New signing bags hat-trick as U18s claim impressive win over Premier League giants

The 17-year-old winger was making his second competitive appearance for the young Blues, having joined the Blues from Chelsea last month.

Atherton, who made his first-team debut for Northern Irish side Glenavon aged only 13, opened the scoring in the 28th minute when he evaded the tackle of Daniel McCarron down the left wing before cutting inside and firing under Arsenal's goalkeeper.

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The Republic of Ireland U19 international added a second five minutes before the break when Jayden Adetiba, who was causing problems for the Gunners defence, cut his cross back to Atherton, who curled the ball into the top corner.

Atherton completed his treble just before the hour mark, linking up once more with Adetiba, who drove down the wing before picking out Atherton inside the six-yard box to tap into an empty net.

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The Gunners pulled a goal back with two minutes remaining, through Emerson Nwaneri, who is the younger brother of Arsenal first-teamer Ethan.

However, the young Blues claimed all three points to bounce back from their opening day 5-2 home defeat to Fulham last weekend.

They return to action when they host Stoke City in the Premier League Cup at Playford Road on Tuesday morning (11am KO).

Town U18s: Twyman, Boakye-King, Ologho, Felicio, Duggins (Olawole 46), Pedder (c) (Brentnall 67), Adetiba (Carr 77), Stewart, Olakazim (Burton-Yurevich 69), Buskell (Barry 61), Atherton.