FAYC Chelsea 3 Arsenal 1 : Nigerian Winger On Target, Four Others Feature

Xavier Amaechi's opening goal for Arsenal in the fiercely contested FA Youth Cup final first leg at Stamford Bridge on Friday evening proved scant consolation as Chelsea ran out 3-1 winners ahead of the return leg.

Arsenal Nigerian youngsters, James Olayinka and his compatriot, Amaechi were named amongst the visiting team's starting XI while Chelsea's influential whizkid, Tariq Uwakwe was handed a starting berth on the right flank for the Blues.

Faustino Anjorin(Chelsea) alongside Joseph Olowu and Tobi Omole were named among the substitutes for both sides.

Xavier Amaechi continuously tormented the Chelsea defence for much of the first period, opening up the Blues backline on a number of occasion with his trickery.

The breakthrough would eventually arrive for Arsenal through Amaechi who became the first player to score against Chelsea in the competition this season, interestingly with a brilliant effort, the 17-year old getting the better of Tariq Lamptey to produce a lovely clipped finish over Chelsea goalkeeper, Jammie Cumming.

The second half saw Chelsea mount a comeback, with goals coming from Redan (double) and Marc Guehi as the Blues took a two-goal advantage into Monday's return fixture.

Uwakwe had a fairly quiet game, testing Arsenal goalie, Virginia on one occasion in the first period though Dujon Sterling came on to take his place after the intermission.

Saka who was thrown on for Matt Smith in the second half and could have got a goal had he not fluffed his lines in the closing stages of the game.

Defender, Olowu was afforded some minutes after he replaces Medley while Anjorin and Omole were non-playing substitutes for their respective teams.

Emmanuel Chinaza

Photo Credit : arsenal.com