Edward Nketiah continued his impressive goalscoring run, netting his 8th goal of the u18 Barclays Premier League season – but it was not enough for Kwame Ampadu’s youngsters to secure all three points in a top-of-the-table clash with West Ham.

In the final fixture before the international break, the Young Guns were eager to prevail with another victory, especially after last weekend’s testing win at the hands of Norwich.

The two teams just before kick-off. (Photo: West Ham's official Twitter)
The two teams on the field of play just before kick-off. (Photo: West Ham’s official Twitter)

João Virgínia was put under significant pressure as the hosts created plenty of chances.

Joe Powell and Korrey Henry in particular both came close with respective efforts before the half-time interval, neither was able to divert their strike on target though.

With that being said, it was Ampadu’s side who made their chances count on the stroke of half-time.

After some patient passing in midfield, Donyell Malen slotted through an excellent probing pass toward the path of an onrushing Edward Nketiah. His rapid acceleration meant he was never going to be caught, and lofted a well-taken chip over Rihards Matrevics to break the deadlock with aplomb.

The hosts’ frustration only converted to encouragement in the second 45, as they continued to create chances with worrying frequency. Jake Eggleton saw his effort crash off the crossbar from close-range, and from then on it seemed inevitable that an equaliser was coming.

Henry was able to breach the Arsenal backline too easily and found himself inside the area with plenty of space, he fed the ball into the path of substitute Malyk Hamilton who simply couldn’t miss from three yards out to equalise in the 83rd minute.

The result means Arsenal’s u18 side drop a place down into third with title challengers Chelsea winning 3-1 away against Brighton & Hove Albion in one of the day’s other fixtures across the South Division.

The next fixture is a home game against Swansea City on November 19, who are bottom of the league and have only won one match since the start of the campaign.