Arsenal U18s secured their first victory of the season, and their maiden win under new coach Pat Holland after coming from behind to defeat Everton 2-1 at London Colney earlier today.

Everton had taken the lead early on through George Waring, but goals from influential skipper Isaac Hayden and dangerous winger Tarum Dawkins handed the young Gunners victory.

Holland, with the likes of Serge Gnabry, Kris Olsson, Hector Bellerin and Chuba Akpom promoted to the U21 team, once again found his resources considerably drained, especially with Jon Toral, who had scored in the two previous matches so far this season, also kept in reserve for the elder age group. Josh Vickers is back fully fit, so goalkeeper Stuart Moore is likely to return to Reading shortly. New signing Dejan Iliev was at London Colney, but was unable to play as his deal is yet to be formally ratified by FIFA.

Holland’s side closely resembled the side that was thrashed 5-1 by Bolton Wanderers on the opening day, with the only alteration being Alex Iwobi’s inclusion in place of Toral.

Vickers

Mugabo-Fagan-Hayden-Ormonde Ottewill

Kamara-Jebb

Dawkins-Iwobi-Jeffrey

Lipman

subs: Ross, Siemann, Dallison, Uade.

After a tame opening, Everton soon seized control of proceedings, with Waring’s harmless effort wide the first meaningful attempt by either side.

Hayden then did well to make a timely block with Chris Long bearing down on goal, but neither he or any of his team-mates were able to prevent the Toffees taking the lead shortly afterwards when Waring finished adroitly after being played through by Long.

It was telling of Everton’s dominance that Arsenal took until the 21’st minute to carve out their first meaningful opportunity when the ever-dangerous Anthony Jeffrey found Jack Jebb, but the midfielder’s effort, whilst on target, lacked conviction.

Iwobi then shot over, then Lipman saw a shot deflected on to a post, before, soon after, directing a shot straight into the arms of the Everton goalkeeper.

Jeffrey then saw too good efforts go close as Arsenal cranked up the pressure prior to the interval, before Hayden was denied on the stroke of half-time by a superb save.

Arsenal, having been rather poor in the opening period, were a more cohesive outfit in the second period, and were finally rewarded for their improvement when Hayden scored his first goal at this level with an impressive strike.

Just four minutes later Arsenal were in front when Hayden turned provider for Dawkins, and the former Luton Town youngster finished well. The winger, who was also dangerous against Bolton, then went close again but shot just wide. Arsenal were now in the ascendancy but Everton very nearly levelled when Long’s effort went just over.

Arsenal held on, though, to secure take their points tally to four before they take on Norwich City next week.