Over 800 fans turned out to see Arsenal & Chelsea lock horns in a fierce London derby at the home of high flying National League team Aldershot Town.
It started brightly for the team from West London with Martell Taylor-Crossdale tapping in from close range (14’) leaving Deyan Iliev hopeless and Steve Gatting’s team behind, with a well worked goal by The Blues. (1-0).
As the game continued The Gunners piled the pressure on Chelsea an just four minutes after Chelsea’s early goal, the impressive Vlad Dragomir hit back with a cheeky chip over Jamie Cummings, Chelsea’s number one. (16’) (1-1)
Tempers frayed as the half came to a close with both teams wanting to grab that illusive goal before the break, Eddie Nketiah running the show with his agility in the attacking third. In the 44th minute Ruben Sammut (Chelsea) got slightly aggravated flying in with a reckless tackle that earned him a yellow card. 2 additional minutes were shown by fourth official Bhupinder Gill and the referee blew his whistle as the eventful half comes to an end in the Premier League 2 match with neither side able to grab a second goal.
Early into the second half Joe Willock received a yellow for obstructing a free kick from Chelsea. Then, after a heroic save from Gunners shot stopper, Chelsea’s Dujon Sterling on the follow up squeezed the ball past Arsenal right back Jordi Osei-tutu who was left stranded on the line as the Blues took the lead (65’). (2-1)
As The Gunners pressed for an equaliser, Arsenal’s man of the match Deyan Illiev (GK) had to go off with an injury to the face leaving Hugo Keto coming on in his place.
Chance after chance went begging with Steve Gatting’s side edging closer to the equaliser.
An additional five minutes was signalled as an late equaliser is slotted past the Chelsea goalkeeper by Joe Willock who kept his head to make it all square. (90+2).
Despite a great chance for Arsenal to win it at the death and a disallowed Chelsea effort the game finished 2-2 after a gutsy Arsenal performance was well worthy of a point.
Written by the ArsenalShorts Jr. Team