Fulham beat Arsenal in dramatic five-goal Premier League 2 opener
Arsenal U21s opened their Premier League 2 campaign with a 3-2 defeat to Fulham at Kingsmeadow on Friday evening.
Max Porter, who was confirmed as the substantive head coach of the side before the clash, handed summer signings Demiane Agustien and Marcell Washington their competitive debuts.
The young Gunners started the game on the back foot, with Farhaan Ali Wahid almost giving Fulham the lead, but he was denied by goalkeeper Tommy Setford.
Tom Olyott broke the deadlock in the 14th minute with a smart finish inside the box. Sixty seconds later, Ali Wahid almost doubled the away side’s lead, only to be denied by the width of the post.
Fulham maintained their dominance in the game and could have doubled their advantage when Bradley De Jesus crossed to Wahid, who smashed his shot narrowly wide.
Their endeavours finally paid off in the 17th minute, as Aaron Loupalo-Bi scored his first goal with a composed finish, after going one-on-one with Setford.
Three minutes later, forward Charles Sagoe Jr reduced the deficit, firing a ferocious shot past goalkeeper Alex Borto.
His goal gave Arsenal the momentum, and they nearly restored parity, but Borto produced an excellent save.
Ismeal Kabia scored the equaliser for the home side before halftime, winning a foot race before slotting the ball past Borto’s reach.
The second half started quietly before Jayden Quashie saw a free-kick fly narrowly over the crossbar. Setford then made a good save to deny Terrell Works shortly after.
Loupalo-Bi scored the winning goal for Fulham in the 77th minute, showing pace to latch onto Wahid’s through ball before putting the ball into the net.
Agustien and Kabia had chances to rescue a point for Arsenal but were denied by Borto.
They return to action next Friday at Nottingham Forest, searching for their first league victory.
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