Our under-18s started their Premier League Cup campaign with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Peterborough United on Tuesday afternoon.
It took just five minutes for our young Gunners to open the scoring at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, Alex Marciniak converting from Josiah King’s precise cross.
Ceadach O’Neill then continued his fine form in front of goal, with two in the space of five second-half minutes, before Brando Bailey-Joseph rounded off the scoring with a late strike.
### What Happened
We made a fast start to the cup tie, scoring from our first attack. Josiah King made a blistering run on the right wing before picking out Alex Marciniak who slotted home.
Ten minutes later we had a chance to double our advantage when Brando Bailey-Joseph worked a nice one-two, but his effort was saved by Ben Westcott.
Kyran Thompson came closest to doubling our lead before the break, beating two Posh defenders before firing his effort just wide.
Adam Birchall’s side started well once again after the break. Ceadach O’Neill hit the post with a header just 30 seconds into the second half, before having another effort cleared off the line.
The forward wasn’t to be denied ten minutes later though, as he latched onto a pass from Bailey-Joseph to double our lead.
O’Neill wasted no time in getting his second, slotting the ball into the back of the net after a perfect through ball from Kyran Thompson.
Bailey-Joseph made sure of the result with a late tap-in, securing a strong start to our Premier League Cup campaign.
### What It Means
Today’s victory gives us a winning start in the Premier League Cup, putting us top of Group A. Norwich City beat Stoke City 2-1 in the other match in our group.
### What’s Next
Our under-18s are back in U18s Premier League South action on Saturday, August 30 with a trip to face Birmingham City. Kick-off at The Knighthead Training and Academy Grounds is scheduled for 12pm (UK time).
### Line-Ups
**Arsenal XI:** Porter, King, Onyekachukwu, Chapman, Ogunnaike (Tahou, 68’), Murisa, Thompson, Hamill, O’Neill (Phillips, 65’), Marciniak (Hashi, 45’), Bailey-Joseph
**Subs (not used):** Tahou, Julienne
**Southampton XI:** Westcott (Sammour, 77’), Bushell, Joseph, Christoudias, Aikins, Arber (Sudakaran, 45’), McWilliams-Marcano, Mlityalwa, Shofowoke, Fitzpatrick (Dagne, 77’), Simmons (Crozier, 77’)
**Subs (not used):** Norville
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