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

Spurs under 18’s 2-0 Chelsea: (match report)

Our under 18’s continued their 100% start to the new season with a hugely impressive 2-0 league victory over Chelsea on Saturday morning. Matt Wells side got one over on their own rivals as the spectators were treated to more sparkling attacking football. As I spoke about in my preview I mentioned the change that has occurred in the Chelsea academy over the summer, with longtime head coach Jody Morris having departed the club. This new look group of first year scholars are all very new to under 18 football and I always fancied our chances up against them. Wells opted to field a nice blend of first and second year players for the London derby. With 16 year old centre backs Malachi Walcott and Luis Binks starting in the heart of the Tottenham defence. Armando Shashoua retained the captains armband and lead by example in the middle of the park, whilst young J’Neil Bennett started up top for the second time this season. Spurs were excellent throughout the game, the whole team played out of their skin as they performed Tottenham’s attacking football to perfection. We used the ball well and after taking the lead in the ninth minute of the game after a fine finish from Paris Maghoma, Spurs passed Chelsea off the park for the remainder of the half. Dominating possession, the blues were unable to match our high intensity and they really struggled to create many chances of their own. However, despite our excellent first half performance we didn’t make our possession count as we squandered a couple of good chances, we could have been 3-0 up going into halftime. Our slender advantage put us under pressure during the second half as Alan Myers resurgent Chelsea side upped their intensity. They created a hell of a lot more chances in the second half and were it not for the heroic defending of Walcott and Binks who were absolutely sensational then they would have drawn level. Thankfully for Spurs captain Armando Shashoua tapped home from close range to double our advantage on 72 minutes to secure all three points for Wells’s side. I was so proud of how our lads played and I continue to believe that this could be shaping into a glorious season for Spurs at this level, on the domestic stage at least.

Played on a relatively sunny morning at Hotspur Way, Spurs lined up with the 4-2-3-1 formation for the visit of Chelsea. Matt Wells gave goalkeeper Joshua Oluwayemi his second start of the season, whilst a back four consisting of Tainio, Walcott, Binks and White stood in front of the 17 year old goalkeeper. In front of them was the highly effective midfield partnership of Jamie Bowden and captain Armando Shashoua. With the attacking trio of Markanday, Maghoma and Patterson all behind the potent J’Neil Bennett who lead the line. Chelsea were missing notable second years such as Hudson-Odoi and Gilmour but they still fielded a strong side with the likes of George Nunn and Clinton Mola starting for Alan Myers side. Ahead of the kick off the Spurs players all huddled together as the skipper Armando Shashoua urged his teammates to ’ come on ’ ahead of what was a hugely important league game for Matt Wells’s side. Spurs got the game underway with the first notable piece of action coming in the opening couple of minutes as the attentive Jamie Bowden cleared Clinton Mola’s menacing corner kick. Centre forward George Nunn headed over at the back post after going to meet Henry Lawrence’s cross, with Tainio allowing him a lot of space to get the header away. After a fairly even start the lively J’Neil Bennett embarked on his first testing run of the game after winning the ball in the middle of the park. The 16 year old darted forwards as he beat Jack Wakely with ease out on the left wing before squaring the ball to Patterson on the edge of the penalty area. Patterson controlled the ball before looking up and curling an effort narrowly wide of Karlo Ziger’s far post. After really taking the game by the scruff of the neck, Wells’s extremely energetic side continued to trouble the Chelsea defence, and they caught them off guard on nine minutes as Spurs took a surprise lead through Paris Maghoma.

It was an incredibly well worked goal, the lively Shashoua passed the ball to Bennett who was around 30 yards out from goal and in a central position. The makeshift centre forward spotted the darting run of Maghoma before quickly play a well weighted through ball into the attacking midfielder who had got in front of the Chelsea back line, he powered forwards as he found himself one on one with Ziger in the Chelsea goal. Maghoma steadied himself before just calmly skipping past the goalkeeper who had come running off of his line. With the composure of a seasoned pro Maghoma took his time before slotting the ball past the Chelsea defenders and into the bottom left hand corner of the goal, as they defended frantically on the line, 1-0. It was such a cool finish from Maghoma who had made a difficult chance look like a training ground drill. Spurs had looked so comfortable in possession as they looked to build on their early lead and the young Lilywhites should have had a penalty after Chelsea defender Jon Russel had so blatantly brought down the advancing Shashoua in the Tottenham penalty area without getting anything on the ball. Chelsea were struggling to play as Spurs continued to dominate the game, I was surprised at how much time Chelsea were allowing our players on the ball. After having dominated the last ten or so minutes of the game Spurs had come close to extending their lead on more then one occasion. After Shashoua had passed the ball to Bowden the midfield craftsman played a clever through ball which Patterson had raced to meet down the right hand side of the penalty area. However, Karlo Ziger had read the situation well and came rushing out before doing just about enough to palm the ball away from the feet of the darting Patterson. One player who had been really threatening for Spurs in the early stages of the game was Dilan Markanday, and the speedy winger created a good chance for Maghoma.

