Post-Match Report

Match report: Arsenal U-18s 4-2 Reading

Mauro Bandeira and Taylor Foran for Arsenal U-18s

Reading U18 -

Sobha Realty Training Centre
U18 Premier League South
U18 Premier League South
  Arsenal U18
   crest
Arsenal U18
4 - 2
  Reading U18
   crest
Reading U18

WHAT HAPPENED

We put on a dominant display to beat Reading 4-2 at London Colney on Saturday morning.

Dan Micciche handed just a second appearance at under-18 level to 14-year-old Ethan Nwaneri and it was our forward who looked brightest in the opening exchanges, causing all sorts of trouble for the visitors' defence.

Nwaneri was rewarded for his fast start when he crossed for Mathaeus Roberts to open the scoring, our midfielder heading home from close range to register his first goal at this level.

Roberts went close to adding a second moments later, working space for himself in the box and getting his shot off, but Boyd Beacroft was on hand to block his goalbound effort on the line.

Our playmaker got his brace midway through the first half, Nwaneri picking out his run with a well-timed through ball and Roberts made no mistake with the finish, firing low past Tom Norcott.

The away side pulled one back against the run of play just before the break, Princewill Ehibhatiomhan popping up inside the box and beating Alex Kovacevic.

We started the second half brightly and added a third after Reading failed to clear Mauro Bandeira's corner and Taylor Foran was free at the back post to tap in.

Khayon Edwards scored our fourth and his 17th goal of the season in the closing stages, coolly rounding Norcott after some good work from Billy Vigar in the buildup.

Caylan Vickers took advantage of a defensive mishap deep into stoppage time to add another for the visitors, but it failed to take the shine off our performance.

WHAT IT MEANS

We stay sixth in the Under-18 Premier League, eight points behind the leaders, Southampton, after 18 matches.

WHAT'S NEXT

We're back in Under-18 Premier League action on Saturday, March 5, when we travel to Aston Villa.

Kick-off at Bodymoor Heath Training Ground is at 12pm (UK time).