By Connor Armstrong
SUMMARY
Our under-18 side staged a stunning fightback to come from two goals down with just 16 minutes left to play to rescue a draw against Chelsea.
We fell behind when Ike Ugbo converted inside the opening two minutes, before Martell Taylor-Crossdale added a second goal in the 58th minute.
Eddie Nketiah - fresh from scoring a hat-trick for the under-23s - then halved the deficit in the 74th minute to set up a tantalising final 15 minutes.
The scores were levelled when Joe Willock converted from the spot, beating Marcin Bulka with his effort from the penalty spot.
SETTING THE SCENE
Kwame Ampadu lined up with Joao Virginia in goal, with Alex Crean on the bench having started last week’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.
Kostas Pileas partnered Joseph Olowu in the centre of defence, with Jordi Osei-Tutu and Tolaji Bola playing at right back and left back respectively.
Josh Dasilva was named alongside Vlad Dragomir in central midfield.
Emile Smith-Rowe, Willock and Donyell Malen all lined up behind the prolific Nketiah.
FIRST HALF
We endured the worst possible start to this encounter, with Ike Ugbo whipping an effort inside the post after just two minutes.
Chelsea then threatened once again as a quick break concluded with a low effort being dragged wide of the far post.
We went in trailing by one goal at the break, in a first half of few clear chances for either side.
SECOND HALF
Once again, our slow start saw the Blues score inside the opening 15 minutes of the half.
Martell Taylor-Crossdale provided the finishing touch on this occasion to leave Ampadu’s side facing an uphill battle.
However, the Gunners rose to the occasion, with Nketiah firing past Bulka to set up an intriguing final 15 minutes.
Just five minutes later, we hauled ourselves level when Willock converted from the spot, seeing the game end all-square.
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