2017 Premier League 2: Friday's U23 Result, Scores, Updated Tables and Schedule

Arsenal's development squad won Friday's Premier League 2 rivalry match against Chelsea, as Danny Welbeck and Rob Holding scored in the 4-1 triumph.

The Gunners featured far more veteran talent in their squad than their opponents and predictably dominated, scoring twice in the first half and adding to their tally after the break. Chelsea had their chances, but a lack of efficiency doomed the Blues.

Here's a look at the current standings in the Premier League 2's top division and the upcoming schedule:

Pos	Team	PL	W	D	L	GF:GA	Pts
1.	Everton U23	17	13	2	2	38:11	41
2.	Manchester City U23	17	10	5	2	38:24	35
3.	Liverpool U23	16	8	3	5	30:20	27
4.	Chelsea U23	17	6	7	4	34:26	25
5.	Arsenal U23	17	8	1	8	27:23	25
6.	Sunderland U23	17	5	6	6	20:25	21
7.	Tottenham U23	17	5	4	8	25:31	19
8.	Southampton U23	17	5	3	9	21:30	18
9.	Reading U23	17	5	3	9	28:38	18
10.	Derby U23	17	4	5	8	25:34	17
11.	Manchester United U23	17	4	5	8	18:30	17
12.	Leicester U23	16	4	4	8	22:34	16

Date	Home	Away
Friday, March 3	Arsenal	Tottenham Hotspur
Friday, March 3	Manchester City	Everton

Recap

As shared by the Gunners' official Twitter account, Arsenal fielded a strong starting XI, with Welbeck joined by the likes of Holding and Carl Jenkinson:

Chelsea's squad didn't have as much veteran talent, but the in-form Charly Musonda was one to keep an eye on:

The Belgian threatened with the first chance of the match, firing a shot over the bar before the hosts took the lead. Holding got on the end of a cleverly designed set piece and headed home.

The defender also played a key role in the second goal, charging up the pitch with the ball. The Blues failed to close him down until he nearly reached the penalty area, where Holding cleverly played in Donyell Malen, who finished the chance.

Here's a look at that goal:

Tom Marshall-Bailey of Football.London loved it:

Chelsea finished the half well, and Mason Mount had an excellent chance to pull one back for his team. Holding continued his fine performance for the hosts, however, and at half-time, the score was 2-0.

Arsenal stopper Emiliano Martinez made an excellent save to deny Mount early in the second half, as Chelsea were knocking on the door. But just as the comeback seemed to gather steam, Reiss Nelson turned Malen's cross into the goal with a clever flick, all but ending the contest.

With 20 minutes left to play, Ike Ugbo gave the visitors some hope, blasting home a rebound after Musonda's shot was saved, but just a few minutes later, Malen earned a penalty and Welbeck restored the three-goal lead.

Here's a look at the Gunners' fourth goal:

The win moves Arsenal level with Chelsea on points, but, more importantly, it creates more of a gap between the Gunners and the relegation zone. The development squad has struggled near the bottom of the standings the last couple of seasons, and a comfortable campaign like this is a welcome change of pace.

Everton's lead in the top division remains significant, and the Toffees will have the chance to inch closer to the title next Friday when they visit second-placed Manchester City.