Arsenal u23s came back from 2-0 down to draw against Derby away from home on Friday night, with Folarin Balogun the inspiration for the team again.

In a tight first-half, Arsenal dominated the possession but couldn’t create too many clear cut chances.

That changed towards the end of the 45, as Emile Smith Rowe found himself in a couple of great positions but couldn’t quite find the net. Smith Rowe then almost set up Tyreece John-Jules, but for the outstretched leg of a Derby defender.

Arsenal were quickly punished for not making more of their opportunities, with senior striker Chris Martin curling in a free-kick after a Robbie Burton handball.

Derby went in at the break with a 1-0 lead, and Steve Bould’s young Arsenal side knew they were in for another half of attack against defence to try and get back into the game.

That’s how the second period got underway, but Derby once again soaked up the pressure and hit Arsenal on the counter in the 60th minute, with Alex Babos scoring a second after a lovely pass by captain Max Bird.

Arsenal brought Folarin Balogun on, and immediately they started to get back into the game. Smith Rowe hit the post, before Burton finished off a lovely passing move assisted by Balogun.

Balogun then scored one of his own, punishing a pass back to the goalkeeper by stealing in to intercept the ball and finishing into an empty net.

Unfortunately, Arsenal couldn’t find the winner and Smith Rowe went off rather worryingly with a potential injury. We’ll have to wait on the medical team to find out exactly how serious it was. The match finished 2-2.