Friday night football at Meadow Park. For the second time this month I visited the home of Borehamwood fc, to see an Arsenal match. This evening’s affair was a premier league two fixture between Arsenal U23s and Everton U23s. Going into this game the Gunners won their previous encounter against Newport County. Scoring four goals away at Rodney Parade. Everton also tasted victory in their last match, beating Leeds United at the Pure Stadium. In front of a crowd totalling 284 people. Due to the first team also having match tonight crowds were significantly lower.
The guest started off proceedings this evening as they kicked off the game. Immediately passing the ball back to their defence, so they could pump it up the field to the advancing forwards. Confusion caused a collection between two Toffee players who both went to head it down. Picking up possession once again Everton had the first attack of the evening. When the host regained the ball, they played a simple game. Passing it sideways repeatedly. Salah being the pivot in the middle of the pitch. However, this proved to be difficult for the Reds as more than a few attempted through balls ended up in Toffee territory. Sitting back centre halves sweeping up the errors with ease. Getting the first goal of the evening was Flo Balogun. Receiving a through pass the forward took a left footed shot, which ended up in the bottom right corner. Past the on rushing keeper. Gunners ahead in the thirty seventh minute. Great to see the potential first team star on the scoresheet once again.
Arsenal narrowly ahead at the break. Everton were unlucky to not be level, having created a few good chances. Gunners’ midfielder Salah seeming to be controlling their advances otherwise. Balogun breaking the deadlock, causing the quietest of cheers in the stands. The home side came close again in the forty seventh minute as they saw a shot come off the woodwork. Soon after Arsenal keeper Arthur Okonkwo made a fantastic save, keeping Everton goalless in this match. Clearing it off the line from a header. With fifteen minutes to go Salah Oulad got Arsenals second goal. Great footwork from the young midfielder to make his way into the box, before firing into the net. Ryan Alebiosu increased the home sides lead in the seventy-nineth minute, effort from the wing. Very high tempo in low temperatures. However, the game was not over there. Pushing late on Arsenal got a fourth. Holding Everton in their own box, they worked hard to get another. Nothing the guest could do to prevent it.
In conclusion Arsenal dominated overall this evening. Everton looked out of it early on, having felt pressure from their opponents. Hardly showed any chances in the later periods of the game.
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