Report – Scanlon scores; Dowman and Salmon feature as Arsenal U21s lose to Chelsea

Premier League 2

Arsenal U21s 1 (Scanlon 79) Chelsea 4 (Black 14, Watson 31 (pen.), 72, Ezenwata 90)

By Jeorge Bird @ Meadow Park, Borehamwood

Arsenal U21s are still without a victory this season after suffering a 4-1 defeat at home to Chelsea today.

James Scanlon scored his second goal in as many games since joining the club, while Max Dowman and Marli Salmon both played an hour.

It wasn’t an entirely disappointing display from Arsenal but they still allowed Chelsea far too much space at times, while there appeared to be a lack of cohesion with so many recent arrivals.

Jack Porter started in goal, with Igor Tyjon making his first appearance at this level for Arsenal. There were also chances from the outset for Marcell Washington and Demiane Agustien.

Porter

Ogunneye-Salmon-Upson-Washington

Ibrahim

Dowman-Agustien

Scanlon-Harriman Annous-Tyjon

Subs: Dixon (for Salmon, 60), Julienne (for Dowman, 60), Mooney (for Tyjon, 60), Stevens (for Ogunneye, 67), Clarke (for Upson, 69). Not used: Ranson, Ogunnaike.

Habeeb Ogunneye and Elijah Upson made some important defensive interventions early on with Arsenal then creating their first chance of the game as Dowman found Scanlon, whose effort was kept out by Freddy Bernal.

It was Chelsea, though, who would take the lead following a good finish from Leo Black.

Dowman then found Scanlon again, with the latter sending in a cross towards Andre Harriman-Annous, who saw his attempt pushed behind for a corner.

Tyjon had an attempt deflected over before at the other end Chizaram Ezenwata shot wide, with Jack Porter doing well to narrow the angle.

Agustien shot off target and Chelsea were then awarded a penalty with Reggie Watson converting it despite Porter diving the right way.

Salmon and Dowman showed glimpses of their ability early in the second half and Harriman-Annous then had an attempt saved before sending in a cross towards Scanlon, who was unable to connect properly with a header.

A triple substitution followed as Salmon, Dowman and Tyjon were replaced by Jaden Dixon, Theo Julienne and Evan Mooney.

Ogunneye then suffered an injury, with the defender seen on crutches after the game. Archie Stevens came on to replace him, with Julienne moving to right-back.

Brayden Clarke replaced Upson in a further change.

A superb free-kick from the impressive Watson then saw Chelsea make it 3-0., with Ezenwata then shooting wide as the Blues went in search of another goal.

Arsenal managed to reduce the deficit following good work from Mooney to find Scanlon, who got his second goal in as many games.

Mooney and Ife Ibrahim were then denied and nine added minutes were indicated.

Any brief hope that Arsenal had off staging a dramatic comeback quickly disappeared as Ezenwata proceeded to add a fourth goal for Chelsea.

Arsenal’s overall performance wasn’t quite as bad as the scoreline might suggest but there is still a lot of work for David Horseman’s side to do.

With such depth in the U21 squad it may be difficult to build up momentum and cohesion as there are likely to be frequent changes to the starting lineup.

There were some positives to take from proceedings, with Upson looking classy in possession, while Harriman-Annous is continuing to develop well up front.

Salmon and Dowman had some impressive moments and Mooney was lively following his introduction.

Arsenal, though, will be especially determined to record a victory when they play Leyton Orient in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night.