Dowman's brilliance helps Arsenal U18s beat Reading as they chase down Chelsea
Talented midfielder Max Dowman starred as Arsenal continued their push to win the U18 Premier League South, beating Reading 4-0 at Sobha Realty Training Centre on Saturday afternoon.
Forward Larry Omoregie and centre-back Philip Duah missed chances in the opening five minutes to put Reading ahead.
Reading were made to ruin their missed chances as Dowman put Arsenal ahead in the 13th minute, beating several markers before putting the ball into the net.
The fantastic midfielder scored his second goal from the penalty spot. He stepped up to convert after Louis Zecevic-John was fouled in the penalty area.
Zecevic-John went close to increasing the lead for Arsenal, firing his shot wide of the post from a tight angle.
Emmanuel Osho missed a good chance to halve the deficit for Reading, hitting the post from close range.
Five minutes before the hour mark, Dowman completed his hat-trick, taking advantage of James Sharlott’s error before striking the ball into the net from the edge of the box.
Goalkeeper Khari Ranson made a good save to preserve Arsenal’s healthy lead, denying midfielder Carter Bowdery from finding the back of the net.
Ranson was forced to make another save later in the half when he prevented Omoregie’s shot from entering the net.
Dowman completed his haul in the 83rd minute, putting the ball home after collecting a lovely pass from Theo Julienne.
Arsenal have now won the last seven league games and are just one point behind league leaders Chelsea.
They return to action on Tuesday when they host Tottenham Hotspur. A victory in that game will lift them above Chelsea in the standings, but it may not be enough to secure the top spot.
Aston Villa have one more point than the Gunners. They have an encounter with West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday. A win over the Baggies takes them to the top of the table.
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