Report: Swans U23s 1 Arsenal U23s 1

Swansea City Under-23s claimed another point in Premier League 2 following a 1-1 draw with high-flying Arsenal at Landore.

Brandon Cooper put the young Swans in front with his 41st-minute header, but the visitors claimed a share of the spoils later on through Charlie Gilmour’s deflected strike.

The hosts made two changes to the side beaten 5-3 by West Ham United last weekend, with Cian Harries and Simon Paulet returning to the starting XI.

In a first half of few chances, the Swans created the better opportunities, with Botti Biabi and Yan Dhanda having efforts saved by goalkeeper Deyan Iliev, while Jordon Garrick shot just wide of the far post.

And the hosts made the breakthrough four minutes before half-time, as Cooper’s header from Tyler Reid’s cross was too hot for Iliev to handle.

Arsenal responded well after the break with Trae Coyle being denied by Steven Benda, while Eddie Nketiah and Gilmour were narrowly off target.

At the other end, Garrick had the ball in the net in the 57th minute, but the winger began his run a fraction too early and was ruled offside.

The visitors continued to threaten and equalised 12 minutes from time, as Gilmour’s deflected strike wrong-footed Benda before nestling in the bottom corner.

The young Swans are back in Premier League 2 action next Friday, when they travel to North London to face Tottenham Hotspur.

Swans: Steven Benda, Tyler Reid, Aaron Lewis, Adnan Maric (capt), Cian Harries, Brandon Cooper, Jordon Garrick, Simon Paulet (Kees de Boer, 82), Botti Biabi, Yan Dhanda, Liam Cullen.

Subs not used: Gregor Zabret, Oli Cooper, Matthew Blake, Joe Lewis.

Arsenal: Deyan Iliev, Yulio Pleguezuelo (capt), Dominic Thompson, Charlie Gilmour, Danny Ballard (Ben Sheaf, ht), Zech Medley, Ainsley Maitland-Niles (Buyako Saka, 68), Matthew Smith, Eddie Nketiah, James Olayinka, Trae Cole (Nathan Tormey, 81).

Subs not used: Arthur Okonkwo, Cohen Bramall.