The Arsenal under-18s fell to defeat against local rivals Tottenham in a ten-goal thriller in the North London Derby.
A hectic back-and-forth clash saw goals flying in at either end to keep the match flowing in the sort of intensity expected of such a rivalry – even at youth level.
Unfortunately, Arsenal fell to a 6-4 defeat as a late goal for Tottenham snuffed out any chance of a revival – along with a Samuel Onyekachukwu red card in the final moments of the game.
While there were some moments to learn from for the Hale End academy stars, one player had a particularly standout performance.
Dan Casey scores hat-trick for Arsenal under-18s against Tottenham
Dan Casey is a versatile star in the Arsenal under-18s set-up, capable of playing in midfield, on the wing or as a centre-forward.
Against Tottenham, he predominantly featured in the central areas and managed to impress in a hectic, end-to-end game.
Casey bagged a brace before half-time, adding his third to complete the hat-trick just nine minutes from the end with a converted penalty.
It takes the 17-year-old’s tally up to 15 goals for the season in just 13 appearances in the under-18s Premier League.
That was his third hat-trick of the season, continuing an impressive run of form while featuring for Adam Birchall’s side.
The youngster will be looking to progress further, building on the one appearance he has in the under-21s so far.
Another scoring performance may well put him that step closer to getting a promotion into the next age bracket.
Adam Birchall fumes over Arsenal under-18s display vs Tottenham
While there were some positives to pick out from it, Arsenal under-18s coach Adam Birchall wasn’t impressed with the six goals conceded from the side.
Speaking to the official Arsenal website after the game, he said: “We’re not happy to lose the game. We started really well on the front foot and just lacked consistency in our defending actions.
“Collectively we need to show a much better mentality towards our defending. At times it was like basketball. We need to manage moments where there’s a bit of chaos, manage to regain.
“We conceded two set-pieces so for me that’s a mentality thing, against your man attacking a ball, so there’s lots to digest from this. Scoring goals means nothing if you concede more at the other end.”
Next up for the under-18s is another local trip, taking on Chelsea in the league before a home tie against Leicester.
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