14-year-old midfielder stars as Arsenal U18s secure first league win

Arsenal U18s recorded their first victory of the season in the U18 Premier League South on Saturday, beating Southampton 1-0 at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.

Luis Munoz was handed his first league start. He is the youngest UEFA Youth League debutant after coming on as a substitute in Arsenal’s victory over Bayern Munich last December.

15-year-old striker Jaden Maghoma was also named in the starting line-up, while Gabriel Arteta, son of manager Mikel Arteta, was an unused substitute.

Maalik Hashi put Arsenal ahead in the 16th minute when he drove forward, cut onto his left foot and fired a shot into the bottom corner.

Munoz and Hakeem Abubakar then combined on the edge of the box to set up Maghoma who could not hit the target.

Hashi came close to doubling the young Gunners’ lead before the interval, taking advantage of a smart pass to aim a shot at goal, but his effort struck the woodwork.

Arsenal started the second half in the same fashion they ended the first, with Munoz at the heart of things. The 14-year-old midfielder fired a pair of long-range shots, but neither troubled Southampton goalkeeper George Moloney.

The visitors threatened Porter for the first time, with Walter Nutter forcing the 18-year-old goalkeeper to make a save.

Munoz then sent Hashi through with only the goalkeeper to beat, but the midfielder could not double the hosts’ lead.

Porter made a brilliant stop late on, denying Ralph Brockway from salvaging a late draw for the visitors and securing Arsenal’s victory.

Josh Smith’s side are back in action next Saturday when they face Crystal Palace in another home game.

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