After sprinting down the right wing, the strong winger cut inside onto his left before running across the face of the penalty area and laying the ball of to Maghoma in a central area. However, Maghoma’s first time curling effort was comfortably saved by Ziger in the Chelsea goal. The tigerish Jamie Bowden made a crucial interception shortly afterwards to win the ball off of Armando Broja on the edge of the Tottenham penalty area. And the same player let fly at the other end only a couple of moments later. Bowden’s deflected low drive from the edge of the penalty area was however, gathered by the Croatian goalkeeper Karlo Ziger. Spurs were hogging possession and were looking so composed on the ball as they built out from the back. I spotted a certain red card which the Spurs players didn’t seem to protest after the high pressing skipper Shashoua had his shirt tugged by Chelsea defender Clinton Mola just as he was about to latch onto a poorly hit back pass to the Chelsea goalkeeper, he was the last man. The linesman on the near side should have picked up on this as he had such a clear view of it. Chelsea’s Henry had a deflected effort at goal go out for a corner kick, whilst Jon Russell lashed over from range as Spurs continued to control the game much to Chelsea’s frustration. The Tottenham goalkeeper Joshua Oluwayemi had yet to make a save. The so far solid Maximus Tainio made an excellent challenge on Nunn to prevent a Chelsea break down the left hand side. Matt Wells’s superb Tottenham side were pressing the Chelsea defenders into making mistakes and their intricate attacking football had completely unsettled Alan Myers side during the first half, as Spurs went into the break a goal to the good after a superb first half performance. However, they could easily have been 3-0 up.

Chelsea got the second half underway as Spurs looked to consolidate on their slender one goal advantage. The half had barely started and the resurgent were already putting our defence under extreme pressure. Wells side had been caught out down the right hand side as the potent Armando Broja had been allowed to sprint down the wing unchallenged, before squaring the ball to Ballo inside the penalty area. With the goal gaping Ballo decided to let the ball roll through his legs and onto Marcel Lewis who picked it up from about nine yards out from the goal. Everybody was expecting the net to bulge as the unbalanced Oluwayemi attempted to get back into the centre of the goal. However, the blues midfielders powerfully struck effort was somehow blocked on the line by the sliding Malachi Walcott. It was the most heroic block you’ll ever see, as the young English defender popped up out of nowhere to make a goal saving block on the line. Had that have been Vertonghen or Sanchez the whole world would be talking about it for weeks on end. Clearly spurred on the blues had upped their tempo and were out to test Oluwayemi in the Tottenham goal. And Myers side came close to drawing level again a couple of moments later. Marcel Lewis’s diagonal pass to Chelsea’s George Nunn was picked up the by the centre forward down the right side of the penalty. However, the former Crewe schoolboys powerful effort was stopped by Oluwayemi who saved it at his near post. The central defensive partnership of Walcott and Binks were really being forced into the action. And England youth international Malachi Walcott was everywhere across the backline. The 16 year old made an incredible sliding challenge on Broja on the edge of the penalty area. Clinton Mola let fly from range shortly afterwards forcing another good stop out of Oluwayemi, as Binks and Walcott continued to save Spurs.

Ball playing centre half Luis Binks made an excellent challenge on Thierno Ballo to break up a dangerous Chelsea attack. And at the other end Phoenix Patterson had an excellently worked goal ruled out for offside much to Spurs’ annoyance. Captain Armando Shashoua immediately went over to the linesman on the near side to question his decision which I feel was an incredibly tight one to say the least. Chelsea continued to be the far better attacking team in this half, Walcott hit a clearance out to Marcel Lewis on the edge of the Tottenham box. Thankfully the midfielders powerful low effort flew wide of Oluwayemi’s left hand post. A couple of moments later Spurs had to deal with Lewis’s dangerous free kick after the midfielder whipped the ball into the penalty area. Picking out Jack Wakely at the back post the Chelsea fullbacks header was well cleared out by the alert Bowden. A big 20 minutes remained as Spurs tried desperately hard to cling onto their narrow lead. Oluwayemi was certainly making up for his lack of activity in the first half, the Tottenham goalkeeper produced an incredible save when he stopped Lewis’s powerful effort with a diving save. Lewis had the ball laid off to him on the edge of the penalty area by Henry Lawrence. However, Spurs almost caught Chelsea out at the other end after launching a promising counter attack straight from Oluwayemi’s quick throw to Markanday out on the right. The skilful winger launched the ball up to Patterson who darted through the middle before spotting the run of Bennett out on the left and shifting the ball to the forward whose quick fire effort was blocked by a Chelsea defender. However, Bennett’s miss wasn’t to matter as only a couple of moments later Spurs doubled their advantage to essentially put the game to bed. After receiving Maghoma’s pass Bennett embarked on a jinking run to beat his man down the left side of the penalty. The tricky forward squared the ball to Patterson whose effort was stopped by the diving Ziger who could only palm it into the path of the onrushing Shashoua who was there to just drive the ball home from close range, at the far post, 2-0.

