Arsenal came from behind to draw 2-2 with Chelsea at Cobham in the Premier Reserve League this afternoon. Rhys Murphy’s first half strike was cancelled out by second half efforts from Connor Clifford and Milan Lalkovic, but Luke Freeman came up with a stoppage time equaliser.
Neil Banfield was without Carlos Vela, Benik Afobe and Gilles Sunu from the 1-0 win over the Blues last time out, but did welcome back James Shea between the sticks and Rhys Murphy in attack.
ARSENAL: Shea; Hajrovic, Boateng, Miquel, Cruise; Aneke, Ozyakup, Meade; Deacon, Murphy, Freeman.
Substitute: Martínez (GK), Angha, Rees, Ebecilio, Ansah.
Chelsea began the game like a team with a point to prove, pressing the young Gunners right from the off set with much success. Hajrovic struggled to deal the pressure and gave an early throw in straight to Lalkovic, who just volleyed over. A superb early opening.
The pressure continued and Chelsea should have opened the scoring when Tore beat Meade on the wing, and crossed for Clifford in the box. The midfielder could only lash at Shea from close range after a brilliant run. It was a big warning. Tore then came even closer moments later, but Shea saved once more.
Freeman had Arsenal’s first real chance when he burst away from Clifford and through on goal, but the on rushing Bruma tracked back and tackled well. The Blues reacted with a chance of their own, as Tore’s free-kick was headed off the inside of the post by Philip. The hosts were getting ever closer.
Yet just as it seemed inevitable Chelsea would score, Arsenal hit them on the break. McEachran was caught on the ball by Aneke, he held off the challenge of Bruma and slipped Murphy in on the penalty spot. The striker controlled and finished brilliantly to give the Gunners a surprise lead on the cusp of half time.
Miquel came off in first half time stoppage time, replaced by Martin Angha after complaining of a hamstring problem. Banfield’s boys managed to hold on to go into the break in front.
The Arsenal goal in the FA Youth Cup game only served to rejuvenate Chelsea, and so it proved this time out. Steve Holland’s side returned from the half time interval with fresh impetus, and took the game to their visitors.
Kyle Ebecilio came on at half time but there was little he could do when a flowing move saw Connor Clifford collect the ball on the edge of the box. He controlled and slammed home via the right post. 1-1 and a well deserved equaliser.
Arsenal then survived two penalty appeals from Philip and Lalkovic before Chelsea pressed home their advantage. Shea made two brilliant saves but eventually, the pressure tolled. Billy Clifford flicked around Ozyakup and then crossed for the unmarked Lalkovic, he slid home from close range. Arsenal appealed for offside, it was ignored. 2-1.
Zak Ansah came on for the third and final change, but just as he did, Shea went over on his ankle and needed treatment from physio David Wales. Shea looked in trouble but had his ankle strapped up and he continued.
The Gunners struggled to get back into the game after going behind, and despite Murphy causing problems with his pace, the game fizzled out. However, with just stoppage time left, Freeman jinked past Clifford and smashed home from a difficult ankle to level it. Probably undeserved but 2-2.
A difficult 90 minutes for Arsenal, coupled with injuries to Miquel, Aneke and Shea, but late character and resilience see Banfield’s boys grab a point.
