Chelsea end Arsenal U18s’ perfect start to the season with 1-1 draw
Arsenal U18s’ perfect start to the season in the U18 Premier League South ended on Saturday morning, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Chelsea at Sobha Reality Training Centre.
The fixture saw the return of Ceadach O’Neill to the starting line-up after he debuted for the U21s in the 1-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Chelsea created the first real opportunity of the game when Reggie Walsh combined with Calvin Diakite, who delivered a lofted ball into the area. Chizzy Ezenwata rose highest, but his header could not hit the target.
The visitors opened the scoring in the 25th minute, following goalkeeper Jack Porter’s poor reading of Ryan Kavuma-McQueen’s corner, allowing Ezenwata to find the back of the net.
The Blues nearly made it 2-0, with Kavuma-McQueen lashing a low drive that Ezenwata slid to meet, but he could not get the correct contact on the ball.
Arsenal created a chance to level the scores against the run of play as O’Neill carried the ball forward and picked out Josh Ogunnaike, whose shot drifted wide.
The young Gunners drew level on 35 minutes as centre-back Callan Hamill headed the ball home after Chelsea failed to clear their lines from a set-piece.
Chelsea began the second half strongly. Kavuma-McQueen nearly gave them the lead before the hour mark, but his shot flew over the bar.
Porter made a fantastic save to deny Mathis Eboue, son of former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue before Samuel Onyekachukwu made a brilliant block to prevent Kobe Barbour from giving the Blues the lead.
O’Neill almost gave Arsenal the lead when he unleashed a powerful strike which looked goalbound. However, a crucial intervention prevented the Northern Irish youngster from scoring for the third consecutive game.
Chelsea looked the more likely to get the winner, but Adam Birchall’s side were able to hold on for a draw.
Arsenal U18s return to action next Saturday, hosting Ipswich Town, who have just one win this season.
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