U18s defeated by Arsenal

11th December

Swansea City Under-18s conceded two late goals as they suffered a 3-0 defeat against Arsenal in Premier League South.

The Gunners started brightly at Fairwood and took the lead inside 10 minutes as winger Xavier Amaechi slotted home from close range. 

The visitors continued to apply pressure, but it was the Swans who threatened next as Oliver Cooper saw his effort saved by goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo on 15 minutes.

Arsenal came close to doubling their lead on the half-hour mark only for Bukayo Saka’s curled effort to sail narrowly over the bar.

The home side were unfortunate not to draw level just before the break after a scramble on the goal line but Arsenal eventually cleared.

The Swans were the better side approaching the hour mark and almost found the equaliser with a drilled effort from Mason Jones-Thomas. The rebound fell to Matthew Roberts, who found the back of the net only to be flagged offside.

But two quickfire goals late on from Arsenal secured points. First there was a thunderous volley from Tyreece John-Jules, then came a cool finish from Saka.

Swans U18s: Alex Lang, Joe Lewis, Matthew Blake, Tom Price, Ben Cabango, Brandon Cooper (C), Mason Jones-Thomas, Kees De Boer (Cameron Berry, 70), Matthew Roberts (Finley Hazell, 85), Oliver Cooper, Marc Walsh (Rhydian Williams, 73).

Subs not used: Nathan Sheppard, Jack Fox.

Arsenal U18s: Arthur Okonko, Harrison Clarke, Domonic Thomspon, James Olayinka, Bayli Spencer- Adams, Tobi Ohole (C), Xavier Amaechi (Folarin Balogun, 62), Jay Beckford (Robbie Burton, 55), Tyreece John-Jules, Trae Coyle, Bukayo Saka.

Subs not used: Daniel Barden, Zak Swanson, Mark McGuiness.