Aston Villa rounded off their Under-18 Premier League South campaign with a 2-1 defeat at Arsenal.
The Young Lions took the lead courtesy of Finley Munroe’s spot-kick on the hour mark, only for Ethan Nwaneri to strike twice for the Gunners in the final 15 minutes and turn the game around.
It ensured Villa finished their league campaign on 24 points, with full focus now shifting to Thursday’s U18 Premier League Cup final at Villa Park.
Tickets are on sale now for the showpiece finale against Tottenham Hotspur as Villa look to finish their season with silverware. To secure your seat, click here.
Possession
37%Shots
5Shots On Target
3Corners
3Fouls
101
0
Cards
1
0
James Wright saved well from Michal Rosiak’s free-kick before tipping over a header from Maldini Kacurri as the hosts enjoyed the better chances of the first half.
But it was Villa who opened the scoring on the hour as Munroe slotted past Brian Okonkwo from the penalty spot after Luis Brown upended Travis Patterson in the area.
But Nwaneri levelled matters in the 75th minute, creating space just inside the area before firing low past Wright.
And the Gunners striker converted what turned out to be the winner four minutes from time, receiving the ball with his back to goal before turning and drilling into the net from 12 yards.
Arsenal U18: Okonkwo, Nichols, Kacurri, Brown, Ismail, Rosiak, Dudziak (Copley 89'), Lewis-Skelly, Ferdinand, Nwaneri, Kabia (Clairmont 71').
Subs: Ranson, Heaven.
Aston Villa U18: Wright, Barber, Smith, Feeney (McDowell 62'), Munroe, Barnes (Simpson 62'), Patterson (Alcock 62'), Edwards, Lynch (Pavey 79'), Pierre, Mulley.
Subs: Hammond.