A strong Chelsea side managed to cancel out Chuba Akpom’s stunning strike with two equally good goals to earn a 2-1 lead in the first leg of the FA Youth Cup in front of almost 5,000 at Stamford Bridge.
Neither team could get a strong foothold in the game early on. The pressure and prestige of semi-final perhaps weighing on their mind. Both defences pushed up high in an attempt to squeeze the game and some heavy touches from both sides spoiled the opening exchanges.
Despite the nervy start, Chelsea looked slightly stronger in midfield during the opening stages. The high-profile midfielder Ruben Loftus Cheek was one of the more impressive performers early on. For a young player he oozes an air of confidence very reminiscent of former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack.
It was Arsenal who came closest early on, though, through a tricky run from winger Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who will be disappointed he didn’t finish his early chance.
Chelsea finished the half the strongest. They had a lot more of the ball and had it in some dangerous positions. Unfortunately for them they were unable to penetrate a somewhat small-looking Arsenal defence.
The second half began at a much better pace. Both sides were looking for the early goal in the two-legged affair.
Thankfully it was the away side that took the lead, through Chuba Akpom’s brilliant individual effort. Like a certain great Frenchman before him, he took the ball from the left-hand side, cut in and powered home a finish in front of the traveling Arsenal fans.
Arsenal’s lead was very short-lived. Dan Colkett replied quickly for the visitors with a neat left-footed finish past the helpless Josh Vickers.
It got even better for Chelsea as they took the lead through a acrobatic finish from the exciting talent Alex Kiwomya. He benefitted from some bad Arsenal defending to slot home after a goalmouth scramble.
After the quick-fire flurry of goals, the game settled down to a more manageable pace for ten or so minutes.
That was before the Blues created two guilt-edged chances. Unfortunately for them, neither Dominic Solanke or Kiwomya could apply the necessary finish.
Chelsea finished the game in the ascendancy and will take a 2-1 lead to the Emirates for the second-leg. Arsenal will be disappointed with their performance on the day, but relieved they managed to escape with just a one-goal deficit.
