With the return of the Premier League imminent, so too is the youth version of the top flight – The Barclays U-21 Premier League. City faced a tough test in their opening fixture, as the young Blues travelled down South to lock horns with reigning Champions Chelsea, who beat City on penalties in the play-off semi-final back in May.
Patrick Vieira’s side were without several key members of last season’s squad, as Jason Denayer, Marcos Lopes, Emyr Huws, Greg Leigh and Ellis Plummer were all absent from the side, because of their recent loan moves away. Kean Bryan was also missing from the squad, having suffered an injury in the Manchester Senior Cup final defeat at the hands of Manchester United.
As for hosts Chelsea, they fielded a strong side consisting of Lewis Baker, Nathaniel Chalobah, Patrick Bamford and Ruben Loftus-Cheek; all of which are tipped for bright futures in the game.
City made a positive start to the game and took the lead a matter of minutes into the match. The Blues benefited from a mix-up in the penalty box, Pablo Maffeo smashed home, though the effort took a big deflection off Bamford.
Chelsea may well have replied in the 7th minute, as Lewis Baker found space in behind the Blues back-line, though Angus Gunn was down quickly to collect the ball, just as the midfielder was about to let fly.
Cole, Ambrose and Bytyqi have is quite an impressive front three when on form, and the trio were causing problems for the Champions in the early stages. Austrian Bytyqi was particularly heavily involved, with his curling-free kick clipping the post. Another chance quickly followed, this time Devante Cole got in behind Chelsea’s defence and struck across goal, but Beeney produced a good save to turn the ball round the post.
A nice, free-flowing move from the home side resulted in a chance for Boga, but yet again Angus Gunn was off his line instantly to deny the winger. Chelsea’ number seven Kiwomya was presented with a glorious opportunity to level the scores, however Pablo Maffeo intervened, producing an outstanding block to preserve the lead. On the break, Devante Cole drove towards goal and got his shot away, but saw it go agonisingly wide of the far post.
Half-time: Chelsea 0-1 City.
After the break, City came out of the blocks quickly and sought after increasing their lead. A neat pass from Angelino fed Bytyqi, but the winger could only crash his effort into the side-netting. Chelsea soon had their spell of possession and some clever play from Bamford gave Baker a great chance to equalise, and that man Angus Gunn came to the rescue once more, with a fantastic save.
Just past the hour make, Chelsea were well in control – playing at a high tempo and putting City under a lot of pressure. Midfielder Lewis Baker was inches away from levelling game, with a well-struck set-piece. City had been penned back in their own half for a long period of time, yet were resilient and sniffed out a host of Chelsea attacks. In addition to this, they always looked to pose a threat with the pace and energy of Hiwula and Cole up top. In 75th minute, Fofana played Cole in behind and the City youngster burst into the box, rounded Beeney, but was then thwarted on the line.
Almost immediately after, Chelsea equalised. A cross from the right was diverted past Gunn in the City goal by his own player, Maffeo. The 17-year old Spaniard had now scored at both ends. To make matters worst, City were reduced to ten men with 10 minutes remaining, after Shay Facey was shown a second yellow card for a tug on Solanke. Right at the end, Chelsea worked an opening which ended with Charly Musonda placing home to complete the turn-around for the home side. Very cruel on City who had perhaps deserved better.
Full-time: Chelsea 2-1 City.
