U18s report: Brighton 2-2 Arsenal

Our under-18s maintained their unbeaten start to the league season with a 2-2 draw away at Brighton.

Before kick-off, a minute’s silence was held in memory of our former academy player Billy Vigar, who sadly passed away on Thursday morning.

What Happened

We started brightly and carved out the first chance when Josh Ogunnaike slipped in Alex Marciniak, but his shot was smartly saved by Brighton goalkeeper Michael Dike.

It wasn’t long before we broke the deadlock. Marciniak picked out Kyran Thompson inside the box, and the forward calmly slotted a left-footed finish into the bottom corner on 13 minutes — his third goal in just two games.

Brighton responded before the break, though, as Younes Ibrahim curled a superb free-kick into the top corner to level the score. Moments later, the hosts had a golden chance to take the lead from the penalty spot after Jack Talbot brought down Henry Kasvosve, but the forward dragged his effort wide.

After the interval, Brando Bailey-Joseph spectacularly restored our advantage, unleashing a thunderous strike from 25 yards that flew into the top corner.

We nearly extended our lead soon after when Thompson broke in behind the defence, only to see his effort crash into the side netting.

But with just three minutes remaining, Brighton struck again. Ibrahim stepped up for another free-kick and this time drilled it low into the bottom left corner to secure a point for the hosts.

What it means

The draw moves us onto 14 points from six games, keeping us top of the table. However, Chelsea sit just a point behind with a game in hand.

What’s Next

Many of our under-18s will now turn their focus to the UEFA Youth League, where we host Olympiacos on Wednesday, October 1.

Kick off at Meadow Park is at 1pm (UK time).

TEAM NEWS

Brighton XI: Dike, Alaiku (Oppong, 87), Anah (Morby, 67), Ademola, Ferdinand, Middleton, Kasvosve, Cullinane (Brennan, 67), Brett, Ibrahim, Newnham-Reeve (Evans, 87)

Subs not used: Rutter.

Arsenal XI: Talbot, King, Onyekachukwu, Chapman, Ogunnaike, Murisa, Julienne, Hashi (Tahou, 87) Bailey-Joseph, Marciniak, Thompson (Frohock, 78)

Subs not used: Stachow, Lupinski, Phillips.