Arsenal U18s came from behind to draw 2-2 away to their Crystal Palace counterparts yesterday in their final game of the season.
The result means that Adam Birchall’s team, who have lacked consistency throughout the campaign, will finish in 10th place out of 15 teams.
In yesterday’s game Palace quickly established a lead through goals from Donte Martin and David Angibeaud.
Arsenal eventually managed to respond as Maalik Hashi and Brando Bailey-Joseph found the net.
Palace goalkeeper Jack Mason was sent off in the 66th minute for a foul on Louis Zecevic John.
As Palace didn’t have a goalkeeper on the bench, defender Dean Benamar went in goal for the rest of the game but Arsenal couldn’t get a third goal.
Some of the first years, Brando Bailey-Joseph in particular, have made good progress this season but there will certainly have to be considerable improvements next season both in terms of coaching and results.
With a new academy manager (the identity of whom remains unclear) set to be appointed, it will be interesting to see what changes are implemented at academy level during the summer and beyond.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird