Arsenal's Nigerian Striker On Target But Young Gunners Lose 3-1 To Chelsea

Published: September 01, 2018

Arsenal U18s have suffered their first loss of the new season after they were beaten 3-1 by the national champions Chelsea in an U18 Premier League clash at Cobham Training Centre (Stoke d'Abernon, Surrey) on Saturday afternoon.

Kwame Ampadu's side won their first three league games against Aston Villa, Brighton and Leicester City before their run came to an end today.

Four players of Nigerian descent named in the latest England U18 roster started the London derby; goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, winger Bukayo Saka and striker Folarin Balogun for Arsenal and midfielder Folarin Balogun for Chelsea.

The Blues led 1-0 at the break thanks to Thierno Ballo's early goal and Clinton Mola doubled their advantage nine minutes after the restart.

Folarin Balogun halved the deficit with a close range finish in the 70th minute but Maatsen restored the home team's two-goal cushion with ten minutes remaining.

Anjorin, who made his third appearance this term, had to be replaced by Jon Russell in the 78th minute after suffering an injury.

Arsenal are third in the updated U18 Premier League table while Chelsea occupy sixth position with seven points.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com