Arsenal U21s showed tenacity, fighting back from a two-goal deficit to earn a point against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League 2 at Loughborough University Stadium on Friday evening.
Max Porter made some changes to the team that started against Fulham in the opening fixture. Goalkeeper Lucas Nygaard was handed his first start, Will Sweet started at centre-back, allowing Marli Salmon to feature at right-back.
Arsenal started the game brightly and had two consecutive chances to open the scoring.
The first chance was when Maldini Kacurri’s header found Andre Harriman-Annous, who flicked the ball, allowing Marli Salmon to force the goalkeeper to make a save.
Moments later, Demiane Agustien combined with Harriman-Annous before dragging his shot narrowly wide.
The young Gunners were made to rue their missed chances as the hosts opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Josh Bowler drove into the box and buried his shot into the corner.
Six minutes later, Bowler doubled Forest’s lead after capitalising on a defensive blunder.
Arsenal fared better after the interval and reduced the deficit in the 56th minute. Charles Sagoe Jr held the ball brilliantly, combined with Ismeal Kabia, before tucking the ball home.
Sagoe Jr’s goals gave the young Gunners momentum, and the forward almost levelled the scores with a powerful strike, but goalkeeper Luke Campbell saved his effort.
The Gunners kept pushing for the equaliser, and Harriman-Annous went close, but his effort flew wide of the post.
The breakthrough came in the 87th minute as substitute Seb Ferdinand’s deflected shot went into the bottom corner to secure a deserved point.
Arsenal are yet to record a win in this campaign, losing 3-2 to Fulham in their first game. They will look to secure their first victory of the season when they host Brighton & Hove Albion at Meadow Park next Friday.