Our under-18s fell to a 3-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday afternoon.
Our young Gunners surged ahead with a perfect start, as Harrison Dudziak orchestrated a brilliant pass to Chido Obi-Martin, who elegantly dispatched the ball past the keeper just two minutes into the game.
We came agonisingly close to doubling our lead midway through the first half, with Obi-Martin's blocked shot finding Kamarni Ryan, whose strike was well saved by Lorenz Ferdinand in the Brighton net.
However, the visitors levelled the scoreline when Remiero Moulton's determined effort found the back of the net. Just before halftime, Brian Okonkwo pulled off a great save to thwart Josh Robertson's curling attempt, ensuring we reached half time on even terms.
The second half commenced with our team in control, with Obi-Martin and Michal Rosiak coming close early on. Unfortunately, our momentum was disrupted as we were reduced to ten men when Okonkwo brought down Aidan West as the last line of defence.
With the numerical advantage, the Seagulls began to assert dominance and took the lead when Robertson's shot from the edge of the box took a deflection and found its way into the net.
Brighton clinched the game in the dying moments when Shane Nti found space in the box and smashed home to seal the three points.
WHAT IT MEANS
The result keeps us in fourth place in the Under-18s Premier League with 25 points after 14 games played.
WHAT’S NEXT
We’re on the road in two weeks as we travel south of the river to face Fulham on Saturday, March 9.
Kick-off at Motspur Park is at 11am (UK).
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal XI: Okonkwo, Ibrahim (Copley, 80), Small, Sweet, Ismail, Rosiak, Dudziak (c), Ryan (Cooper, 56), Fisher (Akolbire, 80), Benjamin (Forde, 65), Obi-Martin (Casey, 80)
Subs not used: Clairmont
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