Spurs made their first tactical change of the game shortly afterwards as Wells bolstered the Tottenham defence, by bringing on Lyons-Foster for Tainio as Spurs reverted to a back three for the remaining 15 or so minutes of the game. And shortly after the young centre half’s introduction to the game there was a melee involving both sets of players. It occurred after Lyons-Foster had conceded a free kick out on the left wing after a foul on Lewis. After just kicking the ball away the Chelsea midfielder snapped and unwisely threw the Tottenham defender to the floor. Lyons-Foster reacted by pulling the Chelsea defender by the scruff of the neck which for a moment looked like the famous Mackay on Bremner photograph. Anyhow, after a bit of handbags between both sets of players the referee booked both Lyons-Foster and Lewis. It was shaping into a proper London derby and rightly so! Chelsea could easily have pulled a goal back when Ballo was allowed to sprint into the middle of the penalty area, unchallenged before dragging the ball across Oluwayemi’s goal at the final moment. The flawless Luis Binks then made an impressive clearance at the near post to clear Ballo’s menacing cross before Nunn dragged the ball wide of the Spurs goal a couple of moments later, as Chelsea continued to push for a late goal. The skilful Markanday had won a free kick in a promising position for Spurs at the other end. Harvey White’s resulting effort around the Chelsea wall was well saved by the diving Ziger. Chelsea head coach Alan Myers could be seen frantically urging his players on as we reached the final stages of the game. Wells introduced Enock Asante in the place of Patterson as Spurs continued to move the ball around the pitch well. Lyons-Foster made a vital clearance to get to the ball before the racing Lewis out on the right wing. The ever threatening Maghoma then forced a good save out of Ziger at the other end after meeting Markanday’s pass on the edge of the box.

The effective Lyons-Foster was helping to keep Spurs’ clean sheet intact as he got a vital head on the ball to divert Clark’s dangerous cross. There was a late flurry of action at both ends of the pitch as we entered stoppage time. Maghoma hit an effort well wide from range whilst Chelsea came close to pulling a goal back. After the newly introduced Lewis Bate fed the ball into Nunn inside the penalty area, the forward squared it for Ballo who found himself one on one with Oluwayemi. However, Lyons-Foster produced the most incredible piece of defending as he bolted towards Ballo before making an incredible sliding challenge as Oluwayemi smothered the loose ball. It was the most incredible and complete performance from Matt Wells’s side on Saturday morning and it just goes to show that Spurs can challenge for the title this season. I was extremely proud of how mature a performance it was from our lads as they continued their 100% start to the new season. Next up for Matt Wells side is a trip to the south coast as they face Southampton next Saturday morning at their Staplewood training ground. I shall be reporting on that game.

