIRST HALF

Despite the final scoreline showing six goals, the first half was far from a classic.

Nketiah had the first meaningful chance after 25 minutes, before Dragomir curled his follow-up attempt wide of the post.

The hosts stormed into a lead just seconds before half time, with Griffiths rounding Virginia before sliding the ball into the goal, despite a last-ditch attempted clearance from the sliding Pileas.
 

SECOND HALF

Pileas would make amends soon after, volleying in a corner at the far post after 60 minutes.

Willock then put Ampadu’s side in front, before they were almost immediately pegged back by another strike from Griffiths.

Substitute Tella then stepped off the bench after a spell on the sidelines with injury to break clear of the Tottenham defence before applying a cool finish.

Further gloss was added to the scoreline in added time, with Coyle netting Arsenal’s fourth goal of the game

The win saw the Gunners make it five wins from the opening seven matches of the season, as Ampadu’s side opened up a two-point gap over second-placed Reading.