Pre-Match Report

Match preview: Arsenal U-18s v Brighton

We’ll be looking to progress to the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup on Thursday night when we host Brighton & Hove Albion at Meadow Park. 

THE STORY SO FAR 

Our journey started away at Cheltenham, where we were held to a 0-0 draw over 120 minutes, before eventually winning 4-2 on penalties. 

Sam Greenwood, Alfie Matthews, Matthew Dennis and Charlie Patino all scored from 12 yards, while Hubert Gracyzk produced an exceptional save to deny Charlie Stanton and send us through to the fourth round. 

We then went on to defeat Southampton 1-0 at home, courtesy of a stunning solo goal from Dennis. 

The 17-year-old received the ball on the halfway line, drove towards the Southampton goal at pace, and hit a powerful strike into the top corner from the edge of the box. It was a goal worthy of winning any game.

Matthew Dennis

 

THE OPPOSITION 

Brighton kicked off their Youth Cup campaign with a dramatic victory over Brighton that saw them fight back from 1-0 down to win 3-2. 

Stefan Vukoke’s brace cancelled out Sidnei Tavares’ opener, before the Foxes striker equalised once more after the break. Lorent Tolaj then went on to score the winner and book the Seagulls’ place in the fourth round. 

This set up a clash with Derby County, where Mark Beard’s side ran out 2-1 winners on the road. This time Jack Leahy and Teddy Jenks were the names on the scoresheet. 

Brighton currently find themselves in fourth in the U-18 Premier League south on 24 points, just nine points off league leaders Fulham. 

ONE TO WATCH 

Sam Greenwood is beginning to make his mark in the Premier League 2 this season, but despite this, he remains eligible for our under-18s. 

The England youth international typically operates as a No 9, though he’s also capable of playing behind the striker or shifting out to the right wing. 

Greenwood helped us lift the U-18 Premier League south last term, scoring 10 and assisting five, and he’s already got three goals to his name across all competitions this season.  

FOLLOW THE ACTION 

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Stay close to Arsenal.com for our match report and post-match reaction from Ken Gillard