Arsenal 5 Tottenham 2: Saka At The Double; Amaechi & Balogun Strike; GK Oluwayemi Concedes Five Goals

Arsenal U18s ran out 5-2 winners over Tottenham U18s after extra time in their FA Youth Cup derby clash held at the Meadow Park on Thursday evening.

As many as six players of Nigerian descent started the fourth round tie, goaltender Arthur Okonkwo, Mazeed Ogungbo, Xavier Amaechi, Folarin Balogun and Bukayo Saka while goalkeeper Joshua Oluwayemi did for Spurs. James Olayinka was afforded a place on the bench.

Though both sides traded early goals, Oluwayemi was full of quick reflexes to keep the Gunners attacking force at bay, including producing a top drawer save to deny Amaechi in the first half.

Oluwayemi was eventually penalised for bringing down Amaechi in the area after the break, paving way for Saka who had equally been brilliant to restore parity 2-2.

As both sides could not be separated in full time, the encounter boiled down to extras where the gulf in class was hugely manifested.

First, Amaechi dribbled just shy of the edge of the opponent's box to fire into the far post and gift his team the lead.

And it was the 18-year-old who orchestrated the fourth as his parried shot fell to the feet of Balogun who duly prodded home.

Saka will eventually round off the scoring with an absolute screamer and cement the victory for his team when he curled in a left-footed effort into the top corner from over 20 yards.

Having passed this challenge, the reward for Ken Gillard's charges is a fifth round home tie with West Brom.

Emmanuel Chinaza

Photo Credit : arsenal.com