Premier League 2
Reading 1 (Jones 68) Arsenal 4 (Mooney 35, Harriman-Annous 54, O’Neill 58, Duah 75 (o.g.))
Evan Mooney scored his first Arsenal goal in spectacular style as the Gunners’ U21 side dispatched of Reading with an impressive 4-1 victory.
Andre Harriman-Annous and Ceadach O’Neill also scored fine goals before Reading reduced the deficit through Jerae Jones.
However, an own goal from Philip Duah restored Arsenal’s three goal lead, with Max Porter’s side proceeding to see out the game.
O’Neill was brought into the U21 side after impressing at U18 level, while Jaden Dixon made his first start for the club.
Porter
Dixon-Clarke-Salmon-Washington
Ibrahim
Julienne-Agustien
O’Neill-Mooney-Harriman Annous
Subs: Stevens (for Agustien, 80), Marciniak (for Harriman-Annous, 80), Ogunnaike (for Dixon, 84), Bailey-Joseph (for O’Neill, 88). Not used: Ranson.
Mooney was involved early on, with his effort being pushed away after he latched onto a clever flick from O’Neill.
Jones then shot over for Reading before O’Neill and Demiane Agustien tried their luck for Arsenal.
Arsenal eventually managed to make the breakthrough and it was a goal to remember as Mooney, just inside the Reading half, managed to loft the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Harrison Rhone.
Reading looked to respond and had an appeal for a penalty turned down, but Arsenal went into the break in the ascendancy.
Arsenal found themselves under pressure early in the second half, with Jack Porter making a save and Jaden Dixon later doing well to win the ball.
Any concerns about Reading getting back into the game were quickly brushed aside, though, with Harriman-Annous doubling Arsenal’s lead.
Harriman-Annous drifted infield from the left flank and after receiving the ball from Theo Julienne proceeded to find the net with an excellent finish.
Arsenal’s penchant for spectacular goals continued, with O’Neill then getting on the scoresheet for the first time at this level with a fine volley after being located by Marcell Washington.
On a night of many positives, there was a frustrating moment as Jones got a goal back for Reading, which brought an end to Arsenal’s run of four successive clean sheets.
Reece Evans shot wide for Reading but Arsenal added a fourth goal, with Duah turning the ball into his own net from Agustien’s free-kick.
Reading wanted the goal disallowed due to Marli Salmon being in an offside position but it was allowed to stand.
Archie Stevens and U18 player Alex Marciniak then received runouts, with Josh Ogunnaike and Brando Bailey-Joseph later coming on.
The latter did well to tee up Mooney, who saw his effort closed down.
Reading’s Evans was then booked after he didn’t take kindly to Salmon performing kick-ups in his own half.
There were some clashes between both sets of players after the full time whistle but when the dust settles what matters is that Arsenal U21s have taken another significant step forwards as a collective.
This is now five games unbeaten for Max Porter’s team, four of which have been victories.
The whole team performed to a very high standard tonight, with Mooney and Harriman-Annous dovetailing to excellent effect and the midfield, Julienne especially, providing the foundation for success.
An intriguing clash at home to Ipswich, who are in third place, awaits on Friday night.