Nigerian Whizkid Balogun Nets Brace As Arsenal Extend Unbeaten Run To 13 Games

Arsenal claimed all three points after hammering Reading 6-2 in an Under 18 Premier League clash at Hogwood Park Training Ground (Finchampstead, Berkshire) on Saturday, and extended their unbeaten run to 13 games in all competitions.

Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, Xavier Amaechi and Bukayo Saka are away on international duty with England U17s in Portugal, so missed out on the match days squad, but there were starts for Tobi Omole, James Olayinka and Folarin Balogun.

Three goals inside the opening 16 minutes from Swanson, Balogun and Josh Benson helped propel Kwame Ampadu's side into a commanding lead but Thierry Nevers pulled one back for the Royals before half-time.

Swanson, Balogun and Robbie Burton wrote their names on the score-sheet for Arsenal in the second half, before Robbie Burton narrowed the deficit.

Balogun is Arsenal's top scorer in the U18 Premier League with nine goals to his name from 12 appearances, the offensive all-rounder has tallied two goals in the Under-18 Premier League Cup.

Next up for Arsenal is a Premier League Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur next Saturday.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : arsenalyouth.wordpress.com