By Lloyd Webb at Emirates Stadium
Summary
Arsenal were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup after losing on aggregate to Manchester City in the semi-finals, despite an encouraging second-leg performance.
The visitors’ 2-1 first-leg advantage proved to be too much in the end, even though Chris Willock had levelled the aggregate scores after just six minutes,
Brahim Diaz then restored City’s lead over two legs from a header in a crowded box, before Rodney Kongolo gave the hosts an even bigger mountain to climb when he struck before the break.
Donyell Malen’s header two minutes after coming on gave the hosts a late surge of hope, but Marc Bola’s sending off asked too much of the Gunners.
Setting the scene
Steve Gatting made one change to his side following their 2-1 defeat at Manchester Academy Arena.
Reiss Nelson replaced Ben Sheaf in midfield, while Stephy Mavididi continued to lead the line.
More than 4,500 fans were in attendance, while Arsene Wenger, Freddie Ljungberg, Thierry Henry and Jack Wilshere were also among the spectators at Emirates Stadium.
First half
Arsenal couldn’t have wished for a better start, and were ahead after just six minutes when Willock raced forward and found the bottom corner.
The Gunners’ joy didn’t last long though, as Diaz headed past Hugo Keto amid confusion in the box 11 minutes later.
Back in the lead on aggregate, the visitors smelt blood and managed to double their advantage when Kongolo capitalised on Diaz’s quick free-kick to fire through Keto’s legs.
Jeff Reine-Adelaide then had a good chance to pull once back, but Daniel Grimshaw’s fine save left the Gunners with an uphill task in the second half.
Second half
Gatting’s side resumed the match on the front foot, and had strong claims for a penalty waved away when it appeared Tosin Adarabioyo had tripped Mavididi.
The hosts had to withstand heavy pressure following their bright start, and were indebted to Kaylen Hinds when he blocked Lukas Nmecha’s thunderous strike on the line.
Malen was then introduced on the hour mark and made an immediate impact, powering a header home two minutes after joining the fray to equalise on the night and spark new-found optimism among the home fans.
Arsenal continued to press, but Bola’s sending off 15 minutes from time for a poor challenge on Kongolo resigned the Gunners to a disappointing defeat.
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