U23 Report: Arsenal 1-0 Saints

Gunners striker Tyreece John-Jules scored the only goal of the game a minute from the break, twisting and shooting first time into the bottom left-hand corner.

Despite being dominated in terms of possession during the first half, Saints had chances either side of the interval to grab an equaliser with Harlem Hale having the pick of the bunch.

Tommy Scott capped off a commanding performance in the visiting net in the 90^th minute, saving a penalty from John-Jules as he dived down to his left.

It was a relatively quiet first twenty minutes at Boreham Wood; Arsenal enjoying the lion’s share of possession and having the game’s best chance after 19 minutes; Trae Coyle hitting a fierce effort that was well saved by Scott.

Saints got their first real chance in the 25^th minute; Harry Hamblin finding Hale who was denied an effort on goal by a last-ditch challenge.

Seconds later Hale was involved again, seemingly unmarked at the back post with an open net, the Gunners were fortunate not to go a goal down following a perfect ball from Kazeem Olaigbe.

The home side continued their pressure as the half wore on, Alex Jankewitz producing a vital block to deny Arsenal’s James Olayinka in the 37^th minute.

In the 44^th minute the Gunners finally broke down the stubborn Saints defence; Matthew Smith with a ball forward finding John-Jules who hit an effort, on the turn, and found the bottom left corner.

Arsenal’s pressure continued into the second half, James Olayinka hitting the post in the 49^th minute via Scott’s strong left hand.

But as half went on Saints began to control matters in a way they hadn’t done before during the afternoon; dominating possession and beginning to threaten the Gunners’ defence.

After 64 minutes defender Christoph Klarer headed just over from Olaigbe’s corner, typifying the foothold the visitors were starting to have in the game.

The hosts always looked threatening on the counter, though, with John-Jules involved again forcing a good save from Scott in the 70^th minute.

Seconds later, however, Saints had a huge chance to equalise; Christian Norton firing an effort across goal but Hale, at the back post like he was in the first half, was unable to turn it home.

Arsenal had another chance to extend their lead just past the 80-minute mark, Olayinka finding space on the edge of the box and making Scott work.

In the final minute the home side were awarded a fortunate penalty; John-Jules involved again alleged to have been pulled back despite not going to ground.

John-Jules stepped up, and had his effort superbly saved by Scott who had an impressive afternoon in the Saints goal.

Head to Head Stats

• Possession (%)
  70

  30
• Shots
  16

  5
• Shots on target
  5

  0
• Corners
  12

  3
• Passes Complete
  563

  193