Post-Match Report

U18s report: Brighton 3-5 Arsenal

chido obi

Brighton & Hove Albion U18 -

American Express Elite Football Performance Centre
U18 Premier League South
U18 Premier League South
  Brighton & Hove Albion U18
      
              J. Belmont (2)
               H. Mills (7)
               R. Gorman (55)
          
   crest
Brighton & Hove Albion U18
J. Belmont (2) H. Mills (7) R. Gorman (55)
3 - 5
  Arsenal U18
      
                  L. Copley (20)
                   M. Rosiak (23)
                   C. Obi (25, 40)
                   A. Annous (82)
            
   crest
Arsenal U18
L. Copley (20)
M. Rosiak (23)
C. Obi (25, 40)
A. Annous (82)

Jack Wilshere's young Gunners staged a remarkable comeback from two goals down to secure their third win in four games in a thrilling 5-3 victory away to Brighton & Hove Albion.

We went a goal down after just two minutes when Nehemiah Oriola played a ball across the box and Joe Belmont was there to tap it in. Moments later the hosts were two up, this time Harry Mills drilled his effort into the bottom right hand corner.

We managed to claw our way back into the game thanks to some impressive hold-up play from Chido Martin Obi, who set up Louie Copley for a well-taken goal at the near post. 

Our determination paid off as we drew level shortly after, with Michal Rosiak curling home a delightful free-kick. This marks the fifth free-kick goal for the Polish international this season, showcasing his proficiency from dead ball situations.

The momentum continued in our favour as we completed the turnaround moments later. Martin Obi seized on a defensive error and calmly slotted the ball past Ferdinand, granting us the lead for the first time in the game.

Martin Obi showcased his exceptional form once again by scoring his second goal of the game just before the halftime whistle to put us 4-2 up. He deftly shifted the ball onto his left foot before driving a precise shot into the bottom corner of the net. This goal further underscored Martin Obi's exceptional form, as he has now notched an impressive 10 goals in his last four games.

Ten minutes after the restart, the hosts managed to find a way back into the game when Ronnie Gorman's free-kick curled its way into the back of the net.

Brighton began to assert themselves and gain a foothold in the match, but our defecse remained resolute and held firm. Ultimately, we secured the win as Andre Annous scored his first goal at this level, calmly tapping in from close range after brilliant wing play from Louis Zecevic John.

 

What it means

The result moves us up to third place in the table, edging out Tottenham Hotspur on goal difference. We now have 35 points from 19 games, although Tottenham does hold a game in hand.

 

What's next

We're back in action this weekend as we travel to second-placed West Ham United on Saturday, April 13.

Kick-off at Little Heath Sports Ground is at 11am.

 

Team news

Arsenal XI: Ranson, Ibrahim, Clarke, Sweet, Ogunnaike, Rosiak, Copley (Casey, 77), Dudziak, Zecevic John, Kabia (Annous, 65), Martin Obi

Subs not used: Talbot, Shuaib, Akolbire