BLACKBURN Rovers gave a vastly more experienced Arsenal side a real run for their money in losing tonight’s Under-21 Premier League Division Two play-off semi-final 2-1 at the Emirates.

The Gunners named international trio Santi Cazorla, Tomas Rosicky and Calum Chambers in a starting line-up also featuring Serge Gnabry.

But they were unable to find a way past Rovers’ resolute rearguard and inspired goalkeeper Andy Fisher until the 49th minute when returning Spanish star Cazorla played in Chris Willock to score.

And parity was restored 15 minutes into the second half when a free kick from now fully fledged first-team member Connor Mahoney broke to Joe Rankin-Costello.

The 16-year-old did the rest with a sweetly struck 20-yard volley that flew into the bottom corner.

And that was the way it stayed until the 80th minute when Willock twisted and turned before firing in his second goal of the game and the winner.

Arsenal will now face Aston Villa in next week’s final.