Spurs under 21’s 1-1 Crawley Town (Crawley won 5-3 on penalties): (match report)

Our development side got this seasons Checkatrade trophy campaign underway when they took on league two side Crawley Town on Tuesday night. Wayne Burnett’s under 21 side were hoping to improve in the competition this season after making their debut in it during the 2017/18 season. Without the talented defensive duo of Japhet Tanganga and TJ Eyoma who had already gone away on international duty with England, Burnett was forced into fielding a whole host of players from our under 18 side. It was a much changed side to the one which had lost 2-1 to Arsenal on Friday. Our visit to Crawley saw first year scholars Malachi Walcott and Luis Binks start in a back three as they made their debuts at this level. Furthermore, second year scholars Paris Maghoma and Jamie Bowden formed an effective partnership in central midfield. Burnett also showed faith in several more of our under 18’s, such as Harvey White and J’Neil Bennett (both 16) who joined Armando Shashoua and Troy Parrott on the Spurs bench. Burnett had shown faith in this extremely young Spurs side and they didn’t let him down, they were superb against the league two outfit. Playing beyond their years, the young Lilywhites rose to the occasion, putting in an impressive and assertive performance against the much more physical and experienced Crawley Town. Burnett’s side were confident and assured in their play during their 1-1 draw with the Red Devil’s. They read the game well, defended impeccably and knew when to burst forwards. In my opinion our youngsters put in an even better performance than the one in which our under 23’s put in against Liverpool only a couple of weeks earlier. Despite losing 5-3 on penalties to the Sussex club which saw Burnett’s side miss out on the extra bonus point on offer, Spurs came back to London with a valuable and hugely respectable point. Combative and willing to battle with the much more physical opposition, Spurs were highly competitive throughout what was a very close first half with few clear cut chances falling for either side. The second half was a lot more open as both sides tried to break the deadlock with their attractive style of football.

Shayon Harrison pounced on a poor pass from Dannie Bulman to finish well from inside the penalty area to give Spurs the lead on 50 minutes. However, our lead would only last for nine minutes, Crawley centre defender Bondz N’Gala drew level for the league two side after volleying home from Lewis Young’s free kick. An exciting 30 or so minutes remained as both sides tried to find the winner. However, despite their best efforts neither side could find that illusive goal and the game ended up going to a penalty shootout to determine who would get the extra bonus point. Sadly, Paris Maghoma missed the decisive penalty for Spurs owing only to a fantastic save from the Crawley goalkeeper Yusuf Mersin. Unfortunately for Burnett’s young side, Crawley’s David Sesay converted the resulting penalty kick to earn the home side the extra point. Originally scheduled to kick off at 7:45 pm, our Checkatrade trophy game was delayed by 15 minutes owing to traffic problems. Burnett’s young and experimental side played in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Brandon Austin starting in goal. In front of the 19 year old goalkeeper was a back three of Jonathan Dinzeyi, Malachi Walcott and Luis Binks. Four Tottenham players started in the midfield, with George Marsh and Jaden Brown operating as wingbacks, whilst Maghoma and Bowden started in the centre of the park. In front of the midfield was the attacking triangle of Oakley-Boothe and Roles (both of whom played outwide) whilst the most experienced member of the team Shayon Harrison led the line. The home team got the game underway but it was Burnett’s side who had the first real chance of the game, only a couple of minutes in. A good move from the young Lilywhites saw Maghoma play in Harrison down the left hand side of the penalty area with a nicely weighted pass. However, the Tottenham forward was closed down well by Crawley defender Joe McNerney who blocked his effort out for a corner. Luke Young’s corner kick caused havoc in the Spurs box at the other end pitch. As Spurs frantically tried to clear Panutche Camara’s header inside the penalty area.

Paris Maghoma had taken the game by the scruff of the neck during the opening stages, and the creative midfielder came close to giving Spurs the lead through a move of his own making. Maghoma burst forward through the centre of the park, the 17 year old tricked his way past Camara before firing an effort narrowly wide of the Crawley goal from 25 yards out. It had been a lively start to the game as both sides tried to move the ball around the park. However, it had been Burnett’s side who had started the game the brightest of the two teams. Another move orchestrated by Maghoma saw the midfielder exchange passes with Harrison on the edge of the Crawley penalty area, before blasting the ball over Mersin’s crossbar. Jack Roles then had a shot blocked by Camara on the edge of the penalty area, as Spurs continued to put pressure on the hosts. Limited mainly to set pieces, Lewis Young’s free kick into the danger zone deceived everyone in a red shirt as it went harmlessly wide for a goal kick. Burnett’s side came close to opening the scoring when Jaden Brown whipped a menacing ball into the box after receiving Maghoma’s pass. The left wing backs delivery was only just missed by Roles who came sliding in at the near post, but failed to make contact with the ball. A heroic piece of defending from Marsh prevented Crawley from breaking the deadlock a couple of minutes later. A sharp incisive move from the home team saw Young pass the ball to Camara on the edge of the penalty area. Camara quickly slipped the ball into Randall inside the box, but just as he was about to pull the trigger Marsh came sprinting across his man to make a goal saving sliding challenge. The alert Jonathan Dinzeyi then made a good header at the back post to clear Young’s menacing cross into the danger zone. Crawley whipped another dangerous ball into the penalty area, this time through McNerney whose pacy delivery was glanced marginally wide of Austin’s goal by Tarryn Allarakhia.

The lively Jack Roles then won a free kick in a promising position out on the right wing, after some fancy footwork from the Cypriot youth international drew a foul from a Crawley player. However, Bowden’s resulting delivery ended up going straight down the throat of Crawley goalkeeper Yusuf Mersin. The game was quickly gathering pace with action aplenty at both ends of the pitch, as both sides went in search of the opening goal of the game. Dannie Bulman came close to gifting the home side the lead after he cut inside Binks down the right before firing over. Shayon Harrison forced a save out of Mersin a couple of moments later, after the centre forward picked up Jack Roles’ pass on the edge of the Crawley penalty area. The tricky Harrison managed to hold off his man before forcing a good stop out of Mersin at his bottom left with a powerful effort. Brandon Austin was then tested for the first real time after the 19 year old was forced to deal with Bulman’s fizzing effort from range, which Austin was just able to palm behind for a corner at his bottom left. The Crawley midfielders effort had plenty of swerve on it and had almost caught the Spurs goalkeeper by surprise. The energetic Jack Roles made a hugely important interception shortly afterwards to win the ball off of Camara inside the penalty area. Lewis Young then saw his headed attempt at goal cleared by Jaden Brown as Spurs continued to quell Crawley’s attacking onslaught towards the latter stages of the half. However, Burnett’s side were still seeing more of the ball and they were continuing to create chances through the middle. An intricate move from the young Lilywhites saw Maghoma pass the ball to Harrison, the forward then shifted the ball out to Brown who went galavanting down the left hand side before whipping the ball into the danger zone. Brown’s cross was cleared away by a Crawley defender but only into the feet of Harrison who was waiting on the edge of the box as the centre forward blasted the ball over the crossbar with a poorly struck volley.

