Another trophy Arsenal won’t win - Chelsea progress to NextGen Series Final

Arsenal U19 v Chelsea U19 - NextGen Series Semi Final

After a hard fought topsy turvy game, Chelsea progressed to the next round of the Next Generation u19 Series that went to extra time.

It is not often that youth football is televised but with EuroSport covering the latter stages of the Next Generation Series, I was able to tune in and watch our potential stars of the future overcome Arsenal and reach the final of a competition that has seen us beat Juventus, Arsenal and Barcelona.

Match Review

Arsenal started the brighter as our youngsters seemed nervous, and they took the lead and shaded the first half.

Chelsea came out in the second half and looked much more threatening. Second half goals from Islam Feruz, Lewis Baker and Jeremie Boga gave Chelsea a two goal cushion with twenty minutes to play.

Arsenal got a goal back late in the game but Chelsea hung on to ensure that there will be no silverware at any level at the Emirates this season.

The game itself was very even with both sides having chances, and extra time saw both teams go for it. In the end it took a moment of magic by John Swift to unlock the defence and lay the ball on a plate for Lewis Baker to win it!

Chelsea Star Players

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

The England u17 player ran the midfield, particularly in the second half and was one of the reasons we had this game by the scruff of the neck at one point. We fell apart once he was taken off with the game apparently in the bag.

Alex Kiwomya

A key player in the FA Youth Cup last season, his pace destroyed Arsenal at times and created some key openings. He just needs to improve his decision making and he could be a key player for the future.

Jeremie Boga

A midfielder with an eye for getting forward, he scored a tap in after great play from Alex Kiwomya and was a key player when Chelsea were controlling the game.

Final Thoughts

The title of the post may be flippant but this was a good advertisement for youth football with both sides playing some great football.

Defensively, we were weak today but it was great to see the youth team in action and there are some very talented players in our ranks.

We know how hard it is for these players to make the first team but maybe, just maybe some of these players have what it takes to play at the top level.

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Edited by Staff Editor