Player reviews: – Joshua Oluwayemi: It was a really impressive performance from the 17 year old goalkeeper on only his fourth appearance at this level. After a very quiet first half, Oluwayemi was called into action in the second half and remained busy throughout the half. Making a string of important saves including a terrific diving save to superbly deny Marcel Lewis’s powerful effort from the edge of the penalty, Oluwayemi had an excellent half. The 17 year old’s distribution was good and he was very cool and composed on the ball, almost Neuer-esque.
– Maximus Tainio: Another player who put in an excellent performance, the tenacious young Finn who has just been called up for Finland’s under 19 side, put in a really solid performance against Chelsea at right back. He protected that side of the pitch well from the potent Armando Broja. Making some excellent challenges and interceptions, the alert Tainio also made some promising attacking forays down the right wing. He has really cemented his place in the team.
– Malachi Walcott: My motm, see below.
– Luis Binks: It was such a tough decision between Binks and Walcott as to who I was going to give man of the match to. The English ball playing centre half who turns 17 next week was incredible against the blues. Flawless throughout the game he read the game so very well and defended with aplomb. Making many important sliding challenges and well timed interceptions, in and around the danger zone. Binks was dominant in the air and his lovely diagonal passes helped to contribute to the Spurs attack. He has taken to under 18 football so very well so far and I’m not surprised in the slightest, he is a real leader. And I would surprised if he wasn’t included in the England under 17’s squad for the next international break.
– Harvey White: White has certainly proved his versatility during this early stage of the season. The Maidstone born midfielder played at left back for the visit of Chelsea on Saturday. And once again he put in a really impressive and commanding performance against Chelsea’s right winger Henry Lawrence. White covered for other players a lot whilst defending tightly down that side of the pitch. He was incredibly impressive once again considering he wasn’t playing in his natural position of cdm.
– Jamie Bowden: A defensive rock in the centre of midfield, Bowden did what he does best and that is recycling possession and breaking up play, which he did so effectively once again. His passing was slick and accurate as always but I was particularly impressed with the way in which he served as a barrier to the defence and broke up play so decisively.
– Armando Shashoua: A leader of men in the centre of the park, the impressive Shashoua retained the captains armband for our London derby with Chelsea. He combined defence with attack, covering more of the pitch then anybody else as he kept the ball moving in the middle of the park. He was skilful and brave, adventurous also as he showed the tactical nous to peel off of the Chelsea defenders and make good runs into the danger zone. He was also committed and was very much a ball winning midfielder as he helped Bowden to dominate that part of the pitch. The goalscorer of our second goal which he showed great awareness to convert in the first place. Shashoua lead by example and I was incredibly impressed with how assertive he was at dealing with certain situations. I think he’d do an excellent job for Wayne Burnett’s development side!
– Dilan Markanday: The winger who only turned 17 this month put in another electric performance down the right. He was hard working and extremely strong on the ball. Causing the Chelsea defence with a whole host of problems with his zooming runs down the flank. Markanday mixed it up by cutting inside a lot and going on some promising runs through the middle. He was on of our main creative outlets.
– Paris Maghoma: Playing as a number ten for the visit of Chelsea, young Paris Maghoma put in a really effective role in the cam position. Creative and menacing as he traveled through the middle. Maghoma made some really intelligent runs through the middle and was able to create good pockets of space for himself in and around the danger zone. The timing of his run for our opening goal was superb as too was the way in which he just calmly shimmied away from the Chelsea goalkeeper before cooly slotting home. It was Zidane-esque. That’s two goals from two games for Maghoma this season, I hope that he’ll start for the under 23’s against Arsenal on Saturday as he is more then ready to make that permanent step up.
– Phoenix Patterson: Another major creative outlet for Spurs, Patterson put in a good shift out on the left wing. Subtly creative, Patterson danced his way around Chelsea full back Clark down that side of the pitch and managed to get into some good positions. His goal which was ruled out for offside in the second half should have stood!
– J’Neil Bennett: One of our best players on the day picking up one assist, the ridiculously quick forward started up top for the second consecutive game in a row after his heroics against Swansea the previous Saturday. The lightening quick forward caused havoc for the Chelsea defence, he was direct and powerful but hugely intricate and menacing with his mesmeric skill in the final third. Hardworking and good at tracking back, Bennett would often drift out to the left hand side and this allowed Maghoma to get into better positions around the penalty area. He gave James Clark a torrid time down that flank and tore him to shreds with his lightening quick pace and fine balance. I would love to see him start on the left wing against Arsenal on Friday, our under 23’s could desperately do with having him in the side. Especially with the width that there is at the Emirates stadium.
– Brooklyn Lyons-Foster: A short but lively fifteen cameo from the young defender on Saturday. Slotting into a back three, Lyons-Foster made three vital pieces of defending during his time on the pitch and he read the game so well. His incredible last ditch challenge on Ballo inside the Tottenham penalty area was a work of art.
– Enock Asante: N/A.

My man of the match: Malachi Walcott. Ever present across the backline on only his fourth appearance at the this level, the 16 year old centre half put in a heroic performance against Chelsea. Walcott was superb against Chelsea as he put in the complete defensive performance alongside his teammate Luis Binks. The England youth international won everything in the air and made sure that he defended tightly up against the threatening George Nunn. He read the game well and above all else he was committed. Making many excellent sliding challenges, blocks and clearances Walcott showed his class both on and off the ball. And that incredible goal line block he made in the first half was just outstanding in every respect.

