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Match report: Arsenal U-23s 1-2 Chelsea

Pablo Mari made his first appearance in Arsenal colours and Rob Holding played 45 minutes, as we fell to defeat against Chelsea at Meadow Park.

Chances were few and far between in the opening exchanges, but Folarin Balogun broke the deadlock in style after 16 minutes when he collected the ball, and whipped a cross-cum-shot into the top corner from 25 yards.

With 15 minutes remaining of the first half, we came close to doubling our lead when Holding met an in-swinging corner at the back post, and his header flashed across the face of goal, evading our onrushing attackers.