Young Canaries edged out by Arsenal
NORWICH City were narrowly beaten 1-0 at Arsenal in the U18 Premier League on Saturday.The opening half an hour saw both sides unsuccessful in their search for the opening goal.
36 minutes in Donyell Malen fizzed in a free-kick from the left-hand side which was met by Edward Nketiah, who fired the ball in from close range to put The Gunners a goal to the good.
City went in at the break on the back foot, after The Gunners had the majority of first-half chances and rattled the crossbar moments before the half-time whistle.
Just five minutes into the second half, Fergal Hale-Brown saved a powerful, point-blank shot from Nathan Tella to keep the Canaries within one goal.
Intense pressure from Kieran Higgs and Alan Fleming led to a turnover in possession, resulting in Devonte Aransibia's shot creeping just wide of the post.
Substitute Joseph Willock went on a surging run from deep in his own half all the way to the Norwich penalty area, only to be denied by Hale-Brown, who saved City once again.
The young Canaries absorbed the pressure of the hosts well, but ultimately left London with a dissapointing result.
City's youngsters will look to bounce back on November 5 (12pm) as they host Reading at Colney Training Centre.
FULL-TIME: Arsenal 1-0 Norwich City
NORWICH CITY: Hale-Brown; Syme, Ellesley, Akyeampong-Ekumah (Catton 62), Aarons; Payne (Kamal 68), Pollock; Higgs, Aransibia, Spyrou (Sambu 13); Fleming. Subs not used: Oddy