Nigerian striker Folarin Balogun was impressive for Arsenal U23s on Friday evening though he could not help his side avoid a 3-1 loss to Chelsea at the Electrical Services Stadium.

Manager Steve Bould handed in-form striker, Balogun his eighth Premier League 2 appearance for the young Gunners, defender Tolaji Bola started for the sixth time this term while their compatriots, Joseph Olowu and Tobi Omole were afforded places on the bench for Arsenal.

Chelsea's Tariq Uwakwe was conspicuously missing from the hosts match day squad.

After Arsenal went two goals down in the opening 31 minutes, it  was Balogun's effort which was palmed away by Chelsea goalkeeper Jamie Cummings that Ben Cottrell bundled home to halve the deficit just before half time.

On resumption of play, Arsenal almost grabbed the equaliser after Balogun fed Trae Coyle but his effort was kept out and centre referee Andrew Myers would soon wave away the visitors penalty shouts after the Nigerian went down in the opposition box following a goalkeeper challenge.

The result brought to an end a staggering run of 16 unbeaten games for the Gunners, stretching back as far as December 2018 when they last lost to Blackburn.