Passing the ball around the park in the final minutes of the half it was quite obvious that Burnett’s side just wanted to go into halftime with the scores all level. However, Crawley came a matter of inches away from taking the lead right on the stroke of half time. After Crawley defender Joe McNerney cut inside from the right wing, McNerney shimmied past Binks on the edge of the box before curling an effort across goal and narrowly wide of Austin’s right hand post to wrap up an entertaining first half of football. Spurs got the second half underway as Burnett’s young lads tried to continue to hold their own against the considerably more physical opposition. And the Red Devil’s started the half quite brightly, after Maghoma gave the ball away to Young, the Crawley skipper charged down the right flank before continuing towards the edge of the Tottenham penalty area where he dragged an effort wide of goal courtesy of a deflection off of Dinzeyi on the way. Paris Maghoma made amends for giving the ball away moments later when he produced an important block to thwart Camara’s effort on goal from the resulting corner kick. Having managed to survive this spell of pressure that Crawley had put them under, Burnett’s side were continuing to work hard in order to create chances of their own. Harrison didn’t need any of his players to help him out after the Tottenham forward had the ball played into him inside the penalty area on 49 minutes. Harrison couldn’t believe his luck as Bulman passed the ball to him inside the penalty area whilst trying to find Mersin. Harrison picked up the ball down the left hand side of the penalty, the youngster looked up at goal as Mersin struggled to get back into position and fired a low effort towards the far corner of the goal. Harrison’s shot struck the inside of the right hand post before bouncing across the goal and into the opposite side of the net, 1-0. It was a typical poachers goals from a player who I have seen score those kind of goals for what feels like a very long time.

After having taken a deserved lead the big test for Burnett’s youngsters was finding a way to hold on to that lead. The so far uninvolved Oakley-Boothe managed to win a free kick for Spurs on the edge of the penalty area. However, Maghoma’s resulting effort was driven straight into the Crawley wall. The ball came out to Marsh on the edge of the penalty area, the right wing back steadied himself before lashing the ball high over Mersin’s crossbar. The fast paced start to the half continued as Camara attempted to play in Dominic Poleon down the right side of the Tottenham penalty. And Camara almost succeeded in picking the former Leeds man out but for a vital interception from the alert Binks to break up the attack. The referee Tim Robinson temporarily halted play after Brown and Maghoma clattered into each other out on the left wing. The impressive Luis Binks then made an important block inside the Tottenham box to block Bulman’s header after the Crawley midfielder had gotten on the end of Young’s corner kick. Despite our impeccable defending we were caught out by a Crawley free kick in the 59th minute. Lewis Young’s in swinging delivery from the right managed to pick out Bondz N’Gala in the centre of the penalty area. The physically imposing defender managed to get to the ball before Dinzeyi to stab the ball into the top right hand corner of Austin’s goal, from only four yards out. N’Gala’s unstoppable volley had given Austin no time to react, it was a fine finish from the Crawley centre half, 1-1. The referee had been very harsh on Walcott to award the free kick in the first place for a supposed foul from the the 16 year old. A player who was doing an excellent job in the centre of the park was Jamie Bowden, and the creative 17 year old almost managed to pick out Harrison in the penalty area with a lovely pass over the top of the Crawley defence. However, Harrison couldn’t quite get the ball down in time as a Crawley defender got back to clear. Spurs were trying incredibly hard to regain their lead.

The skilful Jack Roles managed to turn his man wonderfully before passing the ball to Harrison on the edge of the penalty area. Harrison managed to sort his feet out quickly before forcing a good save out of Mersin who got down to the stop his powerful low effort at goal. The particularly attacking Jaden Brown almost managed to play the ball into Harrison a couple of moments later. Oakley-Boothe saw his cross into the box come off the top of Mersin’s crossbar a few minutes later whilst Roles tested Mersin from range with a low effort as Spurs continued to trouble the league two sides defence. Spurs’ good spell of possession continued as Jack Roles had an effort blocked by N’Gala before Burnett’s side had a penalty claim waved away by the the referee, after Oakley-Boothe was brought down inside the area by Poleon after the teenager had surged past his man. Despite being relatively comfortable in possession young Malachi Walcott’s poorly weighted back pass towards Austin allowed Poleon a clean route through to goal. Poleon darted down the left side of the penalty area where he came one on one with Austin who managed to close down his angles well before making an excellent stop to prevent Poleon’s powerful effort. Before the alert Luis Binks got back to deny the Crawley forwards follow up with a superb sliding challenge. Spurs then broke forwards down the other end as Brown charged down the left wing before forcing a decent stop out of Mersin at his near post. After a frantic five or so minutes of action at both ends, Burnett was forced into making his first substitution of the game after Harrison had picked up an injury. Burnett brought on young Troy Parrott for the remaining 12 minutes of the game. The tireless George Marsh produced a superb block to thwart Allarakhia’s effort on goal a couple of minutes later. Whilst Brandon Austin almost found himself in a spot of bother after he spilt a Crawley free kick inside the penalty area.

Both sides were really pushing for that late winner and this meant that both teams defences were very open. A teasing cross into the box from Marsh out on the right hand side only just evaded Roles who came ghosting into the penalty area. 16 year old J’Neil Bennett was brought on shortly afterwards in place of Tashan Oakley-Boothe as Burnett tried to inject some pace into the Spurs side. A lot more confident and creative in the second half, Bowden almost managed to play the newly introduced winger through on goal with a well weighted pass through the Crawley defence. Brandon Austin wasn’t taking any chances with substitute Brian Galach’s menacing ball into the penalty area, as the Tottenham goalkeeper tipped the ball over the bar and out for a corner kick at the other end. Brown produced a fine piece of defending to get a vital touch to Camara’s resulting volley from inside the penalty area after the striker had gotten on the end of the resulting corner kick. Then came a late confrontation between both sets of players, after a nasty sliding challenge from Maguire on Roles, tempers started to flare. The Crawley defender was unhappy that Roles was still on the floor as he lay in pain. So Maguire attempted to haul him up by the back of his shirt, this annoyed Dinzeyi and Marsh who rushed towards the Crawley man to confront him. However, Roles got back on his feet to prevent his teammates from getting themselves in any unnecessary trouble. Spurs had a late chance to win the game after Bowden whipped an inviting free kick into the danger zone. Luis Binks tried his best to get to the the ball but the defender just missed it, as Mersin gathered. Austin was forced into action during the last couple of minutes of the game to punch clear Randall’s free kick as he ended up taking out Binks in the process. The same player had a free kick blocked by the Spurs wall shortly afterwards as McNerney blazed over on the rebound. The extra point would be decided by a penalty shootout.

Crawley had the advantage of taking the first penalty of the shootout, as Crawley skipper Lewis Young stepped up to take. Young’s slightly fortuitous effort straight down the middle of the goal, came off of the underside of the crossbar before bouncing up into the roof of the net, 1-0. Young Luis Binks replied for Spurs with a cool penalty which was fired into the bottom right hand corner of the goal. The Red Devil’s then made it 2-1 after Dominic Poleon slotted home, whilst the typically calm Jack Roles paid no attention to the jeering Crawley fans as he made it 2-2 with a finish into the top right hand corner of the goal. Randall then fired home emphatically to make it 3-2, before Jamie Bowden responded by beating Mersin with a powerful effort to the keepers left. Despite the outstretched Austin diving the right way, the Spurs goalkeeper was unable to prevent Ollie Palmer from finding the bottom right hand corner of the goal to make it 4-3. Great pressure was put on the shoulders of our next penalty taker Paris Maghoma, the 17 year old went on his usual little run up. However, this time the teenager was denied by Mersin as his convincing effort towards the bottom left hand corner of the goal was stopped by the outstretched Mersin as Maghoma buried his face in his shirt in utter disappointment. David Sesay had the chance to win it for Crawley from the spot and the former Watford youngster duly obliged. Firing the ball straight down the middle to make the scores 5-3. It didn’t matter that Burnett’s side weren’t able to pick up the extra point, at the end of the day they put in a performance of real maturity. One in which demonstrated their class and ability but most importantly of all provided our younger than usual development side, with the vital experience of playing against a football league side in a competitive game. Our next game in this competition is next month where we will play in Gillingham in a must win clash at Priestfield on the 9th of October.

