Middlesbrough U18 0 - 1 Under 18 - Match Report

We clinched our first victory in the Premier League Cup with a narrow 1-0 away triumph against Middlesbrough on Saturday morning.

The first ten minutes of the match were marked by caution, as both teams tested the waters. It was during this period that our first glimmer of opportunity emerged, courtesy of Louie Copley. He cleverly carved out space within the box, but his strike was met by Shea Connor.

While the home side managed a couple of half-hearted attempts, they failed to venture into dangerous territory to seriously Noah Cooper.

As the game progressed, we gradually asserted our control. Our intricate play showcased moments of brilliance, and we came agonizingly close to setting Mason Cotcher loose, although he struggled to gain control of the ball.

Then, 15 minutes into the second half, the moment we'd been waiting for arrived. Will Sweet, rising to the occasion, headed home from a corner, marking his first goal at the under-18s level. This crucial breakthrough put us in the driver's seat.

The remainder of the match unfolded as a masterclass in composure by our young Gunners. The partnership of Kacurri Maldini and Sweet stood as an impenetrable wall, effectively stifling Boro's attacks.

We executed a flawless finish, ensuring that the three points made their way back to London.

WHAT IT MEANS

With this win against Middlesbrough, we now stand at four points in Group B.

Our final group encounter, a clash away to Derby County, will be on Saturday, November 25.

WHAT'S NEXT

Our next game sees us travel south of the river to face Crystal Palace in the Under-18s Premier League 2 on Saturday, October 28.

Kick-off at the Crystal Palace Training Ground is at 11am (UK).

TEAM NEWS

Arsenal XI: Cooper, Nichols, Kacurri, Sweet, Brown, Shuaib, Copley, Dowman, Ferdinand, Oyetunde (Chinedu, 90+5), Cotcher (Fisher, 71)

Substitutes (not used): Ranson, Clairmont, Ryan

KEY EVENTS

Goals: Arsenal - Sweet (61)