A goal 15 minutes from time gave Arsenal all three points in Saturday's FA Premier Academy League game at Colney, which was ruined by the conditions, with a near to gale force wind blowing throughout the match.

Academy manager Ricky Martin was without the services of defender Taylor McKenzie, although he is expected to be available for the FA Youth Cup fourth round tie at home to Chelsea at Carrow Road on Wednesday (7pm).

Playing with the wind advantage, City made the early running with Theo Jones sending a header just wide as the Gunners found it difficult to get the ball out of their own half, although on a rare first half attack they did go close when defender Samir Bihmoutine pulled a shot across Remi Matthews' goal.

Michael Clunan lifted an effort over the bar while Harry Toffolo's long-rang effort troubled Reice Cook in the visitors' goal.

In first-half stoppage time, Norwich almost opened the scoring when, from a Jacob Murphy cross, Jamar Loza got his head to the ball but could no direction on his effort and Cook made the simplest of saves.

Arsenal took some time to take advantage of the conditions in the second half and after a mix-up at the back for City, John Toral just over the bar.

But with 75 minutes gone, Arsenal broke the deadlock when Matthews made a good save from a powerful shot, but with the rebound falling kindly for Josh Rees, he had the simplest of tasks to slot the ball home.

The visitors could have extended their lead late in the game but Matthews was on hand to produce a great save late in stoppage time.

• Norwich City Under-18: Matthews, Norman, Toffolo (Carroll, 56), Clunan, Barker (Lokko, 69), Jones, Hall-Johnson, McGeehan, Loza, Florence, Jacob Murphy (Josh Murphy, 80). Subs (not used) Dobbs, Cable.

• City man of match: Cameron McGeehan