Spurs: Oluwayemi, Tainio (Lyons-Foster 74), White, Bowden, Walcott, Binks, Markanday, A Shashoua (c), Bennett, Maghoma, Patterson (Asante 84).

Substitutes (not used): Kurylowicz, Okedina, Mukendi.

Chelsea: Karlo Ziger; James Clark, Jack Wakely, Pierre Ekwah Elimby, Clinton Mola; Jon Russell (Lewis Bate 73), Henry Lawrence, Marcel Lewis, Thierno Ballo; George Nunn, Armando Broja (Dion Rankine 70)

Substitutes (not use) Dynel Simeu, Jake Askew, Jordan Aina.

Spurs under 18’s statistics 2018/19:

Goals scored: J’Neil Bennett – 4
Troy Parrott – 2
Paris Maghoma – 2
Dennis Cirkin – 2
Luis Binks – 1
Brooklyn Lyons-Foster – 1
Armando Shashoua – 1

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

Clean sheets: Joshua Oluwayemi – 1

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

Our under 23’s played out a 1-1 draw with Brighton on Friday evening in their third PL2 game of the new season. Played on a rainy evening at Broadhall Way in Stevenage, Burnett’s surprisingly strong side were hoping to build on their impressive 1-1 draw against Liverpool up at Anfield the previous week. However, the extremely well organised and defence minded Brighton were always going to be a challenge to break down, despite Burnett’s side being bolstered by the inclusion of Josh Onomah and Luke Amos. Simon Rusk’s seagulls side defended tightly and didn’t allow our forwards to have much space in the final third. The occasional roar of lock him in could be heard as Brighton honed in on our most creative and potent players. After a fairly uneventful first half which saw few clear cut chances. Spurs were unable to make their possession count and on 42 minutes Brighton took the lead after catching us on the break, a fine finish from young Swede Viktor Gyokeres left us trailing at halftime. However, it was in the second half that Spurs started to play a little bit more directly as they went in search of an equaliser. We had been trying to score ’ the perfect goal ’ in the first half and it just wasn’t helping us break down the extremely solid Brighton defence. We played with a little bit more width in the second half and that certainly benefitted the tricky Shayon Harrison who got us level on 59 minutes, with a lovely curling effort from the edge of the penalty area. After getting the leveller Burnett’s side started to enjoy a really good spell in the game, but they were unable to create many clear cut chances and the notable absence of Samuel Shashoua through injury was felt strongly. And that cost us after the seagulls shut up shop, we were unable to break them down and despite our best efforts we were forced to settle for a point. Burnett’s much changed lineup from the previous game against Liverpool saw him opt for the familiar 4-2-3-1 formation.

Alfie Whiteman started in goal for the third consecutive game this season whilst a back four of Eyoma, Ogilvie, Marsh (c) and Brown sat in front of him. In front of them was the central midfield partnership of Luke Amos and Oliver Skipp, both players were making their first appearance at this level this season after recent involvement with the first team. And in front of them was the attacking line of Edwards, Onomah (his first appearance at this level since April 2017) and Harrison, with 16 year old Troy Parrott leading the line for the second successive game. Brighton got the game underway as the rain continued to spit down, and it was a fairly uneventful opening couple of minutes. It was in fact the visitors who had looked the brightest of the two teams early on. After a group of Brighton players had claimed that Onomah had handled the ball before making a clearance inside his own penalty area, centre half Connor Ogilvie was forced into making a vital clearance from Alex Cochrane’s cross. Will Collar then tried his luck from range but his powerful effort was deflected off of Amos and onto the back of Ogilvie who was forced into making the block, as Brighton continued to see a fair bit of the ball. Spurs had their first attempt on goal of the game shortly afterwards when Edwards received the ball from Parrott out on the right. The skilful wide man worked his way across the edge of the penalty area before forcing Brighton goalkeeper Hugo Keto into making a decent save to deny Edwards low effort. Left wing back Jaden Brown won a free kick in a promising position for Spurs shortly after. Josh Onomah’s resulting free kick was headed away by Cochrane but only straight back into the feet of the Tottenham midfielder. Onomah’s resulting delivery into the danger zone only just evaded Parrott who was lurking about at the back post. Spurs started to show a bit more attacking quality as they tried to build out from the back.

