Abi Mowbray
Arsenal 2-0 Chelsea
Arsenal Reserves’ Craig Eastmond kept their 100 percent win record alive last night. The rising talent netted his second goal of the season in the 22nd minute of a tightly fought clash against rivals Chelsea at Underhill Stadium.
Mother, Amanda Eastmond, said: ‘He played all through the youth at right-back but centre-mid’ was always his position and he’s just proved it with that goal.”
Chelsea fans cheered on England star Joe Cole, who used the game as transition back into the top squad following a knee injury.
But even his presence wasn’t enough to stop another promising London youngster, Sanchez Watt, 17, from capitalising on an interception in the 66th minute to power home Arsenal’s second goal of the night.
Chelsea were unable to cash in on their own chances and Arsenal’s clean sheet brings them to top of the table. Their fourth consecutive win puts them in joint first with Aston Villa.
Joe Cole wasn’t the only first team player on the pitch. Arsenal defender Armand Traore, 19, said: “We played well. I’m hoping to play more and more first team football. The reserve games are a different standard but they help me keep my fitness up.”
Neil Banfield, coach, said: “We’ve played well. We’re doing alright and the boys did well.” Of Cole he said: “Joe played with a good attitude.”
The success of the Reserves stands the future of the club in good stead. With the first team looking to push for a title bid this season, they have a wealth of talent to draw from, a luxury that Chelsea, banned from transfers until January 2011 do not enjoy.
Bill Sellers, Gunners enthusiastic since 1948, said: “This team are playing exceptionally well. You can tell with the first team it’s built with these youngsters. The days of just buying players are over and teams know they need to develop the youth.”
