**U18 Premier League**
**Chelsea 2 (Ezenwata 28, 81 Arsenal 3 (Zecevic John 25, Ogunnaike 29, Subuloye 61 (o.g.))**
Arsenal U18s returned to winning ways with a 3-2 success away to Chelsea today, with captain Max Dowman making a major impact.
Louis Zecevic John was also on the scoresheet for Arsenal, with an own goal from Chelsea’s Olutayo Subuloye proving decisive.
Khari Ranson replaced Jack Porter in goal, while Dowman was given the captain’s armband despite being the youngest player in the team.
There were also starts for schoolboys Teshaun Murisa and Brando Bailey-Joseph.
**Ranson**
**Murisa-Clarke-Chapman-Ogunnaike**
**Ibrahim**
**Copley-Dowman**
**Bailey Joseph-Zecevic John-Casey**
**Subs: O’Neill (for Casey, 64), C. Ismail (for Murisa, 66), Marciniak (for Bailey-Joseph, 80), Oyetunde (for Zecevic John, 80). Not used: Porter.**
Arsenal were eager to bounce back after their chaotic 6-4 defeat to Tottenham.
Chizaram Ezenwata threatened early on for Chelsea and Ranson then had to make a good save.
Arsenal’s first opportunity fell to Bailey-Joseph, whose effort hit the post.
The young Gunners then took the lead through Zecevic John, who finished well as he capitalised upon some hesitant Chelsea defending, with Sam Chapman having worked hard to close down his opponent.
Chelsea equalises quickly as Ezenwata netted after latching onto a cross.
In an eventful period of the game Arsenal then restored their lead with left-back Josh Ogunnaike getting his first goal at this level after being found by Zecevic John. The ever-lively Dowman was involved in the buildup.
Dowman and Bailey-Joseph had opportunities in the closing stages of the first half but Chelsea also threatened with Murisa having to make an important defensive intervention.
The second half started at rapid speed, with Bailey-Joseph and Zecevic John both trying their luck.
Arsenal goalkeeper Khari Ranson was booked as he conceded a penalty for bringing down Ryan Kavuma-McQueen in the area.
However, Ranson managed to redeem himself as he saved the penalty in impressive style.
Dowman was again looking to push Arsenal forward as he had a shot saved.
Arsenal added to their lead when Bailey-Joseph scrambled the ball over the line after Zecevic John had hit the post with a header. It officially went down as an own goal from Chelsea’s Subuloye.
Ranson made a save, with Zecevic John then sending an effort onto the roof of the net at the other end.
Ceadach O’Neill replaced Casey while Cam’ron Ismail had to come on out of position at right-back in place of Murisa.
There were then further changes as Alex Marciniak and Daniel Oyetunde replaced Bailey-Joseph and Zecevic John.
There was a scare when Chelsea got a goal back, with Ezenwata netting again.
Arsenal, though, managed to withstand late pressure from Chelsea to secure all three points.
Zecevic John and Bailey-Joseph gave good accounts of themselves, while Ranson’s penalty save was hugely impressive.
Dowman is continuing to make a tremendous impact at this level and is constantly seeking to drive his team forwards.
The 15-year-old’s close control is of a very high standard and he has now demonstrated that he also has commendable leadership qualities.
Arsenal U18s, who are up to seventh place, are back in action on Saturday when they host Leicester.