Player reviews: – Brandon Austin: Austin put in another superb performance in between the sticks, on what was only his second appearance of the season. I was very impressed with the way in which he dealt with set pieces, and how commanding he was against some very big and physical Crawley players. Not only that, the 19 year old made a string of fine saves including an excellent one to deny Dominic Poleon from a one on one situation during the second half.
– Jonathan Dinzeyi: The most experienced member of a very young Tottenham back three, Dinzeyi played at rcb for the game against Crawley. Impressive and assertive in his defending, Dinzeyi was dominant in the air and made numerous headed clearances. I also thought that the 18 year old read the game well and apart from the odd lapse in concentration he put in a really strong performance. The one time winger would often drive out from the back in an almost Vertonghen-esque way.
– Malachi Walcott: 2002 born centre half Malachi Walcott made his debut at this level on Tuesday evening. Playing in the middle of the back three, young Walcott put in a really mature performance. Like his peer Luis Binks he played like an experienced 25 year old, his decision making was nice and effective as too was his defending. Walcott won the vast majority of his aerial duels and apart from making one error which allowed Poleon to run through on goal, he was flawless.
– Luis Binks: Like Walcott, Binks showed a maturity well beyond his years. Only two days after turning 17 Binks made his debut for the development side, playing on the left side of the back three. Making many important interceptions and challenges despite his lack of experience, the England youth international read the game even better than our other two centre half’s. There were two pieces of defending which really stood out, the vital interception he made to prevent a through ball from reaching a Crawley forward in the penalty. And also his excellent last ditch challenge/block to prevent Poleon from scoring early on in the second half. Binks also despatched his spot kick very cooly indeed.
– George Marsh: Operating as a right wing back, the 19 year old skipper led by example and put in a very solid showing down on that right hand side. Marsh got up and down the flank very well and contributed at both ends of the pitch, but it was the midfielders many important challenges, interceptions and blocks which proved so vital to Spurs picking up the point. Marsh played with aplomb.
– Jamie Bowden: My motm, see below.
– Paris Maghoma: Maghoma was pivotal to the way in which Spurs played, operating as a central midfielder the youngster produced the complete midfield performance. Strong and assertive in the middle of the park, Maghoma made such a positive contribution to the game. With his fancy footwork, movement and awareness, the 17 year old posed a real threat at both ends of the pitch. His willingness to embark on surging runs through the middle created multiple chances for Spurs as too were his many well weighted through balls which he managed to feed into Harrison. Never afraid to try his luck from range, Maghoma was brave both with and without the ball at his feet. He was productive but above all else he was hungry to influence play, to drive at the Crawley defence and to hold off players who were twice the size of him. Once again he demonstrated his great potential. Maghoma was an orchestrator for Spurs from the centre of midfield and put in a very mature performance.
– Jaden Brown: Playing as a left wing back, Brown was a real attacking threat down the left wing. With his many surging runs and pin point crosses into the danger zone, the fullback turned out to be one of our most creative players on the night. The 19 year old also got stuck in defensively and made some important defensive contributions.
– Tashan Oakley-Boothe: Playing almost as an inside forward out on the right, Oakley-Boothe struggled to get into the game for large periods of it. However, during the second half he started to play with a bit of flare about his game and was far more creative. He was however, brought off in place of Bennett with eight minutes of the game remaining.
– Jack Roles: Playing on the opposite side of Oakley-Boothe, Roles was a real live wire throughout the game. His movement was first class as too were the many runs he made in and around the six yard box. The midfielder came close to getting on the end of Brown’s menacing crosses on numerous occasions. He also passed the ball around crisply and created some good chances.
– Shayon Harrison: Harrison lasted 78 minutes of the game before being forced off through injury in the second half. He led the line by example and really played off the shoulder of the Crawley defenders. He was sharp and incisive and would often look to test Mersin from the edge of the penalty area, Harrison took his goal extremely well and made it look easy.
– Troy Parrott: The Irishman looked very sharp during his late cameo.
– J’Neil Bennett: Bennett was only on the pitch for a couple of minutes but the first year scholar showed a real willingness to take on Lewis Young down the left wing.

My man of the match: Jamie Bowden. For those spectator who were unaware of the youngsters age and previous experiences at this level, you’d of thought young Jamie was an experienced member of Spurs’ development side based on his dominant performance against Crawley. It was a very Winks-esque performance from the 17 year old in the centre of the park. Bowden stayed deeper than Maghoma and mopped up well in front of the back three, not only did he read the game exceptionally well, Bowden was feisty without being aggressive. He was a ball winning midfielder as well as a creative midfielder and provided vital protection to the back three. Rarely dispossessed throughout the game, Bowden was strong on the ball and held his own against the likes of Bulman and Randall. He was cool, calm and collected much like Winks was at the same age. However, he showed a remarkable understanding of the game and of his surroundings. He was sharp and attentive and good at breaking up play. However, as the game went on he really started to grow in confidence and made some lovely defence splitting passes through to Harrison up top, he played with a panache about his game and showed great composure. Bowden also converted his spot kick during the penalty shootout. I’m planning on writing an in-depth piece on the midfielder at some point during the international break.

Crawley Town: Mersin, Young (c), McNerney, Poleon, Nathaniel-George (Galach 46), Maguire, Allarakhia (Palmer 80), Bulman (Sesay 71), Randall, Camara, N’Gala. Substitutes (not used): Morris, Doherty, Connolly, Morais.

Spurs: Austin, Marsh, Brown, Walcott, Dinzeyi, Binks, Maghoma, Bowden, Harrison (Parrott 78), Roles, Oakley-Boothe (Bennett 82). Substitutes (not used): De Bie, Duncan, A Shashoua, White.

Goals: Crawley – N’Gala 59; Spurs – Harrison 50.

Yellow card: Crawley – Randall 85.

Referee: Tim Robinson.

Stadium: Broadfield Stadium.

Attendance: 1,403.

Penalty shootout: Crawley – Young – scored
Spurs – Binks – scored
Crawley – Poleon – scored
Spurs – Roles – scored
Crawley – Randall – scored
Spurs – Bowden – scored
Crawley – Palmer – scored
Spurs – Maghoma – saved
Crawley – Sesay – scored

Spurs under 21/23’s statistics 2018/19:

Goals scored: Shayon Harrison – 2
Samuel Shashoua – 1
Marcus Edwards – 1
Jaden Brown – 1

Assists: Troy Parrott – 1
Jaden Brown – 1
Shayon Harrison – 1

Spurs under 18’s 5-2 Southampton: (match report)

After a chaotic journey which involved me being stuck in traffic for large periods of the morning, I made it in the nick of time to Staplewood on Saturday morning to report on our under 18’s league game against Southampton. I was mightily relieved to have got to see Matt Wells side continue their excellent 100% start to the season on Saturday, despite them missing a whole host of important players. Wells side overcame the Saints with an emphatic 5-2 victory as Spurs moved up to first place in the southern league. It was another excellent attacking performance from our youngsters against a Southampton side with a lot of talent in it, Spurs’ high energy football was unmatchable. The way in Which Wells’s side were able to up their tempo in the second half despite already finding themselves 2-1 up, was hugely impressive. As too was the way in which they picked apart the Southampton defence with such intricate and clever attacking football. It was in so many ways the perfect team performance from the young Lilywhites who even with a depleted side still showed just how talented this pool of players are, and just how far they can go this season under the tutelage of Matt Wells. Sharp and incisive from the offing in what was an incredibly even and end to end game during the first half, Spurs took the lead early on through makeshift centre forward Jeremie Mukendi. The lively forward then doubled Spurs’ advantage with his second of the game 15 minutes later, in what was almost a carbon copy of the first goal. However, Southampton were really testing us in the final third and the home team pulled a goal back on 19 minutes through wide man Enzo Robise. However, it was in the second half that Spurs really started to up their game.