Marcus Edwards whipped a dangerous ball into the box which managed to pick out Tottenham centre forward Troy Parrott at the back post. The Irishman steadied himself before pulling off an acrobatic volley which ended up trickling just wide as it went across Keto’s goal. Parrott showed great technique and confidence to attempt it in the first place, the Dubliner was showing good movement early on in the game. The assertive Josh Onomah won a corner for Burnett’s side after hitting a venomous effort on the turn, the resulting corner kick was delivered in by Skipp and headed over the crossbar by Harrison at the near post. The ever industrious Oliver Skipp then made a superb challenge to win the ball off of James Tilley in the middle of the park, whilst right wing back TJ Eyoma’s pacy delivery into the danger zone was missed only by a matter of inches by Parrott who was ghosting in at the back post. Spurs were now moving the ball around well and were starting to look like they were coming to close to breaking the deadlock. The ever threatening Onomah sprinted towards the edge of the Brighton penalty area to meet Jaden Brown’s cross, unfortunately the 21 year olds volley flew wide of the Brighton goal. And the midfielder tried his luck again a couple of moments later after chesting the ball down and volleying a speculative effort wide from some 20 yards out from goal. Spurs continued to create decent chances, Skipp’s attempted pass to Parrott inside the box ended up deflecting out to Onomah on the edge of the penalty area. His powerful thunderbolt was heroically blocked by Brighton defender Josh Kerr after the Scotsman threw his body in the way of the ball, as the seagulls continued to defend tightly. Rusk’s side did however look dangerous on the counter as shown by Galway man Aaron Connolly who picked the ball up on the left flank before cutting inside and curling an effort wide of Whiteman’s left hand post.

Parrott was working his socks off up top and wasn’t afraid to attempt the unthinkable. Jaden Brown’s cross into Parrott wasn’t controlled properly by the centre forward as he tried to turn his man inside the penalty area, but the idea and the imagination from Parrott was so refreshing to see. Spurs were continuing to attack the seagulls defence, Harrison and Brown combined well down the left before the latter sprinted into the box, before then firing the ball across goal. The fullbacks pass/shot was heading in but for a brilliant goal line clearance by Hayden Roberts. The domineering Luke Amos then tested young Finnish goalkeeper Hugo Keto from range with a swerving low effort which was just about palmed to safety by the former Arsenal youth player. Spurs were trying incredibly hard to score that aesthetically pleasing goal that they so craved, but they were just lacking that bit of spark. After a tricky weaving run from Edwards who cut inside from the right, the 19 year old left the ball to Skipp who traveled through the middle before firing the ball narrowly over from the edge of the penalty area. And it was from an attack by Spurs a couple of moments later which eventually lead to Brighton taking an unexpected lead on the stroke of halftime. Spurs had been caught on the break by Simon Rusk’s Brighton, Irishman Aaron Connolly sped down the left wing with Eyoma too high up the pitch to respond. Connolly continued unchallenged before cutting inside and coming up against Ogilvie and Marsh who were the only Spurs men back in the final third. The centre forward looked up before slipping a clever pass into the feet of Swedish youth international Viktor Gyokeres who had been allowed too much space on the right. The forward took a touch inside the penalty area before hitting an unstoppable strike into the top left hand corner of Alfie Whiteman’s goal, 0-1.

Spurs tried to make an immediate response after winning a corner in added time, but Onomah’s pacy delivery into the box was punched to safety by Keto as Spurs went in at halftime a goal down. Wayne Burnett’s side got the second half underway as they looked to find a way back into the game, Troy Parrott could be seen having a long tactical chat with Onomah before the start of the half. And it was Onomah who created the first real chance of the half after playing the ball into the feet of Edwards who found himself in space inside the danger zone. Edwards first time effort from eight yards out however was a waste and it ended up going high over the bar and straight into the building site behind the goal. Burnett’s side almost got punished moments later after Amos sloppily gave the ball away to Dreyer in the middle of the park. The Dane sprinted through the middle before slipping the ball into Connolly inside the right side of the box. However, the strikers effort was fired into the side netting from an acute angle as Spurs were spared further trouble. Then at the other end of the pitch the tireless Oliver Skipp won a free kick in a dangerous position on the edge of the Brighton penalty area. Josh Onomah stood up confidently to take it before curling a brilliant effort over the wall and onto the top of Keto’s crossbar as the crowd gasped in agony. Onomah’s superbly executed free kick was so very close to drawing Spurs level. The lively number 10 then had an effort blocked out for a corner by Normann a couple of minutes later. However, a defence splitting through ball from substitute Archie Davies set Connolly galavanting through on goal down the right hand side of the pitch. Connolly tried to get away from Marsh who had kept up the pace as he tried to to get into the Spurs box. But Marsh’s tight defending had limited Connolly’s options and he eventually dragged the ball across the face of the Spurs goal.

