A week on from their defeat to Wigan Athletic. Arsenal under 23s were back in action, returning to Meadow Park. This time facing London rivals Chelsea. Who went into the match having lost to Manchester City in their previous outing. Narrowly beaten by one goal. When the sides last met, the gunners walked away convincing winners. James Olayinka, Mika Biereth, Omari Hutchinson and Marcelo Flores all getting on the scoresheet for the host.
Chelsea started the match by having an early attack. Header from Vale going just wide of the post. Testing arsenal from a distance, Hall took a shot towards goal. Missing to the disappointment of visiting supporters. However, they did not have to wait too long for a goal. Scoring on the fourteenth minute. Jay Warenham finishing at the near post, having received a cross from wide. Staying on the front foot Chelsea came close to doubling their lead. But it was Arsenal who got the next goal. Zach Awe heading home on eighteen minutes. Levelling the score from a well delivered cross. Going forward once more, Hall had another shot from distance. This time making Gracyk catch the ball. Before the match was halted, due to an official being injured. After the issue had been dealt with Arsenal came close to scoring. Biereth sending his effort just wide, following a poor defensive error by the guest. Approaching the break Graczyk made another important save. Keeping Arsenal in the match at half time.
When play resumed Chelsea had a chance through Vale. Turning the Arsenal player, before releasing a shot. Narrowly missing the gunner’s goal. Getting close to taking the lead Williams put in a cross for Chelsea, but Lewis Hall failed to apply the finishing touch from two yards. Leaving the score even on fifty-three minutes. Against the run of play, the host found the net from a Salah Oulad M’hand goal. Scoring on sixty-one minutes after a fantastic solo run. Looking to equalise, Haight forced the arsenal shot stopper into a save on eighty minutes. Desperation being more visible amongst the away side as time ran out. Things went from bad to worse for Chelsea, as Omari Hutchinson added a third goal in injury time. Picking up the ball in his own half and finding a way into the Chelsea box. Letting off a unsavable shot.
In conclusion this evenings London derby proved to be an entertaining affair. Four goals being shared between the two sides, as Arsenal came out on top. Omari Hutchinson and Salah M’hand proving why they have been in and around the first team.
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