Playing with a much higher intensity to their game, Spurs moved the ball about quicker. A 19 minute three goal blitz from Wells’s side effectively put the game to bed, as goals from Markanday, Clarke and Patterson put the game out of sight. Sparkling and at times unplayable, Spurs put in a really mature performance against a good Southampton team. Despite pulling a goal back through former Tottenham schoolboy Rio Glean in stoppage time, Wells’s side held on, to record an impressive 5-2 victory at Staplewood. That win sees them go top of the southern league joint on points with West Ham who they play later this month. Without the talented trio of Paris Maghoma, J’Neil Bennett and Troy Parrott all of whom were involved in the under 23 game the night before, Wells was forced into rotating his side for our encounter with Southampton, this meant that some of the fringe members of the squad were able to get rare starts at this level. Spurs lined up with overage goalkeeper Jonathan De Bie in goal, with a back four of Tainio, Walcott, Binks and White sitting in front of him. In the middle of the park was the central midfield pairing of Armando Shashoua (captain) and Jamie Bowden. Whilst Pochettino, Markanday and Patterson lined up behind 17 year old Jeremie Mukendi who made a rare start up top. Spurs got the game underway on what was a sunny morning down in County Hampshire. There was a lively start to the game as Southampton came close to taking the lead early on after a good move down the left hand side. James Morris’s pacy delivery into the Tottenham penalty area picked out the Saints skipper Sean Brennan inside the box. The Irishman looked up before firing the ball straight at Jonathan De Bie who gathered it comfortably. And straight from that chance came Spurs’ first real attack. De Bie quickly distributed the ball out from the back, as Jamie Bowden powered forward through the middle before playing a wonderful defence splitting pass through to Mukendi.

Mukendi took a touch on the edge of the penalty area before continuing into the box and rifling the ball into the bottom left hand corner of Jack Bycroft’s goal, despite being put under pressure by a Southampton defender, 1-0. It was an excellent finish from Mukendi in only the fourth minute of the game, he managed to show his composure in front of goal with an excellent finish across goal. The game quickly picked up pace and there was an air of unpredictably about it, with chances aplenty at both ends of the pitch. Southampton came close to scoring after a well worked move from the home side which saw Dan Bartlett play in Christian Norton down the right wing. The Southampton forward whipped the ball across goal where he managed to find Will Ferry at the back post. Ferry’s powerful effort at goal was excellently blocked out for a corner by Tainio on the line. Ferry pumped the resulting corner kick into the box with Allan Tchapchet rising to meet the ball. The towering centre half’s looping header was heading in but for an excellent headed clearance from White on the line. Bartlett then fired over from long range as the fast paced start to the game continued, as Spurs looked to strengthen their advantage. Dilan Markanday and Armando Shashoua combined well around the Southampton penalty area, as the former attempted to scoop the ball over the Southampton defence and onto Shashoua on the edge of the penalty area. However, the skippers effort was blocked by the alert David Agbonthoma who managed to get in front of the Spurs man, Markanday then had a shot blocked in a similar position a couple of minutes later. There was plenty of intricate attacking football on show from Matt Wells side during the opening stages of the game. Shashoua was buzzing around like a bee across the final third and the captain almost doubled Spurs’ advantage when he met Patterson’s cross inside the penalty area. Shashoua controlled the ball before side footing it narrowly wide of Bycroft’s near post.

Malachi Walcott conceded a free kick in a dangerous position on the edge of the penalty area a couple of minutes later at the other end of the pitch, after fouling Enzo Robise. Robise’s resulting under the wall free kick was however, comfortably gathered by the attentive De Bie in the centre of the Spurs goal. Then on 19 minutes Spurs doubled their advantage courtesy of Mukendi’s second of the game. It was a wonderfully direct attack from Spurs as Walcott’s long pass from deep managed to bounce over the head of Tchapchet on the edge of the penalty area and into the feet of Mukendi. The 17 year old managed to control the ball and shrug off the attention of Tchapchet before calmly finding the bottom left hand corner of the goal with a powerful finish. It was in many ways a carbon copy of Mukendi’s first goal, 2-0. Armando Shashoua’s dangerous cross into the Southampton penalty area just deceived Pochettino who was lurking at the back post a couple of moments later, as Spurs continued their good start to the game. However, Southampton had been just as dangerous going forwards in the half, and the Saints came close to pulling a goal back. Will Ferry’s excellent cross into the box just missed the head of Norton who was ghosting in at the back post, the ball continued across to Caleb Watts who couldn’t control the ball as it went harmlessly out for a goal kick. Ferry whipped another menacing ball across the face of De Bie’s goal a couple of moments later as Southampton looked to exploit us down that side of the pitch. Markanday and Mukendi failed to combine inside the penalty area at the other end. However, Southampton were allowed a way back into the game on the half hour mark after De Bie gave away a penalty. A lovely ball over the top of the Tottenham defence from Ferry managed to pick out Robise down the right side of the penalty area. De Bie came rushing out of his goal to try and close down the angles for Robise, but the Belgian had clipped the feet of Robise who went flying to the ground, as the referee pointed to the spot. Robise regained his composure to take the resulting spot kick, and the winger cooly fired the ball into the bottom right hand corner of De Bie’s goal despite the best efforts of the Spurs keeper who had managed to guess the right way, 2-1.

Southampton seemed to get a bit of a boost in confidence after Robise had pulled a goal back for the home team. A good pass from Norton managed to pick out Brennan down the left side of the penalty area shortly after the restart. The Irishman’s powerful low effort at goal was saved well by De Bie who managed to produce an impressive reflex save to deny the Saints from drawing level. De Bie punched clear Bartlett’s corner kick a couple of minutes later as the Saints continued to pile the pressure on the Tottenham defence. A sloppy pass from Markanday into the feet of Brennan shortly afterwards allowed the Dubliner to set Norton racing through the right side of the penalty area after Brennan had slipped the ball through to him. Norton took his effort early and forced an excellent save out of De Bie who managed to stop the strikers venomous effort with an impressive diving save. The tireless Jamie Bowden then blocked a shot from the same player inside the box a matter of seconds later. Wells’s side weren’t playing with enough width and this was putting their back four under unnecessary pressure as they tried to play the ball through the middle. Shashoua did well to win a free kick in a dangerous position for Spurs as the young Lilywhites looked to strengthen their lead. However, Harvey White’s resulting delivery into the danger zone managed to deceive every one in navy blue as it went harmlessly wide. Jeremie Mukendi then had the chance to secure his hat-trick after Shashoua had left the ball off for the forward on the edge of the penalty area, after working his way through the middle of the Southampton defence. However, Mukendi’s resulting effort was dragged wide across the face of Bycroft’s goal even though he had Shashoua in space down the left side of the box. Spurs were then caught on the break as Ferry played in Brennan down the left hand side of the penalty area. In time and in space, the Southampton captain made the wrong decision as he attempted to find Norton at the back post despite having so much of the goal to aim at. Brennan’s mistimed cross ended up going out for a goal kick for Spurs.

Jamie Bowden then fired an effort narrowly over the top of Bycroft’s goal after being picked out on the edge of the area by Patterson, on the stroke of halftime. The Saints got the second half underway as both sides looked to capitalise on what was a chaotic and fast paced game of football. Spurs had really upped their tempo for the beginning of this half, and they looked a lot sharper with the ball. Straight from the restart Markanday embarked on a weaving run into the Southampton penalty area, but the attack was stopped by Southampton fullback Kayne Ramsay who produced a well timed sliding challenge to rob the ball off of Markanday inside the area. Shashoua tried a similar route through to goal a couple of minutes later after he attempted to trick his way through the Southampton defence and he almost succeeded but for an interception from Agbonthoma on the edge of the penalty area. Spurs had started the half in excellent fashion and they were really making the Southampton defence work hard. Midfield craftsman Jamie Bowden almost managed to pick out Mukendi inside the penalty area with a well weighted through ball, but Bycroft came out to smother the ball. Everything was pointing to a third Spurs goal, and that duly arrived for Matt Wells side in the 51st minute of time. It was a sublime move from Spurs as the flawless Luis Binks spotted the run of Markanday towards the penalty area. The teenager made a laser beam of a pass into the danger zone which Markanday met just as Bycroft came rushing out to meet it. Markanday smartly chested the ball away from Bycroft before swivelling round the Southampton keeper, and clipping home from a tight angle down the left hand side of the box, it was an excellently taken goal from the number ten, 3-1. Jamie Bowden fired just over after the restart as the attacking pressure from Matt Wells side showed no signs of slowing down. The resulting goal kick from Bycroft was poor and ended up coming straight out to Mukendi who was around 25 yards out from goal.