Spurs were using the left wing an awful lot, the attacking Jaden Brown forced Keto into making a clearance with his feet after whipping a menacing cross into the box. The left back caused problems for Brighton again after receiving the ball from Onomah out on the left wing. The 19 year continued to run down the left flank before squaring the ball into Edwards inside the box who once again found himself unmarked. But the teenagers first time strike flew high and wide from close range. However, Spurs’ persistence was rewarded in the 59th minute as Shayon Harrison drew Spurs level with a superb goal from the edge of the penalty area. Marsh’s long diagonal pass out to Brown on the left wing was controlled well by the fullback who quickly laid the ball off to Harrison who cut inside. The forward continued to run across the face of the goal ignoring an excellent darting run into the box by Parrott, as Harrison continued before curling a wonderful effort into the far corner of Keto’s goal from the edge of the box, 1-1. It was a wonderfully worked equaliser and an even better finish from the 21 year old forward. Brighton captain James Tilley tested Whiteman straight from the restart with a curling effort from range, but it was Spurs who were in the driving seat and they were showing no signs of slowing down. Josh Onomah forced a good save out of Keto after unleashing a thunderbolt of an effort from range. Before a well worked move from Spurs on the break saw Skipp roll the ball out to Parrott on the left wing. The 16 year old cut inside onto his right foot before delicately laying the ball off to Onomah on the edge of the penalty area, but the Englishman’s resulting effort was comfortably held by Keto. The increasingly attacking Jaden Brown pumped the ball into the area a couple of minutes later as Kerr was able to make an important headed clearance. Spurs were really going for it and they looked a lot more direct in their play.

A hopeful long range effort from Davies deflected off of Eyoma and narrowly over the crossbar at the other end. As the impressive George Marsh made a crucial goal saving block in the box only a couple of moments earlier. This little flurry of chances for the visitors continued when Whiteman was forced into stopping Gyokeres effort from the edge of the penalty area. And once again the seagulls attacked us after Connolly received the ball from Dreyer out on the right, the Irishman managed to work his way past Marsh in the Tottenham penalty area, before firing the ball into the side netting. The clock was ticking down as Burnett made his first change of the game in the 81st minute. Bringing on Tashan Oakley-Boothe for Marcus Edwards. However, Rusk’s side continued to look threatening and a well worked move from the seagulls almost resulted in them retaking the lead. After being picked out by Connolly on the right wing the newly introduced Jordan Davies whipped the ball into the Spurs box. His cross was met Dreyer at the near post as the young Dane volleyed it a fraction wide of Whiteman’s goal. Whiteman easily gathered Collar’s deflected effort a couple of moments later as Burnett brought on goalscoring midfielder Jack Roles for Parrott with less than six minutes left on the clock, Shayon Harrison was now playing up top. Jaden Brown made a vital block to keep out Jordan Davies’ effort inside the box before Spurs created one last chance at the other end. Eyoma passed the ball to the substitute Jack Roles on the edge of the penalty area, the Cypriot under 21 international looked up before firing the ball inches wide of Keto’s far post. Roles’s effort appeared to be heading in! Brighton’s solid defence continued to frustrate us during the last couple of minutes of the game, as they he.d on to record a 1-1 draw. Burnett’s combative team remain winless this season and at this early period in the season they sit just one place above the relegation zone. Burnett’s side will be hoping to produce a special performance in their next PL2 game when they travel to the Emirates to face arch rivals Arsenal next Friday evening in front of a bumper crowd.

