Arsenal U21s show spirit but Fulham take the points | OneFootball

Sagoe Jnr and Kabia scored to level the game after Fulham’s fast start, but a late strike sealed the visitors’ win in the Premier League 2 opener.

Arsenal U21s opened their Premier League 2 campaign with a 3-2 defeat to Fulham U21s at Meadow Park, a result that underlined both the promise and the fragility of Max Porter’s young side in his first competitive match as permanent coach.

The game began badly for Arsenal, who conceded twice inside the first 17 minutes.

Tom Olyott struck first before Aaron Loupalo-Bi doubled Fulham’s advantage. For a young side, it could have unravelled quickly, but Arsenal responded well.

Charles Sagoe Jnr finished neatly on 21 minutes to halve the deficit, and just over 10 minutes later Ismeal Kabia pounced from close range to restore parity before the interval.

The second half was a more even contest, with Arsenal pushing for a third but leaving themselves vulnerable. It was Fulham who made it count, Loupalo-Bi grabbing his second of the night with 15 minutes remaining to seal the points.

There were, nonetheless, encouraging signs for Porter.

15-year-old defender Marli Salmon acquitted himself well under pressure, while Maldini Kacurri impressed with his reading of the game.

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At the other end, Sagoe Jnr and Kabia both offered a consistent threat, their goals reward for their persistence in attack.

Goalkeeper Tommy Setford overcame a shaky start to make several strong stops, ensuring the margin of defeat remained narrow.

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Porter, appointed earlier that day as permanent U21 manager after eight years rising through the academy ranks, was clear about the positives despite the result. “We gave away two goals on us having the ball in transition,” he said.

“After that, though, I was very proud of the team. I think at 2-0 down, it’s easy to go under. I was really happy with the response,” he added.

“I think we showed bravery to keep playing our way, to keep showing for the ball. We just made a few tweaks that actually helped us a little bit more. Then we managed to get back into the game with two really good goals, and at half-time, I felt we had the momentum, which was great.”

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He also underlined the wider vision of his role within the club’s academy. “In terms of what we’re doing, we’ve got an unbelievable under-21s multi-disciplinary team. We’ve been working with them for the last couple of years, and they support the players outstandingly.

“I’ve been here eight years, and I’ve worked with the under-9s part-time, all the way up to this role now. I think we’re an academy that develops young people and players to hopefully play for our first team and come through. But also, we develop staff.

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“So I’m glad that it’s part of my journey as well, to be able to come through and have the opportunity I’ve had at Arsenal. I feel privileged, and I’ll do the best job possible for the players because that’s what they deserve.”

With Nottingham Forest up next, Porter believes the lessons are already clear. “What we’re looking for is the positive signs from tonight,” he said. “Keep working and developing the individuals we’ve got, so that hopefully we can put on an even better performance more consistently throughout the game. It’ll be a very tough game. Forest’s head coach has a lot of experience, and his teams are really competitive. So I’m excited about that because that’ll be a real good challenge for us.”