Ricky Martin's youngsters produced the performance of the season to maintain their unbeaten home record and close the gap at the top of Group A of the FA Premier Academy League.

With just three minutes gone City signalled their intent, Ryan Oakley bursting away inside the Arsenal half and finding Josh Dawkin, whose effort forced goalkeeper Charles-Cooke into a full-length save.

Jed Steer, back in goal for City after a recent run on the first team bench, did well to keep out Monkana at the other end, but City took the lead on nine minutes, Kelly racing away after City intercepted a cross-field pass and finding Jack Werndly, who crossed it low into the area from the right, with Dawkin on hand at the far post to finish off.

Richard Brindley and Matthew Ball had chances to increase the lead while Dawkin again made Charles-Cooke work with another strike.

Norwich were brimming with confidence on the wet surface, Fryatt and McKenzie looking well organised in defence and keeping a watchful eye on Monkana.

But Arsenal improved after the break, forcing the young Canaries to weather a storm. Jeffrey cut loose along the left before delivering into the Norwich penalty area, with Ebecilio's header saved by Steer.

Arsenal were digging in and Webb in midfield was trying desperately to take control of the game, but City fought back and on 65 minutes produced a contender for goal of the season, Ball hitting a screamer from 25 yards into the top corner.

Steer kept out Ebecilo with a one-handed save on 75 minutes and at the other end Werndly, in space, was denied by the legs of Charles-Cooke.

But the win was all but sealed with another quality goal when a deep cross from the left by Werndly picked out McKenzie, whose bullet header flashed high into the roof of the net.

Steer was finally beaten in the first minute of time added on when Rees let fly with an unstoppable drive from the edge of area.

• City: Steer, Jones, Gordon, Brindley (Florence 73), Fryatt, McKenzie, Oakley (Dobbs 87), Dawkin, Werndley, Ball, Kelly (Loza 84). Subs not used: Stephens, Matthews.

• Arsenal: Charles-Cooke, Wynter, Bihmoutine, Edge (Roberts 66), Monteiro, Angha, Rees, Webb, Monkana, Ebecilio, Jeffrey. Subs not used: Vickers, Smith, Hayden.

• City man of the match: McKenzie.