Player reviews: – Alfie Whiteman: Whiteman was faultless against the seagulls as he put in a impressive showing between the sticks. His distribution was good as was his decision making and dealing with set pieces. However, Whiteman made a string of important saves throughout the game and remained alert throughout. It was a good performance from the 19 year old.
– TJ Eyoma: Eyoma played at right back for yesterday’s game and all in all he put in a strong defensive performance. Whilst he was nowhere to be seen down the right for the Brighton goal, it would be harsh to criticise him due to his offensive duties. Eyoma made some strong challenges and defended well against the Brighton skipper James Tilley out on the flank.
– George Marsh: After his heroics against Liverpool the previous Friday, Marsh started as a centre back for the encounter with Brighton. And he put in a fine performance. Making multiple blocks and tackles in and around the six yard box, I felt that Marsh formed a strong defensive partnership with Ogilvie. He read the game well and timed his challenges to perfection, the 19 year old was effective in that role and looked very mature.
– Connor Ogilvie: After missing the game against Liverpool through injury, 22 year old Connor Ogilvie returned to the side for our league game against Brighton but had to play at centre back due to the suspension of Japhet Tanganga. Like Marsh he put in a good defensive performance, reading the game well and winning the vast majority of aerial duels, Ogilvie’s experience showed once again. He was composed on the ball and suited our bring it out from the back style, making some nice passes in the process. It will be interesting to see if he heads out on another loan before the deadline shuts at the end of the month.
– Jaden Brown: Brown produced another good display as he combined defence with attack against the seagulls. He got up and down the left wing well and although he was nowhere to be seen for the Brighton goal. The former England youth international hardly put a foot wrong and protected that left side well. He overlapped Harrison on occasions and whipped some nice crosses into the danger zone.
– Oliver Skipp: After featuring prominently for the first team during pre-season this was the 17 year old midfielders first youth game of the new campaign and unsurprisingly he looked very comfortable alongside Amos in the centre of midfield. Strong and committed the industrious Skipp moved the ball around well with some slick passes. He also read the game incredibly well and broke up play effectively with some excellent sliding challenges in the middle of the park. He put in a very impressive performance.
– Luke Amos: My motm, see below.
– Marcus Edwards: He was at times a creative threat out on the right but I felt as if he just drifted away from the action on occasions. He worked hard and tracked back but apart from a couple of promising jinking runs on the right he struggled to really make much of an impact from a creative perspective, but he did his job relatively well regardless.
– Josh Onomah: playing as a number 10 behind Parrott, this was the 21 year olds first competitive game of football since the championship play off final involving Aston Villa and Fulham in May. By far our most creative player against Brighton, Onomah’s surging runs through the middle caused many problems for the Brighton defence. Onomah’s strength and sheer power overwhelmed the young Brighton defence, He looked quite sharp generally and often drifted into nice pockets of space. Apart from hitting the crossbar with a glorious free kick at the beginning of the second half, Onomah tested Keto more than any other Spurs player on the pitch. It is clear that he has outgrown this level but if he isn’t given the opportunities in the first team then surely he’ll have to go out on loan again before the loan window shuts at the end of the month.
– Shayon Harrison: A tricky customer throughout the game Harrison provided Spurs with a creative outlet out on the left wing. Working incredibly hard and tracking back after him, the nimble footed forward really worked Brighton fullback Owen Moore. To cap off a fine display Harrison netted our equaliser with a lovely curling effort from the edge of the penalty area.
– Troy Parrott: The 16 year old put in a really mature performance as he lead the line for the second PL2 game in a row on Friday evening. The Irishman’s movement was top notch in and around the danger zone. As too were the many darting runs he made into the box. He held the ball up well and came within a hairs length of being able to convert a couple of chances from close range. He was fearless going forward and the sheer audacity of his acrobatic volley in the first half spoke volumes. I just felt that his teammates didn’t capitalise on his excellent movement and they often failed to pick up on this. However, young Troy can hold his head high after another excellent performance. A call up to the Ireland under 21 side can surely not be top far away.
– Jack Roles: No matter how little pitch time Roles gets he always manages to make a positive impact on the game. And he did just that during his brave nine minute cameo against the seagulls on Friday night. During his short time on the pitch Roles managed to get into some good pockets of space around the edge of the penalty and he came within a whisker of scoring a dramatic late winner.
– Tashan Oakley-Boothe: N/A.

My man of the match: Luke Amos. It was a dominant performance from Amos in the centre of the park against Brighton, the ball winning midfielder broke up play successfully and managed to recycle possession well. A real engine in the middle of the park the 21 year old would often drop deep to cover for the centre half’s. After making his first team debut only a couple of weeks ago what was striking about Luke’s performance was how confident he was. He made some lovely diagonal passes out to the wingers and was also able to initiate some promising chances from deep inside his own half. I hope that he will continue to get more chances with the first team over the coming months.

Spurs: Whiteman, Eyoma, Brown, Amos, Marsh (c), Ogilvie, Edwards (Oakley-Boothe 81), Skipp, Parrott (Roles 84), Onomah, Harrison. Substitutes (not used): De Bie, Duncan, Dinzeyi.

Brighton & Hove Albion: Keto, Moore (A Davies 38), Cochrane, Collar, Kerr, Roberts, Dreyer, Normann, Connolly (Ljubicic 90+3), Gyokeres, Tilley (c, J Davies 72). Substitutes (not used): Collings, Tomlinson.

Goals: Spurs – Harrison 59; Brighton – Gyokeres 43.

Yellow card: Brighton – A Davies 49 and Alex Cochrane 90+1.

Referee: Martin Woods.

Attendance: 391.

Venue: Lamex Stadium, Stevenage.

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

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

Assists: Troy Parrott – 1
Jaden Brown – 1