Spurs U18s get bragging rights in North London derby | OneFootball

Earlier on today, Tottenham Hotspur U18s faced Arsenal U18s in a North London derby in the Premier League 2. At any level, these are still great games to win, and tough games to lose.

For the game, Spurs lined up with the following XI; Samual Archer; Malachi Hardy, Elijah Upson, Jun’ai Byfield, Harry Byrne’ Samai Bangura, Tyrese Hall; Miracle Adewole, Luca Williams-Barnett, Tynan Thompson; Ellis Lehane.

How things played out during the U18 North London derby on Saturday morning

It would be the disaster start for Spurs, whom conceded after just three minutes of the game. However, ten minutes later, Lehane equalised. Another 10 minutes after that, Williams-Barnett made it 2-1, having been found by Byfield. Then, after 32 minutes, Arsenal equalised, before going 3-2 ahead after 43 minutes. There was still time for a Byfield equaliser just before half-time, completing an absolutely crazy first half, as the sides went into the break at 3-3.

Then, on the hour mark, Thompson gave Spurs the lead for a second time on the day, before Hardy made it 5-3 after 76 minutes – the first time either side had been two goals ahead. With eight minutes remaining, Arsenal got one back to make it 5-4, but then had someone sent off a minute into stoppage time.

Then, five minutes into stoppage time, Williams-Barnett made sure of all three points, making it 6-4 to Spurs, and making sure the U18 bragging rights stayed on the white side of North London.

Coming into the game, there was a three point lead over Arsenal, so even without the extra incentive of it being a North London derby, it was still an important game that fits the cliche “six pointer”. Spurs are now sixth in the table, with 25 points from their 16 games to date.

For those that may be interested; Reiss Elliott-Parris replaced Lehane after 49 minutes, Dan Batty and Ronny Moncur replaced Bangura and Hall after 52 minutes, and Luca Furnell-Gill replaced Upson after 80 minutes.

Next up for the U18s is a trip to East Anglia to face Norwich City next Saturday, for a 12:00 GMT kick off. If there are readers that would like more updates on the U18s (or other Spurs youth sides) get in touch (you can do so on social media, by clicking the name at the top of the piece, where you will be given links to Instagram/Twitter). Thank you.