West Ham United's under-18s have won the FA Youth Cup for the first time since 1999 after beating Arsenal 5-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
Omari Benjamin's early goal had given Jack Wilshere's young Gunners an early lead, before quick-fire goals from George Earthy and Callum Marshall, followed by a stunning 35-yard lob by Gideon Kodua gave the Hammers a two-goal lead heading into half-time. Late goals from Kaelan Casey and substitute Josh Briggs sealed a 5-1 win.
Here is how football.london’s West Ham United writer Jonty Colman rated the Hammers’ players against the Gunners.
Mason Terry
Goalkeeper Mason Terry was forced into action early on with a diving stop that did well to keep out a well-taken Michal Rosiak free-kick. He had also produced a good save minutes later to keep out Amario Cozier-Duberry and was unlucky that his save fell straight to Benjamin to make it 1-0. Had little to do for the rest of the first and much of the second, with West Ham taking real command once going ahead inside 20 minutes. Made a big save with less than 20 minutes to go to deny Rosiak from getting Arsenal back in it. 7
Ryan Battrum
At right-back, Ryan Battrum would have been disappointed to have seen Arsenal's early goal come from his side after Terry's save fell perfectly in the path of Benjamin. Did better as the game progressed, doing what he could to progress West Ham up the pitch from wide areas. 6
Kaelan Casey
One of three players to have first-team minutes to their name in the West Ham side, centre-back Kaelan Casey led the back line really well. Early on, his header at the end of an early corner gave West Ham a glimmer, although he was unable to steer it on target. Forced into a few important defensive interventions when Arsenal looked to get a way back into the game. Having played a lot of under-21s football this season, his experience certainly helped. Harshly booked for sticking up for Terry when Benjamin was left frustrated when Terry was fouled by him. Completed the scoring with a great header off and Ollie Scarles corner to seal victory, coming off injured seconds after the header. 8
Regan Clayton
Largely a wing-back or full-back, Regan Clayton was playing as a central defender alongside Casey, just as he did in the 6-1 semi-final win over Southampton earlier this month. Good with clearances and his technical ability allowed West Ham to control things in possession and deep and start moves out from the back. Coped with Arsenal's second half pressure well. 7
Ollie Scarles
Having gone off injured against Leicester City just three days ago, Ollie Scarles was okay to start and made his impact on the game. Showed good deliveries and attacking impetus throughout, as well as largely keeping the highly-rated Cozier-Duberry quiet. Created a golden chance in the first half for Divin Mubama, who was unable to keep his header down. Made some big tackles and did get a deserved assist late on as his stunning corner was nodded in by Casey. 8
Lewis Orford
Lewis Orford did not have the most influential of first halves but like some of his teammates, grew into the game as it progressed. His corner was poked home late on by Briggs to complete the scoring and he, like many, have played such an important role in this league and cup success. 7
Patrick Kelly
A strong contender for West Ham's star man, Patrick Kelly added so much bite into West Ham's midfield, facing a tough test at times in the middle of the park from Arsenal's midfield, especially in the first half. Won tackles that got the 7,000 strong away fans roaring whenever he won the ball back and helped turn defence into attack quickly. Arsenal struggled to get the better of him all night and after missing the quarter-final win at Ipswich Town, has played such an impact in the semi-finals and now final. 8
Giedon Kodua
West Ham captain Gideon Kodua had a big role to play, drifting between the right wing and the No.10 role. Played a big role to make it 2-1 when charging down the right and playing in a fizzing cross for Marshall to convert. He then really put West Ham on top just before half-time, lobbing Noah Cooper from 35 yards out in a goal that will go down in FA Youth Cup folklore. Continued to impress in the second half and delivered a real captain's performance on the biggest stage. 8
George Earthy
Levelling the tie with West Ham's first attack was playmaker Earthy, who after a good exchange with Mubama, saw his pass blocked before hitting a superb strike from range to beat Cooper to make it 1-1. Ever so classy in possession and forced Cooper into a superb save in the second half with a volley. Frustrated his opponents in the second half with his dribbling ability as West Ham failed to win the ball off him. Taken off late on to a hero's reception. 8
Callum Marshall
Coming up with the goods again from the left side was Marshall, who put West Ham 2-1 up from close range when converting from close range at Kodua's cross. Battled and grafted throughout, good going forward and in defence. Definitely an unsung hero in this team. 7
Divin Mubama
Going into the game with a pre-match record of 29 goals in 21 youth games, a lot was expected of Divin Mubama and it was perhaps a big surprise that he did not get on the scoresheet, considering the ridiculous season he is having. His chested pass and exchange with Earthy started the move for the first goal and he was also involved in the link-up for the second. May not have got a goal to his name, but still certainly played his role, especially considering his goals in earlier rounds. 7
Substitutes
Sean Tarima
Hobbling off after seconds after making it 4-1 was Casey, leading to Sean Tarima replacing him for just over ten minutes at the end. N/A
Daniel Rigge
Came on late on as West Ham were cruising. Did get a late shot off that won the corner where Briggs scored from. N/A
Josh Briggs
Briggs came on in the final minutes and with his first touch, got on the end of a corner and turned it in to complete the rout. N/A
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