Arsenal lost further ground in their hunt for the Premier Reserve League title this afternoon. The Gunners had to come from behind once more, this time to grab a point against West Brom. A first half stunner from George Thorne opened the scoring, but Roarie Deacon equalised in the second half following a mistake by Donovan Daniels.
Neil Banfield may be losing players week by week, but his side showed only two changes from the 2-2 draw with Wolves last time out. Ignasi Miquel was rested after being on first-team duty at the weekend, while Roarie Deacon replaced Benik Afobe, who has returned to loan club Huddersfield Town.
ARSENAL: Martínez; Hajrovic, Boateng, Cruise, Brislen-Hall; Özyakup, Aneke, Henderson; Deacon, Murphy, Freeman.
Subs: McDermott (GK), Angha, Webb, Rees, Ebecilio.
Arsenal could have been forgiven for lacking leadership without Miquel, but stand in skipper Rhys Murphy led by example straight from the off. He almost opened the scoring after collecting the ball in the box after good work from Freeman down the left, but a last ditch block from James Hurst prevented the perfect start.
West Brom then snapped into life through Saido Berahino. He had their first real chance, but the England winger couldn’t keep his powerful shot down, and it ended up comfortably over Martínez’s goal.
The two sides then exchanged corners before the Baggies bagged a stunner. Former Arsenal target George Thorne crashed home a superb effort from all of 25 yards. It was against the run of play. 1-0.
Callum Webb then replaced Özyakup for his Reserve team debut, and Arsenal finally seemed to have an anchor in which to build their midfield on.
Banfield’s boys didn’t look dangerous until after the break, when Deacon’s ball from the left picked out Murphy in the box but, his header was just over the bar. It was an excellent chance.
The build up was a warning of just how quick and tricky Deacon is. West Brom didn’t read the signals. Moments later, Daniels dwelt on possession too long at the back, and Roarie nicked in. He out paced the defence and from inside the box, he finished calmly to level the scores. 1-1.
Martin Angha was next off the bench, and he was needed as West Brom planned a final onslaught. Thorne should have had his second after the ball dropped to him from a free-kick, but he toe-poked the ball over the bar. It was a real let off for Arsenal.
The Gunners briefly threatened at a late winner, but a point each was fair. It means Arsenal have work to do if they’re serious about winning the Premier Reserve League this season.