The pacy forward powered down the left hand side before having a wild swing at goal, of which was deflected out for a Tottenham corner kick. Still vulnerable on the counter as shown by Ferry when he sped away from the Tainio out on the left wing, Spurs were only let off because Ferry had little to aim at inside the box as De Bie comfortably gathered the wingers cross. Wells then made his first substitution of the game when he brought off the slightly ineffective Pochettino for Clarke on the hour mark. Unable to keep up with Matt Wells super fit and energetic side, Spurs made it 4-1 on 66 minutes after the newly introduced Rayan Clarke extended our lead. Bowden turned the creator once more after he fed in Clarke down the right side of the penalty area. Clarke cut inside onto his left before showing off his fancy footwork as he worked his way past Morris and Tchapchet inside the area before firing the ball into the bottom right hand corner of Bycroft’s goal, 4-1. It was a superbly taken goal from Clarke on what was his first appearance of the season for our under 18’s, after a lengthy injury lay off. It was all Spurs, as Matt Wells dominant side continued to trouble the rather fragile looking Southampton defence. The lively Mukendi almost managed to pick out Dilan Markanday inside the penalty area with a clever lofted pass. Whilst Southampton almost pulled a goal back at the other end after the pacy Kayne Ramsay powered down the right wing before cutting inside and finding Ferry on the opposite side with a nice crisp pass. Ferry got the ball out of his feet early and managed to find Norton at the back post with a nice cross. Thankfully for De Bie and the Tottenham defence, Norton’s effort from close range flew over De Bie’s crossbar. And it was from the following attack down the other end of the pitch that Spurs managed to put the game to bed once and for all to make it 5-1. The potent Phoenix Patterson played a clever one two with Bowden on the edge of the penalty area, as the former picked up the ball on the edge of the penalty area before continuing into the box and firing the ball past Bycroft and into the far right hand corner of the goal, 5-1. Bycroft did manage to get a touch on the birthday boys effort, but he wasn’t able to prevent it from flying in.

Spurs continued to dominate proceedings, Markanday’s pass to Clarke down the right resulted in the winger firing the ball over the goal, Luis Binks was replaced moments later by Elliot Thorpe, whilst Maxwell Statham came on for Walcott to make his return from injury. Spurs were just knocking the ball around the park with ease however, Southampton always remained dangerous on the counter. After Shashoua had given the ball straight to the newly introduced Simon Kozak, the Southampton substitute had managed to play the ball into Norton inside the Tottenham penalty area. However, Norton’s powerful effort at goal was excellently blocked by Statham who came sliding across the Saints striker, as De Bie gobbled up the loose ball. Norton then volleyed over the Spurs goal after going to meet Southampton substitute Rio Glean’s cross at the back post. And once again the frustrated Southampton striker came close to finding the net as we approached the final stages of the game. Will Ferry’s superb delivery into the box was met by Norton at the back post, but with the goal gaping at his mercy, Norton fired the ball against De Bie’s crossbar from close range. The rebound came out to Bartlett on the edge of the box as the Southampton midfielder blazed the ball over the crossbar. Much deserving of a goal of his own, Armando Shashoua came close to finding a late goal. After Clarke had slipped the ball into the Tottenham midfielder inside the penalty area. Shashoua shimmied away from a Southampton defender before firing the ball into the side netting. Markanday attempted to play Patterson in down the right side of the penalty area a couple of minutes later, but the attacking midfielders pass was slightly over hit. There was a further flurry of action as we entered stoppage time, Harvey White made a good block to stop Ramsey’s effort down the right. Whilst Bowden had an effort at goal blocked by Morris at the other end.

And it was from Bowden’s attempt at goal that the Saints counter attacked us and with late consequences. Norton powered through the middle before slipping the ball into the feet of former Spurs schoolboy Rio Glean down the right side of the penalty area. Despite Harvey White’s last ditch challenge on his former teammate, Glean managed to fire the ball into the bottom left hand corner of De Bie’s goal, 5-2. The final score from Staplewood was Spurs under 18’s 5-2 Southampton, it was another hugely impressive and mature performance from Matt Wells side as they managed to outplay a direct but talented Southampton outfit, to send them top of the under 18 southern league after four games played. Spurs will be looking to continue their 100% start to the season when they face Reading at Hotspur Way after the international break.

Player reviews: – Jonathan De Bie: It was an impressive performance from the overage goalkeeper, on only his second appearance of the season. De Bie made a string of fine saves to deny the Saints from scoring more goals, he was attentive and effective at dealing with set pieces. However it was the Belgians many impressive saves especially to deny the potent Christian Norton which proved so effective, including an excellent stop to deny Norton in the first half. In total the 18 year old made eight saves against the Saints.
– Maximus Tainio: A player who seems to be improving by every game, Tainio managed to put in a strong defensive performance up against the tricky Will Ferry on Saturday. Reading the game well, Tainio’s tight defending against Ferry made up for his lack of pace, as the young Finn managed to thwart numerous attacks down that side of the pitch. Tainio also managed to make a heroic goal line block to prevent Southampton from taking the lead early on in the game.
– Malachi Walcott: Forming a great defensive partnership with Luis Binks, Walcott put in another strong performance for Spurs on Saturday. Playing 78 minutes of the game, Walcott dealt well with the threat posed by Norton up top. Dominant in the air and strong in the challenge, Walcott read the game well and capped off a fine performance with a lovely long pass to set up Mukendi’s second goal of the game. Walcott and Binks complimented one another, they are such a strong centre back pairing.
– Luis Binks: It was another flawless performance from young Luis Binks (17) in the centre of Tottenham defence. He read the game to perfection and never allowed Norton to be given much space in and around the Tottenham penalty area. So composed and Alderweireld like in his defending, and the way in which he just steps in front of his man, Binks never looked fazed. He also contributed to the Spurs attack with his trademark cross field diagonal passes, Binks created Markanday’s and Spurs third of the game with a superb laser like pass. Not only was it a wonderful ball into Markanday, but he also showed great awareness to spot the impending run of the attacking midfielder.
– Harvey White: The versatile midfielder slotted in at left back for the trip to Southampton. And once again the 16 year old put in a really assured performance this time up against Southampton’s Enzo Robise out on the left wing. White kept his man in check throughout the game and made some important defensive contributions during the match. Of which included a goal line clearance early on in the game, as well as some really good blocks in and around the Tottenham penalty area. There was shades of Ogilvie in White’s performance agains the Saints, I look forward to seeing him play in his natural position of central midfield as the season progresses.
– Jamie Bowden: My motm, see below.
– Armando Shashoua: Wearing the captains arm band for the third consecutive game in a row, Armando Shashoua played in central midfield alongside Jamie Bowden. The 17 year old put in another impressive performance in the centre of the park even though he would often drift out to the left flank. Shashoua’s ball retention rate was impressive as were the many interceptions he made alongside Jamie Bowden. However, he managed to link defence with attack, going on some nice attacking forays through the middle. The teenagers movement in and around the penalty area was also very good and he managed to have two attempts on goal.
– Maurizio Pochettino: Although Pochettino always looked good on the ball whenever he received it out on the right wing, he often found himself isolated due to Spurs not playing with much width during the first half. By the time that Spurs started to play down the channels more, Pochettino was withdrawn in place of Rayan Clarke.
– Dilan Markanday: Markanday played through the middle as a number ten as oppose to being a wide man for our game against Southampton. He was one of our main creative outlets and his many weaving runs through the middle unsettled the Saints defence. Markanday capped off a fine performance with an excellently taken goal right at the beginning of the second half.
– Phoenix Patterson: It was another good showing from the birthday boy out on the left wing. Hard working throughout the game, Patterson’s good runs down the left were often ignored in the first half as Spurs played with little width about their game. However, the 18 year old was far more involved in the game in the second half, often linking up well with Shashoua down that side. Patterson embarked on some fruitful twisting runs and he remained a creative force for Spurs throughout the half. The winger ended up netting our fifth and final goal of the game after a well worked move with Bowden resulted in Patterson finishing the move off in style with a fine finish.
– Jeremie Mukendi: Constantly making good runs in and behind the Southampton defence, Mukendi made the most of a rare start at this level to put in a terrific performance against Southampton. This was the first time that I’d seen the winger play up front since his days as an under 15 and I was mightily impressed with what I saw. The quality of Mukendi’s runs and his high work rate would have greatly impressed Wells. But it was the 17 year olds two well taken goals that showed how clinical a finisher he is and how well timed his runs are. It was a very promising performance from a player who has really struggled for game since joining us full time in 2017.
– Rayan Clarke: Introduced in the hour mark to replace Pochettino out on the right wing, Clarke’s first under 18 appearance of the season was a good one. And apart from his excellently taken goal shortly after his introduction, Clarke was a live wire down that right hand side, his searing pace and willingness to take men on and cut inside onto his left was great to see.
– Elliot Thorpe: A short cameo for the Welsh under 19 international who replaced Binks with 15 or so minutes left of the game. Thorpe’s passing was crisp and he looked promising on the ball, I just hope that we get to see a lot more of him this season as he is a player with real ability.
– Maxwell Statham: Another player who came off the bench to make a short cameo late on in the game. Statham made a hugely important late block to close down Norton inside the Tottenham penalty area.

