U18s: Arsenal 2-2 Blackburn - Report

Arsenal Under-18s drew 2-2 against Blackburn Rovers at London Colney.

Marcus Agyei-Tabi gave the young Gunners the lead before Sam Joel equalised from the penalty spot.

Scott Wharton then turned into his own net to restore Arsenal’s advantage but Joel scored another spot kick to level in the second half.

Frans de Kat was forced to field a youthful starting lineup due to several academy players being on international duty, so Aaron Eyoma - who has featured regularly on the wing or up front this season - filled in at right back.

It also resulted in an inexperienced bench, with under-15s Josh Benson, Jordan Perrin, Robbie Burton and Toby Omole included in the squad for the first time this season.

Arsenal flew out of the starting gates and soon found themselves in front when Agyei-Tabi rose highest to head Ben Sheaf’s corner into the roof of the net.

The visitors soon threatened from a corner of their own, though. Wharton’s back-post header was directed towards goal by Joel but Ryan Huddart reacted well to deny him from close range.

Blackburn mounted the pressure and had their equaliser minutes later. Luke Wall caught Agyei-Tabi in possession before being tripped by Kristopher Da Graca, and Joel stroked the resulting penalty into the bottom corner.

Agyei-Tabi had a hand in the next goal too. The forward was picked out by Sheaf before his cross was met by Wharton, who knocked it past Andrew Fisher.

The Gunners began the second half in a similar fashion and should have scored a third when Tyrell Robinson raced onto Harry Donovan’s through ball, but the winger smashed over from six yards.

Robinson was left ruing his missed chance just minutes later. Modon Luam was brought down in the box by Huddart and Joel stepped up confidently to level from the spot for a second time.

Then the visitors should have been reduced to 10 men when Donovan was caught by Tre Pemberton and the midfielder reacted. Luam raced over and headbutted Robinson, receiving a yellow card for his actions.