Chelsea vs. Manchester City: Winners and Losers from FA Youth Cup Final
Chelsea lifted another FA Youth Cup on Monday night at Stamford Bridge after overcoming Manchester City 2-1 on the night and 5-2 on aggregate.
City started fast and scored through Kelechi Iheanacho just a few minutes after kick-off, but Chelsea soon woke up and drew level through Izzy Brown.
As the home side began to dominate before the break, it looked hard to see a way back in for Manchester City. A minute after the restart, it was over entirely, as Tammy Abraham scored his third of the two-legged tie.
Here are all our winning and losing themes from the second leg.
Winner: Chelsea's Potential to Supplement the First-Team
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None of these youngsters might have had an impact on Chelsea's first team this season, but after winning multiple pieces of silverware, their ability to rise to a challenge is not in question.
Next term, however, first-team manager Jose Mourinho has already said that some will be involved to supplement the size and quality of the squad, per ESPN FC: "From that team that won the UEFA Youth League, four belong to my squad. Four are my players, first-team players who train with the first-team every day and develop with the first-team. When they're not selected with the first-team—and normally they're not selected—they go back and play there."
The big test now, of course, will be for the kids to show they can step up—but conquering this level is a good place to start.
Loser: Risky Defence
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We're not going to look at 16- or 17-year-old players and criticise them individually after playing in such a big occasion, but we'll instead look at an underlying theme or two that could use improvement over the coming seasons in youngsters' development.
The main one certainly has to be in playing out of defence—or more specifically, from the goalkeepers.
Of course, it's an admirable trait for teams to want to keep possession and pass out of the back line, but the younger players must learn where and when to do it—because at first-team level, mistakes will be punished. Managers cannot afford, for their own ambitions and security, to play kids who might make such errors.
Both goalkeepers were guilty of either overplaying or underhitting passes and easily could have seen the ball hit the back of their net as a result.
Winner: Chelsea Attacking Trio's Interplay
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Dominic Solanke, Tammy Abraham and Izzy Brown were the front three for Chelsea in both legs, and there is little doubt that this trio, in particular, were a step above Manchester City's players.
Pace, power and technical ability were all merged between the three, with too much movement and confidence for the City defenders to cope with for much of the two legs.
Another goal for Abraham underlined his belief in front of goal, while the work rate of Solanke was impressive throughout.
Loser: Physicality Trumping Skills
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With teenagers, those who grow quickly always have an advantage over their same-age rivals. It can be the reason many shine initially then fade away without making a mark, especially when pace or power is used for short-term gain over technical progression.
Over the two legs, Chelsea were by far the bigger and more powerful outfit, certainly in midfield but also in both boxes. The defenders crowded out and bustled City's forwards off the ball, while at the other end, the three starting attackers were more adept at handling themselves against the opposition's defence.
That's not to say it was the reason Chelsea won—they were better organised tactically, used the ball well throughout the team and had match-winners on show—but it was certainly a factor in how easily they won the ball back at times.
Stepping up to senior level, physicality becomes a levelling factor rather than one that can help win games.
Winner: Manchester City's Youth Investment
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Beaten finalists they might be, but Manchester City's commitment to improving their youth structure is clear to see.
A purpose-built academy, including stadium and facilities, has been well-received, and the plan is there to make it pay off at first-team level over the coming years.
With an aging squad for Manuel Pellegrini to work with at present, the hope will be that one or two of the current players will prove themselves capable of stepping up.
Technically, Brandon Barker looks a talented player, even if he didn't have a huge impact over the two legs, while Kelechi Iheanacho and Tosin Adarabioyo also impressed in spells.
There is quality to work with. Youth football has always been about long-term thinking.
