West Ham United U18 2 - 3 Under 18 - Match Report

Jack Wilshere’s young Gunners kicked off the 2024/25 league season in style, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory over West Ham United at Little Heath on Saturday morning.

A debut brace from Ceadach O’Neill, along with a goal from Andre Annous, set us on our way to an important three points in this London derby.

We started as the brighter of the two sides, creating early chances, including one when Dan Casey played in Annous, whose shot was deflected wide for a corner.

However, West Ham began to find their rhythm, forcing Jack Porter into action with a brilliant double save—first denying Elisha Sowunmi from close range, then turning away Mehmet Halim’s follow-up.

Midway through the first half, we broke the deadlock with a swift counter-attack led by Casey. He shifted the ball to the right, finding Annous, who threaded a pass to O’Neill. The forward rifled his shot into the bottom corner, the ball going in off the post.

West Ham quickly equalised from the penalty spot, with Sowunmi sending Porter the wrong way, leaving the teams level at the break.

The hosts started the second half strongly and nearly took the lead, but Ife Ibrahim’s brilliant goal-line clearance denied Halim.

We introduced Alex Marciniak at half-time, and he made an immediate impact, cutting in onto his left foot before sending a shot just wide. His influence grew, and moments later, a clever backheel from Marciniak found Annous, who drove into the box and finished with aplomb to restore our lead.

We almost extended the advantage when Bless Akolbire’s powerful shot flew just over the bar. However, the victory was sealed when Annous delivered a superb ball across the box, and O’Neill was on hand to notch his second of the game.

The Hammers pulled one back late on when Riley Hargan headed home but we managed to hold on and secure an important three points.

What it means

We’ve made a positive start to the season, getting off the mark with three crucial points.

What’s Next

Our second league game of the season will see us host London rivals Chelsea on Saturday, 24th August.

Kick-off at the Sobha Realty Training Centre is at 11am (UK time).

Team News

Arsenal XI: Porter, Salmon (Akolbire, 41), Clarke, Sweet, Ogunnaike, Ibrahim, Julienne (Onyekachukwu, 90+4), Copley (Marciniak, 46) Annous, O'Neill, Casey (Shuaib, 67)

Subs not used: Talbot, Ismail