Arsenal U18s keep unbeaten run alive with 2-2 draw at Brighton

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Arsenal Under‑18 travelled to Brighton, East Sussex for a crucial Under‑18 Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion Under‑18. A minute’s silence honored former Academy player Billy Viger, who had passed away just two days earlier. When the whistle blew at 11:00 am BST, both sides knew a single point could keep their title hopes alive.

Match overview

The fixture unfolded at the Brighton & Hove Albion training facility – a modest pitch that nevertheless buzzed with the energy of teenage talent. Arsenal’s unbeaten streak, five games strong, hung in the balance after a 1‑0 win against Tottenham’s U18s and a 2‑1 triumph over West Ham earlier in the season. Brighton, meanwhile, entered the game unbeaten at home, having held opponents scoreless in their previous two outings.

Key moments and player performances

It didn’t take long for Arsenal to test the visitors’ resolve. Around the tenth minute, Thompson muscled off a Brighton defender, feeding Marciniac, whose low pass found Malikashi streaking down the right flank. Malikashi surged forward, linking with Brando Bailey‑Joseph, who dribbled past a defender before laying the ball off to Oanike on the edge of the box. Oanike’s shot was denied by a reflex save from Michael D, the Brighton goalkeeper, who dove low and pushed the ball onto the cross‑bar with his legs.

The opening goal finally arrived in the 23rd minute when a clever one‑two between Thompson and Bailey‑Joseph split the defence. Thompson’s low drive found the back of the net, sending the Arsenal bench into a brief roar. Brighton responded just before halftime, capitalising on a misplaced clearance to level through a sharp finish by their left‑winger, whose name the highlights didn’t capture.

After the break, Arsenal pressed again. Reef, the midfielder, slipped a through‑ball to Marciniac, who attempted a curling effort from the edge of the area, only to see it flicked over the bar. Brighton’s New‑man, a rugged centre‑back, thwarted another Arsenal advance with a decisive tackle that left Thompson winded. The second half saw both sides trade blows, with Oanike's cross finding the head of a teammate who headed in the equaliser in the 71st minute.

In the dying minutes, Arsenal earned a penalty after a fierce challenge on Malikashi inside the box. The spot‑kick was saved by Michael D, who stretched his right arm just in time, preserving the 2‑2 stalemate.

Tribute to Billy Viger

Before the first touch, the teams gathered for a minute’s silence in memory of Billy Viger. The 19‑year‑old winger had graduated from Arsenal’s Academy two years earlier and was considered a rising talent before his untimely death on September 25. Arsenal’s digital media team included a short montage of Viger’s highlights, reminding everyone present of the fragile line between promise and tragedy.

League implications

With the draw, Arsenal Under‑18 remains unbeaten, sitting second in the Southern Division, just a point behind leaders Chelsea’s U18 side. Brighton, meanwhile, stays third, their home record intact but now needing a win in their next outing to keep pace. The Football Association (The FA) confirmed that the top three teams after the 22‑match season will qualify for the championship playoffs.

Looking ahead

Arsenal’s next challenge arrives on October 4 at home against Liverpool’s U18s. Manager Gary O’Neil (the senior Arsenal U23 coach, often consulted for the U18s) hinted that the coaching staff will rotate the squad to keep the young players fresh for the upcoming FA Youth Cup tie.

Brighton, on the other hand, will travel to Southampton’s academy on the same weekend. Their coach, James Collins, praised the resilience shown in the 2‑2 draw and emphasized the need to convert chances into goals if they want to climb into the top two.

Background on the U18 Premier League

The Under‑18 Premier League, overseen by The FA, serves as England’s elite development platform for players aged 16‑18. Established in 1997, the competition split into Northern and Southern divisions in 2004 to reduce travel burdens for clubs. Matches are typically staged at club training grounds rather than main stadiums, giving youngsters a taste of professional environments while keeping costs manageable.

Historically, the league has been a springboard for future stars. Manchester United’s Class of ’97, which produced players like Darren Fletcher and Wes Brown, dominated the early 2000s. More recently, Arsenal’s 2018 U18 champions saw Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe graduate to the first team within two seasons.

Each season, clubs field a squad of up to 22 players, rotating talent to ensure game time. Points are awarded normally – three for a win, one for a draw – and the top three from each division meet in a knockout series to decide the national champion.