FA Youth Cup: Man Utd 2 Chelsea 3 + Video
JACOB MELLIS
By dixon9
November 28 2008
Sometimes there is nothing more that makes you swell with pride than watching your own young talent blossoming. After watching recent laboured displays from the first team it was refreshing to see our youth team so full of promise and ability last night at Old Trafford in the third-round of the FA Youth Cup. Kakuta, Nouble and Borini all got themselves on the score sheet.
Nevertheless, it was a nervy start from our kids and it took them 25 mins to begin to start playing the cohesive passing game they are capable of.
Man Utd´s youngsters were far the better side during the opening exchanges of this encounter. Whether this was because this was a high-pressure match against one of our toughest rivals and that they knew many eyes from around the globe on the clubs respective TV channels including club suits would be observing, or simply that the match was taking place at one of the most famous grounds in world football – Old Trafford.
There were only 1,200 in attendance and the fact that at one point the sound of a telephone ringing could be heard (I kid you not) may have brought the normally imposing surroundings down to earth to a less threatening environment.
Before this match, Chelsea had more goals scored, and conceded, than any other side and were five games unbeaten, whilst Man Utd were undefeated in six.
Three times Premier League blooded Welbeck, 18, missed an opportunity to put Man Utd ahead during the first few minutes after good goalkeeping from Heimann and it was left to one of the more younger charges of the Red Devil’s nursery, Morrison, 15, to strike in the eighth-minute after Ahmed´s block whilst unbalanced had put him through.
Morrison should have scored again on 30 mins. Through on goal, the Chelsea defence scampered frantically back to project the goal line, Morrison evaded goalkeeper Heimann and then a couple of our defenders but had negotiated a circle in the process. The eventual shot was cleared off the line by Ahamed, atoning for his error for the first goal before finally the ball was blasted wastefully over the bar.
But it wasn’t long before Chelsea began to impose themselves on the game and enjoy the majority of the possession.
Captain Philliskirk was looking very impressive in midfield spotted Kakuta´s run into the box and threaded a perfect cross-pass through to the young Frenchman who guided the ball into the far corner of Wood’s goal. 1-1 with a quality goal that could have easily graced the Premier League.
Olly Norwood put a Man Utd free-kick over the bar and whilst Ethel the tea lady must have already begun boiling the kettle for the teams at half-time, Chelsea went ahead.
Philliskirk again began the move, his ball to the imposing Nouble who reminds me of Heskey when he was a young player, didn’t need to control the inch perfect pass. The forward stepped over allowing the ball to run to his left and cracked an exorcet into the top corner. 1-2!
As the teams went in for half-time, Man Utd´s youngsters must have rued missing their earlier opportunities whilst Chelsea’s were buoyed at their recent dominance and effectiveness in front of goal.
The second half began with Chelsea’s Italian "in the hole" forward Fabio Borini almost adding further to our lead after impressive work from Ahmed but then shortly after Stewart fired a blistering shot at the other end directly into the arms of Heimann.
Chelsea´s Bruma was excellent at mopping up in defence but it was midfielder Mellis who crafted a gilt-edged opportunity for Nouble who for some reason opted for a pass rather than a shot – possibly because the ball was caught slightly behind him, but with the chance not taken, Man Utd cleared.
Kakuta has only just come back for injury and still doesn’t appear 100% fit, nevertheless, he produced the moment of the game when with extraordinary skill, he took out three Man Utd defenders in the space of 10 yards. Through on goal, his finish couldn’t match his earlier deed and his shot was blocked by a defender.
No doubt Ferguson may have thought about getting up to his old tricks and considered sending one of his first team players to the lad’s house “for a chat”. With a bit of luck, Abramovich may have already posted a couple of 6 foot square jawed Russian body guards to patrol Kakuta´s doorway!
Man Utd began to become more anxious as the clock was running down and there was a new sense of urgency about their play.
Heimann was in fine form and had been excellent throughout and made a superb double save “a la Cech” from James. The lad will no doubt still grow another inch or two – with the talent he possesses we already have the next Petr Cech on the production line.
Five minutes later Welbeck went close to make Chelsea hearts skip a beat but then Borini, sealed the win.
With 82 mins on the clock, Mellis´s low cross was cleared unconvincingly by the Man Utd defence and it was Borini who managed to beat two defenders to the ball to guide a snap shot into the far corner from the edge of the box. 1-3.
Welbeck pulled one back on 90 minutes but by this time Ferguson had already got up and left.
The 2-3 away win was ours and this quote from the Guardian pretty well sums up the encounter:
“If this is the future, then Chelsea can look forward with optimism. United's youngsters still have a thing or two to learn.”
HIGHLIGHTS:
Chelsea team (4-3-3): Nicolas Heimann, Nikki Ahamed, Rohan Ince, Jeffrey Bruma, Ben Gordon; Daniel Philliskirk, Gael Kakuta (Billy Knott 79), Jacob Mellis (Josh McEachran 85); Jacopo Sala (Conor Clifford 73), Fabio Borini, Frank Nouble.
The highlight of the night was when Gael took Man Utd players out of the game - shame he final shot was delfected for a corner.
Van Morrison - glad he sings better than he plays football. OK scorer of the first goal, but what was he doing when he danced around the area instead of shooting - he could have buried Chelsea.
Quality goal from Gael - that will do his confidence the world of good after coming back from injury.
Big Frank - Built like Bruno and not even 17. great strike.
You have to have a little sympathy for Utd's GK Gary Woods - no shots to save, but ended up getting beat twice in the space of four minutes.
Nic Heimann was excellent in Chelsea's goal and you are right about Ahamed. Did well after his mistake which gave Man Utd a 1-0 lead.
Great win and a great week for Paul Clement.
My man of the match - Daniel Philliskirk - laid on the frist two goals and led by example - and was superb in the 'holding role.'
Daniel is the son of Oldham Athletics (THE REAL LATICS) Youth team coach Tony Philliskirk, who was a legend when he played for the REAL LATICS.
Roll on Sunday
Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free
A real pleasure to watch.
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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
If you don't take your chances your don't deserve to win. Utd missed theirs big style - Chelsea didn't
Happy Anniversary to you and Mrs Stripy
Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free
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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
thanks fellas you know what hes like i need the good luck, have fun the mrs
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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
later fellas(Sm127)