Our 18s fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Fulham at Mostpur Park on Saturday morning.
We began the game dictating possession, with much of the play unfolding in Fulham’s half. Despite our dominance, clear-cut opportunities remained elusive.
However, it was the hosts who nearly broke the deadlock first, as Farhan Ali-Wahid took aim at our goal. Jack Porter, making his debut for the under-18s, pulled off an incredible save to deflect Ali-Wahid's effort onto the post.
Our first opportunity arose when Louie Copley found Ismeal Kabia with a delightful pass on the right-hand side. Kabia skillfully navigated past two defenders but was denied by a solid save.
Unfortunately, we conceded the opening goal on the half-hour mark, as Oliver Gofford placed his shot into the far left corner to give the hosts the lead.
In the second half, we began strongly, with Cam’ron Ismail almost levelling the score as he cut inside onto his right foot. However, his strike was tipped over for a corner.
We then went close late on through Osman Kamara and Chido Obi-Martin but, despite our relentless efforts for the equaliser throughout the remainder of the match, luck wasn’t on our side in south-west London.
WHAT IT MEANS
The result sees us drop to fifth place in the Under-18s Premier League with 25 points after 15 games played.
WHAT’S NEXT
We’re in action next week against Crystal Palace on Saturday, March 16.
Kick-off at Sobha Realty Training Centre is at 11am (UK).
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal XI: Porter, Julienne, Kacurri (Ibrahim, 75), Sweet, Ismail, Rosiak, Copley (Casey, 64), Dudziak (c), Kabia (Benjamin, 46), Kamara, Obi-Martin
Subs not used: Ranson, Fisher, Akolbire
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