Our under-21s kicked off 2025 with a challenging 6-3 defeat to Fulham at Motspur Park on Saturday afternoon.
What Happened
The hosts had the first sight of goal when Kristian Šekularac tested Lucas Nygaard with a low drive from 18 yards, but our keeper reacted well to push it wide for a corner.
We struck first after just 10 minutes - Seb Ferdinand’s cross took a fortunate deflection, falling to Ismail Oulad M’Hand, who poked the ball in at the near post to give us the perfect start.
However, Fulham responded swiftly with two goals in two minutes. Their equaliser came from a defensive error that allowed Aaron Loupalo-Bi to fire a shot under Nygaard. Moments later, Šekularac showcased brilliant individual skill, weaving past defenders before calmly finishing to put the hosts ahead.
Fulham extended their lead just after the half-hour mark. Loupalo-Bi was on hand to net his second after Nygaard initially denied Olly Gofford.
We clawed one back before halftime when Salah dazzled with stepovers before cutting inside and curling a sublime effort in off the far post from the edge of the box, reducing the deficit to 3-2.
After the restart, we had a golden opportunity to equalise - Michal Rosiak and Harrison Dudziak combined to release Oulad M’Hand, who threaded a brilliant pass to Khayon Edwards. Unfortunately, Edwards’ effort lacked control and sailed just wide.
Fulham capitalised on the missed chance almost immediately, with Šekularac rifling his second goal in off the post to restore their two-goal cushion.
Despite the setback, we kept pushing and following a corner, the ball ricocheted off the bar, and Edwards reacted quickly to slot home from close range, making it 4-3.
As we searched for an equaliser, Fulham punished us with two late goals. Loupalo-Bi completed his hat-trick by rounding Nygaard and finishing coolly. In stoppage time, Lemar Gordon’s cross took an unlucky deflection off our defender, resulting in an own goal and sealing the 6-3 scoreline.
WHAT IT MEANS
We remain on 16 points after 11 games played.
WHAT’S NEXT
We’re back in league action next week as we entertain Nottingham Forest on Friday, January 24.
Kick-off at Meadow Park is scheduled for 7pm (UK time).
LINE-UPS
Fulham XI: Borto, Gofford, Nsasi, Amissah, De Jesus, Donnell, Šekularac, Olyott (Nwoko, 70) Lanquedoc, Loupalo-Bi, Works (Gordon, 90)
Subs (not used): Underwood, Esenga, Wingate
Arsenal XI: Nygaard, Ferdinand, Rosiak, Monlouis, Ismail, Kamara, Dudziak, Salah, Gower, Oulad M'Hand (Hashi, 83), Edwards
Subs (not used): Okonkwo, Chapman, Sampang, Oyetunde
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