Arsenal continued their hunt for the Premier Reserve League title with a 1-0 win over Chelsea at London Colney this afternoon. A controversial penalty in first half stoppage time from Mexican international Carlos Vela proved to be decisive.
Neil Banfield was able to call on first-team striker Vela, plus Benik Afobe, who is still recovering from a knee injury. Thomas Cruise and Luke Freeman both started their first games since returning from loan spells.
ARSENAL: Martínez; Hajrovic, Boateng, Miquel, Cruise; Özyakup, Eastmond; Sunu; Freeman, Vela; Afobe.
Banfield had urged his side to show their true quality after the 10-1 defeat to Aston Villa, but Arsenal began tentatively. Chelsea took full advantage and looked bright in the early moments, with Gokhan Tore shooting wide after a slip from Thomas Cruise.
The Gunners eventually found their feet and pushed for an early goal to settle themselves. Özyakup’s deliveries from set pieces have been a dangerous weapon this season, and so they proved again today. First Vela pulled off his man and volleyed at Turnbull from a free-kick, then Sunu just glanced wide from the resulting corner. It was a clear warning sign.
Yet the best chance of the half came right at the end. Sunu lifted the ball over Bruma’s head and found the on running Afobe. He tried to flick home from a tight angle and only found the side netting.
After a frustrating first half, the break through was finally found in first half stoppage time.
Vela had cut a frustrated figure the whole game, but he took advantage of a quick goal kick from Martínez to find Afobe with a slick pass. Benik picked out Freeman in the box, but as the former Gillingham front man tried to finish, Turnbull clattered into him and a harsh penalty was awarded.
Vela coolly slotted home from 12 yards 1-0 at the break.
Arsenal took their advantage from the first-half and ran with it in the second. Afobe could have had two goals from Cruise crosses in the opening minutes, but Bruma was on hand to make two brave blocks.
Chelsea then found their feet again and looked to hit back. Eastmond stood on the ball and fell over on the edge of his own box, but Tore failed to take advantage, over hitting the loose ball for Philip. Martínez was then called into action as Connor Clifford smashed an effort at the Argentine from close range. Big chances for the visitors.
Roarie Deacon replaced Afobe shortly after and Arsenal should have wrapped the game up with two moments of brilliance from Vela. First he curled a difficult free-kick inches wide, then the Mexican unlocked the Chelsea back four and found Freeman, but he could only shoot at Turnbull who saved with his face.
Rhys Murphy and Jernade Meade came on with 10 minutes left, but the fresh blood wasn’t needed. Chelsea looked down and out by the time the full time whistle blew. An important three points on a difficult afternoon.
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