Arsenal came from behind again to secure a 2-2 draw on a cold, rainy away trip to the Midlands at AFC Telford United’s New Bucks Head stadium. Wolves went 2-0 up early in the second half but goals from Henderson and Luke Freeman penned them back, with Arsenal going close on several occasions near the end.
ARSENAL: Martinez, Hajrovic, Boateng, Miquel, Brislen-Hall, Henderson, Ozyakup, Murphy, Aneke, Freeman, Afobe
Benik Afobe was eligible to play in this game due to his loan being a ‘youth loan’. This means he can take part in reserve games when not on duty with Huddersfield.
Arsenal made a sloppy start and took a while to find their rhythm. However despite this the first chance fell to Arsenal with Freeman continuing his good form with a run down the right resulting in a lovely cross for Chuks Aneke who’s improvisation so nearly resulted in an early goal for Arsenal. His acrobatic shot went just over but it was only a minute or so before Arsenal had another chance with Hajrovic heading just over from an Ozyakup as the Gunners started to get into their side.
Freeman was again threatening along with Henderson, both having shots blocked and fired over the bar respectively – Brislen-Hall was also having a very good game, providing a cross for Afobe but the man on loan at Huddersfield couldn’t quite turn and get his effort away. Arsenal were by far the better team but were as yet unrewarded for their efforts.
Boateng was called into action to clear as Spray threatened, the defender did a fine job too preventing what would have become a very dangerous situation. It was Wolves first meaningful attack but it was quickly reversed with two more good chances for Arsenal following.
The first fell to Freeman, who steered a tricky chance into the side netting and then Brislen-Hall unleashed a monster of a shot which ended up safely in the hands of the keeper. Brislen-Hall is not one of the star names in the reserves but he was having a very enjoyable and productive evening as he threatened once again.
Wolves, however, took the lead just a couple of minutes later. A free-kick – so often the downfall of the first team – was floated in, knocked back into the six yard area and Spray tucked it away. 1-0.
There was still time before the first 45 was up for Martinez to take command of his area and Aneke to attempt a volley.
The second half started slowly and things got worse for Arsenal, Bia Mujangi converted a cross and they found themselves 2-0 down with much of the second half left to play – they would have to come from behind again.
Henderson clawed a goal back almost immediately, converting a brilliant free-kick and giving Arsenal the kick up the rear they greatly needed to get into their stride again and it wasn’t long before the ball was in the back of the net again. It was Afobe who scored this time but it was flagged offside after the keeper spilled another effort from Henderson.
It was still 2-1 to Wolves when Martinez was forced into a brilliant point-blank save to keep the difference down to one goal and was quickly rewarded as Luke Freeman struck again to get the two sides back on level terms.
Luke missed from a narrow angle earlier on in the game but he was not to be stopped this time as he squeezed the ball home, the comeback kid had done it again and Arsenal were looking good for a win, and continued to create chances.
Arsenal had a long spell of pressure but nothing came from it as the final piece of skill was missing but Miquel started a lovely move for Brislen-Hall to burst forward and into the area, he could have taken it upon himself to shoot but chose to square the ball to Afobe but the pass evaded the Huddersfield man – chance gone, and possibly with it the chance of salvaging a win.
Miquel had not finished yet, though. He fired in a thunderbolt which crashed into the crossbar.
A fair share of the spoils, but Arsenal will regret the missed chances. Luke Freeman will be pleased with his contribution after another good game.