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