My man of the match: Jamie Bowden. Like his peer Oliver Skipp, Bowden is one of the least English, English (even though he’s second generation Irish!) central midfielders you’ll find at this level. Bowden dictated the tempo of the game against Southampton and was Matt Wells most influential player on the day. He read the game so very well, and whilst combative and good at breaking up play it was Bowden’s creativity which really stood out. His vision and guile in the centre of the park, Bowden was a midfield craftsman who oozed with confidence. Getting a hat-trick of assists against Southampton, Bowden was ubiquitous across the field. His perfectly weighed through ball to set up Mukendi for his first of the game was superb. As too was his vision to spot Clarke making the run down the right hand side for our fourth goal. Bowden was tireless, aggressive but most of all he was effective at both ends of the pitch. A vital cog in Matt Wells’s side, the Londoner was a midfield technician against the Saints. He plays almost like a young Italian midfielder, cultured but mature beyond his years. He doesn’t need strength to show his quality. Ironically Bowden has been overlooked for the Ireland under 19 side which Troy Parrott has just been called up to. The FAI surely must be keeping tabs on one of England’s best central midfielders at u18 level!

Spurs: De Bie, Tainio, White, Bowden, Walcott (Statham 78), Binks (Thorpe 76), Pochettino (Clarke 60), A Shashoua (c), Mukendi, Markanday, Patterson. Substitutes (not used): Oluwayemi, Asante.

Spurs under 18’s statistics 2018/19:

Goals scored: J’Neil Bennett – 4
Troy Parrott – 2
Paris Maghoma – 2
Dennis Cirkin – 2
Jeremie Mukendi – 2
Luis Binks – 1
Brooklyn Lyons-Foster – 1
Armando Shashoua – 1
Dilan Markanday – 1
Rayan Clarke – 1
Phoenix Patterson – 1

Assists: Harvey White – 4
Jamie Bowden – 4
Armando Shashoua – 3
Phoenix Patterson – 2
Paris Maghoma – 1
Maurizio Pochettino – 1
J’Neil Bennett -1
Malachi Walcott – 1
Luis Binks – 1

Clean sheets: Joshua Oluwayemi – 1

Spurs under 23’s 1-2 Arsenal: (match report)

It was an experience to say the least for our development side on Friday evening when they took on Arsenal at the Emirates stadium. Wayne Burnett’s much changed side to the one that drew with Brighton the following Friday, had to deal with a quality Arsenal side, in what was the first north London derby of the season. Without the experienced trio of Georgiou, Amos and Josh Onomah who went on loan to Sheffield Wednesday earlier in the day, Burnett fielded a young side for the short trip to the Emirates during our 2-1 defeat. This saw Brooklyn Lyons-Foster and Brandon Austin make their first starts of the new season, whilst first year scholar J’Neil Bennett (16) came off the bench to make his debut at this level. It was a very tough evening for Spurs who were second best against a very good Arsenal team which included the likes of Emile Smith-Rowe and Joe Willock. The reigning champions of the division dominated from the offing, controlling the midfield, they were fluent in their passing and Freddie Ljunberg’s side also played with width. Often troubling us out wide, the immensely talented Xavier Amaechi and Emile Smith-Rowe were potent throughout the game. Arsenal started the game well and Burnett’s lads found themselves a goal down after just three minutes, when Joe Willock capped off a good move with a fine finish from inside the six yard box. Burnett’s tepid side struggled during the opening periods of the game against the much livelier Arsenal, and they remained on the back foot for the remainder of the half, as Ljunberg’s side dictated play. Spurs conceded another soft goal early on in the second half when Tyreece John-Jules doubled the Gunners advantage. Burnett’s side were spirited but lacking in creativity. Centre back Japhet Tanganga gave away a penalty later on in the second half, of which was taken by Charlie Gilmour only to see his effort spectacularly stopped by Austin who was our best player on the night. Spurs battled hard throughout the remainder of the game, and after Troy Parrott was sent off for his part in a late melee involving both sets of players, Spurs pulled a goal back deep in stoppage time through Jaden Brown. Nothing more than a consolation goal on the night but it did however, draw a huge cheer from the vocal away end.

At the end of the day Arsenal were far superior to us and despite a spirited performance with plenty of hard work and willingness to create, Spurs lacked the spark needed to trouble a side with the calibre of Arsenal. Burnett lined up with his familiar 4-2-3-1 formation but with a notable amount of changes from the Brighton game. Brandon Austin started in goal for the first time this season following his return from injury whilst a back four of Lyons-Foster, Eyoma, Tanganga and Brown sat in front of him. Oliver Skipp started in the middle of the park alongside the skipper George Marsh, whilst an attacking line of Harrison, Maghoma and Oakley-Boothe lined up in front of them, with young Troy Parrott leading the line for the third successive game. The Gunners got the game underway at the Emirates in front of a particularly vocal crowd (especially in the away end) at the 60,000 seater stadium. Ljunberg’s side looked sharp in the opening moments of the game. Tottenham centre half TJ Eyoma conceded a free kick on the edge of the Tottenham penalty area inside the first minute of the game after fouling John-Jules, who had done well to latch onto a long ball. Thankfully for Spurs, Xavier Amaechi’s resulting free kick was driven straight into the Spurs wall. However, Spurs’ relief was only short lived and Burnett’s side conceded a soft goal a couple of minutes later. Arsenal had looked menacing during the opening moments of the game and Spurs had been caught cold by Ljunberg’s attack minded side, in only the third minute. The move started when the speedy James Olayinka sped past Lyons-Foster down the left hand side before continuing towards the byline where he was met by Tanganga. Olayinka sent a low cross into the penalty area which was met by John-Jules. However, the centre forward failed to connect properly with the ball and it rolled out towards Joe Willock who stabbed the ball past Austin from close range, with a well improvised finish, 0-1

