U18 Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur 2 (Williams-Barnett 39, 48) Arsenal 2 (O’Neill 7, Murisa 52)
Arsenal U18s drew 2-2 away to Tottenham Hotspur and also had two players sent off in an eventful north London derby today.
Ceadach O’Neill and Teshaun Murisa both got on the scoresheet for Arsenal, while defenders Marli Salmon and Josiah King were sent off in the second half and Tottenham’s George Feeney was also dismissed.
With the FA Youth Cup third round tie against Mansfield Town rapidly approaching, Arsenal named a stronger side than usual at this level as Salmon and Ife Ibrahim made rare appearances.
Louis Zecevic John was named amongst the substitutes after returning from injury.
Arsenal head coach Adam Birchall was absent due to illness.
Porter
King-Salmon-Hamill-Ogunnaike
Ibrahim
Murisa-Julienne
Thompson-O’Neill-Bailey Joseph
Subs: Zecevic John (for Thompson, 63), Owusu-Gyasi (for Murisa, 63), Hashi (for Bailey-Joseph, 78), Chapman (for O’Neill, 90). Not used: Lupinski.
Arsenal took the lead in the seventh minute as Ibrahim found O’Neill, who continued his excellent goalscoring form this season by finding the net.
However, Luca Williams-Barnett equalised for Tottenham just before half time.
Tottenham were awarded a penalty early in the second half with Williams-Barnett stepping up to convert it.
In a tumultuous encounter, Murisa then managed to pull Arsenal level.
Arsenal’s Salmon and Tottenham’s Feeney were then both dismissed after clashing with each other.
Zecevic John entered the fray, with Abraham Owusu-Gyasi later coming on.
King was sent off for a second bookable offence late on but Arsenal held on to secure a point.