Arsenal U18’s unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday as they lost 3-1 to Brighton U18 at the Sobha Realty Training Centre. The hosts took an early lead through Chido Obi-Martin, but the visitors fought back with three goals to secure the victory.
Obi-Martin gives Arsenal the perfect start
The young Gunners started the game with high intensity and opened the scoring in the second minute. Harrison Dudziak played a brilliant pass to Obi-Martin, who calmly slotted the ball past Lorenz Ferdinand in the Brighton goal. It was Obi-Martin’s 12th goal of the season, making him the top scorer in the Under-18 Premier League.
Arsenal continued to dominate the first half and came close to doubling their lead on several occasions. Obi-Martin had his shot blocked by a defender, and Kamarni Ryan’s follow-up was well saved by Ferdinand. Michal Rosiak also tested the Brighton keeper with a powerful strike from distance.
Brighton turn the game around with two quick goals
However, Brighton showed their resilience and equalized in the 25th minute. Remiero Moulton pounced on a loose ball in the box and fired a low shot past Brian Okonkwo in the Arsenal net. It was a rare lapse of concentration from the Arsenal defence, who had kept four clean sheets in their previous five games.
The visitors then took the lead just three minutes later, with a stunning goal from Josh Robertson. The midfielder received a cross-field pass from Aidan West and unleashed a curling shot from the edge of the box that took a slight deflection and went in off the post. It was Robertson’s first goal of the season, and a memorable one at that.
Arsenal tried to respond before the break, but were denied by some fine saves from Ferdinand. The Brighton keeper tipped over a header from Obi-Martin and parried away a free-kick from Ryan.
Arsenal reduced to ten men and concede a third goal
The second half started with Arsenal on the front foot, as they looked for an equalizer. Obi-Martin and Rosiak both had chances to score, but failed to find the target. However, their hopes of a comeback were dashed in the 58th minute, when Okonkwo was shown a red card for bringing down West as the last man. It was a harsh decision from the referee, as it looked like Okonkwo had got a touch on the ball.
Brighton took advantage of the numerical superiority and scored their third goal in the 73rd minute. Shane Nti found some space in the box and smashed home a cross from Moulton. It was Nti’s fourth goal of the season, and the one that sealed the three points for the Seagulls.
Arsenal did not give up and made some substitutions to inject some fresh energy into the game. They had a late penalty appeal when Obi-Martin was brought down by Ferdinand, but the referee waved it away. Brighton held on to their lead and celebrated a deserved win.
What it means and what’s next
The result keeps Arsenal in fourth place in the Under-18 Premier League with 25 points after 14 games played. They are six points behind leaders Chelsea, who have a game in hand. Brighton move up to seventh place with 19 points from 14 games.
Arsenal will look to bounce back from this defeat when they face Fulham away on Saturday, March 9. Brighton will host Southampton on the same day.