After taking the lead Arsenal were even more fluent in their play as they zipped the ball around the park. Struggling to form any sort of real shape, Spurs looked to respond down the other end of the pitch. Jaden Brown’s promising pass to Maghoma just evaded the midfielder inside the Arsenal penalty area. Whilst at the other end Lyons-Foster made an important clearance to get rid of Amaechi’s cross after the winger had gone on a searing run down the right wing. Shortly afterwards Shayon Harrison robbed the ball off of Smith-Rowe before attempting to feed Parrott the ball with a clever through ball, but the 21 year olds pass was snuffed out by an Arsenal defender. After a series of half chances if you could even call them that, Arsenal regained their stranglehold on the game as they attempted to extend their lead. And the Gunners came close to doing just that but for a brilliant header from Tanganga to block Smith-Rowe’s effort from the edge of the six yard box, as he prevented it from troubling Austin in the Spurs goal. Restricted to ambitious passes to the isolated Troy Parrott up top such as Skipp’s lovely lofted pass towards the Irishman which was cleared by the outrushing Martinez. Arsenal were allowed to control the game and they were happy just to play their usual passing game before embarking on the odd jinking run. The lively playmaker Smith-Rowe was continuing to cause problems for the Spurs defence and he was allowed all too easily to thread a pass through to Amaechi down the right side of the penalty area. In time and in space, Amaechi took his effort early and forced a good stop out of Austin who thwarted the wingers powerful low shot on goal. A sloppy pass from Marsh to John-Jules a couple of minutes later allowed the Arsenal forward to drive forwards through the middle.

Continuing unopposed towards the edge of the penalty area, the Arsenal centre forward played a well weighted pass into Willock inside the box. However, the midfielders powerfully struck effort was well saved by Austin who managed to palm the ball to safety. The alert Japhet Tanganga did well to block Charlie Gilmour’s powerful drive at goal a few minutes later as Spurs continued to struggle. Failing to register a single attempt on goal, Burnett’s side were lacking in creativity and their failure to use the wide men was starving Parrott of any sort of support. The potent Smith-Rowe had a goal ruled out for offside for the Gunners and once again he had been allowed far too much space and time. Forced to sit deep inside their own half Burnett’s side were defending well against the ferocious Arsenal attack. Tolaji Bola headed over after getting on the end of Amaechi’s free kick whilst Harrison attempted to play in Parrott at the other end of the pitch with a nice pass. However, the forwards through ball was over hit and Martinez came out to smother the loose ball. Looking to end the first half with a flurry, the dangerous Amaechi managed to latch onto a long ball down the right, beating Brown to the header before continuing into the penalty area before having his shot blocked by Eyoma. And the attacking onslaught from Ljunberg’s side was showing no signs of slowing down. The creative Joe Willock sent a lovely ball over the top of the Tottenham defence which Smith-Rowe was able to latch onto. Beating the outrushing Austin, Smith-Rowe rounded the Spurs goalkeeper before attempting to find John-Jules who found himself in space inside the six yard box. However, his low cross was excellently blocked by the sliding Lyons-Foster, before Tanganga cleared the loose ball, it was the last bit of action from what had a been very difficult half for Spurs.

16 year old J’Neil Bennett could be seen working on his skills during the halftime break, and the pacy winger was duly brought on for the start of the second half, to make his under 23 debut. Burnett’s side got the game back underway but once again they had been caught cold right from the start. A pacy and powerful run through the middle from Smith-Rowe started to open up the Tottenham defence. Oliver Skipp missed Smith-Rowe with his sliding challenge as the forward continued unopposed before shifting the ball out to Amaechi down the right. The speedy forward burst into the penalty area before dragging his shot dangerously across the face of Austin’s goal. Spurs responded at the other end through Maghoma whose dangerous cross into the box was headed away by Ballard. Then, the spritely J’Neil Bennett had his shot blocked by Tolaji Bola on the edge of the box, believe it or not that had been Spurs’ first attempt on goal of the game. The lively start to the second half continued as the ever potent Smith-Rowe hit the frame of Austin’s goal possibly with a touch from the Tottenham keeper, after driving through the middle once again before curling an effort towards the top left hand corner of the goal. Troy Parrott then headed wide at the back post after being picked out by George Marsh inside the penalty area. Tottenham full back Jaden Brown went into the book a couple of minutes later before Burnett’s side were dealt a further blow on 58 minutes when the Gunners doubled their lead. It was a well worked goal from Ljunberg’s side but once again it had been a sloppy one to conceded from Spurs’ point of view. Willock picked apart the Spurs defence all too easily with his nicely weighted through ball to Bola inside the box. Eyoma lunged attempting to trap the ball but the Spurs defender couldn’t clear it as Bola continued inside the area before cutting the ball back to Tyreece John-Jules who clinically guided the ball into the bottom left hand corner of Austin’s goal, from ten yards out, 0-2.

Burnett’s side had allowed Arsenal too much time and space to play their brand of football, and it had cost them dearly. After doubling their advantage Arsenal continued to control the game, dominating possession in the process. Burnett made an offensive substitution when he introduced Jack Roles for the skipper George Marsh on the hour mark in an attempt to freshen things up. And the attack minded midfielder almost managed to find Parrott at the back post with a teasing cross shortly after coming on however, it just evaded the Dubliner. Arsenal continued to threaten us, Amaechi’s run into the penalty area resulted in the 17 year old cutting the ball back to John-Jules on the edge of the box. The Arsenal forwards sliced effort went well wide of the mark as Spurs avoided further upset. Then, a couple of moments later Olayinka lobbed the ball over the Tottenham defence and into the feet of Bola whose first time effort was comfortably saved by Austin. Things got even worse for Burnett’s lads when Japhet Tanganga gave away a needless penalty after taking out Bukayo Saka inside the danger zone. After the flying wide man had burst in to the penalty area after being played in by Bola, Saka continued towards the byline with Tanganga preventing him from cutting inside. But for some reason Tanganga decided to go sliding in on Saka without winning the ball to give away a stonewall penalty. Scotsman Charlie Gilmour stood up to take the penalty for the Gunners, but Gimour’s powerful low drive was excellently stopped to his right by penalty saving specialist Brandon Austin, who had managed to collapse his body at the right time to save Spurs. Following the penalty Burnett brought on Jonathan Dinzeyi for Lyons-Foster for the last ten or so minutes of the game. Tolaji Bola headed over after going to meet a corner kick inside the Spurs box, whilst Tanganga made an important block when he thwarted Julio Pleguezuelo’s cross a couple of minutes later. Then came the main talking point of the game, the late melee involving both sets of players.

It had all come about after Bola had committed a nasty looking challenge on Roles down the right wing. Roles reacted angrily to the fullbacks crunching challenge and before you knew it, both sets of players were squaring up to one another. It was mostly handbags but young Troy Parrott took it a step further by marching over to the Arsenal skipper Julio Pleguezuelo and pushing him to the floor, right in front of the referee! Parrott’s teammate Paris Maghoma was having none of the nonsense and he smartly pushed Parrott away from the scene to avoid him getting himself in any further trouble. A difficult four minutes of normal time remained for Spurs and the home team were continuing to pile the pressure on our depleted team. Ljunberg’s side almost made it 3-0 after Maghoma lost the ball to Willock on the edge of the penalty area, the midfielder traveled into the box before Tanganga out muscled him. However, the defenders back pass was over hit and left Austin scrambling to get back, fortunately it trickled narrowly wide. The unmarked John-Jules then headed wide after going to meet Bukayo Saka’s cross at the back post ,and the Arsenal onslaught didn’t stop there. The menacing Saka sent another ball into the danger zone a couple of minutes later, this time picking out Amaechi at the back post. The wingers well struck volley forced Austin into making a good diving save to deny the tricky Amaechi from getting on the scoresheet. Maghoma almost managed to pick out Harrison on the edge of the Arsenal penalty area shortly afterwards with a lovely searching pass. And there was to be one final unexpected twist in the game, in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Burnett’s side had managed to pull a goal back and in some style, after Skipp picked up Jack Roles’s pass on the edge of the penalty area. Skipp laid the ball off to Harrison who spotted the run of Brown down the left side of the penalty area. Harrison played a clever pass through to Brown who took a touch inside the box before rifling the ball into the bottom right hand corner of Martinez’s goal, 2-1. It was all too little too late from Burnett’s side who ended up losing 2-1 to their arch rivals on the night.

