Report – Sagoe Jr and Kabia score as Arsenal U21s lose to Fulham in Max Porter’s first game in charge

Premier League 2

Arsenal 2 (Sagoe Jr 20, Kabia 32, Fulham 3 (Olyott 14, Loupalo-Bi 17, 77)

By Jeorge Bird @ Meadow Park, Borehamwood

Arsenal U21s were edged out by their Fulham counterparts in Max Porter’s first game in permanent charge as the new Premier League 2 season got underway.

The young Gunners found themselves 2-0 down after just 17 minutes but managed to respond through goals from wingers Charles Sagoe Jr and Ismeal Kabia.

However, Fulham prevailed, with Aaron Loupalo-Bi getting his second goal of the game with 13 minutes remaining.

Arsenal understandably lacked cohesiveness and times, while they found it difficult to create chances in the second period.

Tommy Setford started in goal, while other players who travelled with the first-team in pre-season, such as Josh Nichols, Marli Salmon, Louie Copley, Kabia and Andre Harriman-Annous, were also involved. New signing Demiane Agustien made his competitive debut, with Harrison Dudziak captaining the team.

Setford

Nichols-Salmon-Kacurri-Washington

Dudziak

Agustien-Copley

Kabia-Harriman Annous-Sagoe Jr

Subs: Clarke (for Kacurri, 58), Ibrahim (for Copley, 73), Ferdinand (for Nichols, 89). Not used: Nygaard, Oyetunde.

Setford was called into action early on, while Arsenal showed some encouraging signs down their right flank as Nichols and Kabia combined well.

However, as was often the case in pre-season, Arsenal conceded first. Fulham put the young Gunners under intense pressure, with Tom Olyott eventually finding the net.

Shortly afterwards another attempt from Fulham went just wide, with Arsenal struggling to impose themselves on the game.

There was further frustration to come, with Loupalo-Bi finishing clinically to make it 2-0 to Fulham.

Eventually Arsenal started to respond, with Agustien having a shot closed down following impressive skill from Kabia.

In the 20th minute Arsenal got their first goal of the season, with Sagoe Jr finishing well.

Agustien then played a superb lofted pass into the path of fellow attacking midfielder Copley, whose effort was saved.

The talented Agustien then played another neat ball in towards Kabia, whose effort was diverted for a corner.

Arsenal managed to pull themselves level as Maldini Kacurri played an impressive long ball forwards and located Kabia, who found the net.

There was another chance for Copley late in the first half as he was found by Sagoe Jr, but his effort was cleared away.

The second half was considerably less eventful than the first, with Arsenal finding it difficult to create openings.

Kacurri, who was previously a Fulham player, already had a yellow card and seemed to be involved in constant battles with his opponents before being replaced by Brayden Clarke.

Setford had to react well to make an impressive save and then second year scholar Ibrahim entered the fray for his competitive U21s debut as he replaced Copley.

It looked as though the game was going to end level, but Loupalo-Bi put Fulham back in front following a break downfield.

Kabia had a shot saved in the closing stages and Seb Ferdinand came on for Nichols at right-back but time ran out as Arsenal looked to get an equaliser.

Arsenal will look to respond when they face Nottingham Forest away next week but it is clear that there is still much work to do with the U21 squad.

Sagoe Jr, who linked play well, needs a permanent or loan move, while the likes of Nichols, Kacurri and Kabia require loans if they are to sign new contracts.

There is also a lack of depth in the squad, although substitutes Clarke and Ibrahim gave good accounts of themselves.

Kabia looks to have gone up another level during the summer but it has to be questioned how beneficial it would be for him to continue playing for the U21s.