Arsenal win at Palace to continue race with Chelsea and Fulham for U18 PL title

Arsenal recorded their sixth consecutive victory in the U18 Premier League South on Thursday afternoon, winning 2-1 at Crystal Palace.

Midfielder Seb Williams scored for Crystal Palace a minute into the game, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Arsenal reacted positively to the hosts’ bright start, forcing goalkeeper Marcus Hill to make a save four minutes later.

Palace scored the opener in the 14th minute as Rylan Brownlie tucked the ball home from the penalty spot, following Samuel Onyekachukwu’s foul on Ben Casey.

Dean Benamar could have doubled Palace’s lead on the half-hour mark, but his effort smashed the crossbar.

Arsenal goalkeeper Khari Ranson pulled a good save to deny Rylan Brownlie from scoring three minutes before halftime.

The Gunners did well after the restart, with Ceadach O’Neill trying to curl the ball home but having his effort saved by goalkeeper Jack Mason who replaced Hill at halftime.

A brilliant intervention from Sean Somade prevented Andre Harriman-Annous, who was through on goal, from levelling the scores in the 55th minute.

A minute after the hour mark, Mason was forced to make another save, tipping a long-range effort to deny Arsenal the equaliser.

In the 82nd minute, the away side were awarded a penalty after Harriman-Annous was brought down, and the forward stepped up to convert.

Palace almost restored their lead as substitute Chubs Okoli delivered a cross into the area, only for Williams to miss the target.

A minute into stoppage time, Arsenal grabbed the winner through substitute Cam’ron Ismail, who was picked out by Brando Bailey-Joseph. It was Ismail’s first goal in 36 games.

Palace could have also scored before the final whistle, but a timely tackle prevented them from scoring.

Arsenal are just two points adrift of leaders Southampton and one point behind second-placed Chelsea with two games in hand over them.

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