We were second best on the night and can have no complaints about the scoreline, however it was a spirited performance from our lads against an extremely talented Arsenal side. We were decent on the night but just like in the game against Brighton the previous Friday, we lacked in creativity and that has cost us so far this season. Up next for Burnett’s development side is a visit to the appropriately named Checkatrade stadium to face Crawley Town on Friday evening. As Spurs play their first group game of this seasons Checkatrade trophy, it will be a great opportunity for his side to bounce back from Fridays disappointment defeat.

Player reviews: – Brandon Austin: My motm, see below.
– Brooklyn Lyons-Foster: The 17 year old defender made his first start of the domestic season on Friday night, as he filled in for the injured Tariq Hinds at right back. And although he is far more comfortable these days at playing as a centre half, I thought the teenager did a good job at defending against Smith-Rowe down that right hand side. Lyons-Foster read the game well and did well to keep up with the tricky Smith-Rowe, he made a superb sliding block to deny the Arsenal playmaker from picking out John-Jules in the box, during the first half.
– Japhet Tanganga: Tanganga returned from suspension to put in a decent performance against the Gunners at centre half. Generally solid in his defending, the 19 year old made some good blocks and challenges and was dominant in the air. He did however, give away a needless penalty later on in the game.
– TJ Eyoma: Like Tanganga I thought that Eyoma did a decent job in the heart of the Tottenham defence. Like Tanganga, he read the game well and was good in the air. Eyoma also made a string of impressive interceptions inside the danger zone. I do however, think that he would have been far more effective for Spurs if he had been playing at right back.
– Jaden Brown: Brown had the tough task of trying to thwart the threat of the electric Xavier Amaechi down the left flank. I thought Brown did a decent job up against the highly skilful Arsenal forward. Amaechi did get the better of Brown on quite a few occasions during the game but I felt that Brown did alright against him. Brown’s main contribution to the game was his finely executed finish in stoppage time of the second half, after making a good run into the box to meet Harrison’s pass.
– George Marsh: We effectively had two holding midfielders playing in the middle of the park for the game against Arsenal. Marsh and Skipp (the latter in particular) put in good defensive performances e.g: breaking up play. However, this effected our attack and after a decent performance in that role, the skipper George Marsh was brought off around the hour mark for the more offensive Jack Roles.
– Oliver Skipp: By far and out our best outfield player on the night, 17 year old Oliver Skipp impressed in the centre of the park with a typically assured performance. He never overplayed anything, or took too many touches in the middle of the park, he was incisive and effective. Breaking up play and recycling possession, Skippy was ubiquitous and could be seen all over the pitch as he covered for players who were out of position. His range of passing was equality impressive and he made a string of ambitious passes over the top of the Arsenal defence.
– Shayon Harrison: It was another game where Harrison worked extremely hard out on the right wing, making good runs and tracking back after him. Harrison used the ball well but he saw it far too infrequently. Burnett’s side didn’t use the tricky wide man enough and he often found himself isolated out wide for large periods of the game. Following Parrott’s dismissal towards the end of the game, Harrison played up top where he looked lively. And the 21 year did especially well to set up Jaden Brown’s goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time. I really hope that Harrison starts the Crawley game as a centre forward.
– Paris Maghoma: The talented 17 year old linked defence with attack during the north London derby. Playing as a number ten on what was only his second appearance at this level, Maghoma was one of the few outfield players who caught my eye. Due to the pressure Spurs were under Maghoma wasn’t able to play with the attacking license he would have wanted, much like in the Liverpool game when we had to play with ten men. Forced to play quite deep for periods of the game, Maghoma still made some promising runs through the middle and some clever passes to the forwards. Linking up particularly well with Harrison throughout the game out on the left wing, Maghoma showed a real attacking nous about his game, it’s just a massive shame that Spurs found themselves in the position that they did. During the late melee involving both sets of players, I spotted a moment of real leadership from the 17 year old. After Parrott had shoved Pleguezuelo to the ground, Maghoma rushed over to Parrott and to avoid him from getting himself in any more trouble, he smartly pushed the 16 year old away from the scene.
– Tashan Oakley-Boothe: It was good to see Oakley-Boothe start his first under 23 game of the season, but frustratingly for the 18 year old midfielder he was limited as to what he could do. Surprisingly playing out on the right wing, Oakley-Boothe must have made the fewest touches out of all the Spurs players during the first half. Isolated on the wing just like Harrison was on the opposite flank, Oakley-Boothe was replaced on halftime for the much younger J’Neil Bennett.
– Troy Parrott: Starved of any real support up top, Parrott’s hard work wasn’t rewarded on the night and he was left living off scraps for the entirety of the game. Still only 16, the Irishman pressed the defenders well and would often look to make a run into the penalty area but it was to little avail. He did however, manage one attempt on goal during the first half. His performance however, will be remembered for his shove on Pleguezuelo during the melee which resulted in him getting sent off. Parrott will miss our under 23’s next PL2 game against Manchester City.
– J’Neil Bennett: The former QPR schoolboys excellent start to the season for our under 18’s was rewarded with a place on the bench for the north London derby. Coming on at half time to make his debut at this level, Bennett impressed down the left wing. Direct and positive, his trickery and willingness to take on Arsenal fullback Josep Olowu was great to see. Bennett also tracked back well and worked hard for the team.
– Jack Roles: Like Bennett, Roles had a positive impact off the bench, much more of a creative force than the man he replaced. Roles put some nice deliveries into the danger zone and created good pockets of space for himself in and around the six yard box.
– Jonathan Dinzeyi: N/A.

My man of the match: Brandon Austin. First of all I’d just like to say how happy I was, to see that the talented and charismatic goalkeeper had returned from his injury to make his first appearance of the season on Friday evening. Austin saved us on countless occasions against the Gunners. Making at least half a dozen saves, including a couple of excellent stops. The teenager from Hemel Hempstead dealt well with set pieces and was commanding inside the box. The two saves which particularly stick out is the one he made to deny Amaechi’s volley in the second half, and of course his excellent save to deny Gilmour from the penalty spot. Austin was superb against Arsenal!

Arsenal: Martinez, Olowu (Sheaf 51), Bola, Gilmour, Ballard, Pleguezuelo (c), Amaechi, Willock (Burton 87), John-Jules, Olayinka, Smith-Rowe (Saka 62). Substitutes (not used): Okonkwo, Balogun.

Spurs: Austin, Lyons-Foster (Dinzeyi 79), Brown, Skipp, Tanganga, Eyoma, Maghoma, Marsh (c, Roles 62), Parrott, Harrison, Oakley-Boothe (Bennett 46). Substitutes (not used): Freeman, Duncan.

Goals: Arsenal – Willock 3, John-Jules 58; Spurs – Brown 90+4.

Yellow cards: Arsenal – Bola 84, Pleguezuelo 84, Burton 90+6; Spurs – Brown 56, Roles 73.

Red card: Spurs – Parrott 84.

Referee: Adrian Quelch.

Venue: Emirates Stadium.

Attendance: 1,422.

Spurs under 21/23’s statistics 2018/19:

Goals scored: Samuel Shashoua – 1
Marcus Edwards – 1
Shayon Harrison – 1
Jaden Brown – 1

Assists: Troy Parrott – 1
Jaden Brown – 1
Shayon Harrison – 1