The Arsenal u21s were eliminated from the Premier League 2 play-offs in heartbreaking fashion against Chelsea on Saturday.

After finishing fifth in the Premier League 2 table, Arsenal faced 12th-placed Manchester United in the play-off round-of-16, winning 6-2.

That set up a quarter-final match against fourth-placed Chelsea for a chance to make the semi-finals, with the game being held at Meadow Park on Saturday.

Things started well for the young Gunners, with Ethan Nwaneri making a great tackle in midfield before racing forward and lashing a shot against the post.

Not long after that, Arsenal had the lead, with Myles Lewis-Skelly firing in an excellent shot from the edge of the box after a set piece.

But in an even first half, Chelsea ended up levelling the scores just before the break, with Diego Moreira turning in a controlled volley.

Arsenal had the lead again early in the second half, with Ismeal Kabia racing around the outside on the left before squaring a pass to Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, who cut onto his weaker left foot before placing a finish into the far corner for 2-1.

But that lead led Arsenal to pull back into their shell, with Chelsea dominating the chances for the rest of the half.

When Chelsea’s equaliser eventually came, there was an element of fortune about it, with a deflected effort falling to Moreira for his second goal.

There was no luck about the third though, with Moreira completing his hat-trick with a curling effort into the top corner from the edge of the area.

That 95th-minute goal came too late for any kind of Arsenal response, and Chelsea ensured they’ll progress to the semi-finals.

Arsenal u21 lineup vs Chelsea

Ejeheri, Heaven, Monlouis, Nichols, Sweet, Lewis-Skelly, Henry-Francis, Nwaneri, Cozier-Duberry, Kabia, Butler-Oyedeji

Substitutes

Gower (for Lewis-Skelly, 79), I. Oulad M’Hand (for Sweet, 90+3), Robinson (for Monlouis, 90+3), Ranson, Kamara

What’s next?

The Arsenal u21 season is now over, with no further play-offs to play.

Some players may continue to stick around in training with the Arsenal first team ahead of their final game of the season next weekend, and there will be contract talks for the likes of Amario Cozier-Duberry, but most will likely begin their holidays.