Our development squad sought improvement after the disappointing defeat to Fulham on Monday but were unable to beat the young Gunners.

Despite a sharp start, the home side scored two quick-fire goals midway through the first period. We levelled through Charlie Webster just before the end of the first half, yet Arsenal were too good for our young Blues on the day and scored another two in the second period to condemn our development squad to two defeats in a week.

We did start superbly and Rankine fired a great half volley on target but it was saved well. However, most of the half saw us struggle to fashion opportunities as the home side played much better in and out of possession.

They took the lead through James Olayinka as he curled in an effort past Eddie Beach after half an hour. The advantage was doubled soon after as Olayinka laid the ball off to Khayon Edwards and the striker finished well.

Multiple chances went begging for the home side as Charles Sagoe Jr and Matt Smith had opportunities to put the result beyond doubt and they were made to pay. Against the run of play we pulled a goal back just before half-time as a fine run and finish from Webster gave us a chance.

Despite the lifeline just before the break, the game was put beyond our reach by Sagoe Jr, who scored with a driven effort inside the area.

There was enough time for the home side to grab a fourth as substitute Nathan Butler-Oyedeji swept home underneath the reach of Beach