- Manchester City have reached the FA Youth Cup final
- Strong second-half display secured victory over Blackburn
- Key figures were in attendance to watch academy talents
Manchester City secured a place in the FA Youth Cup final for a second successive year after a 4-1 win over Blackburn Rovers, producing a dominant second-half performance at the Joie Stadium.
Man City under-18s run to the FA Youth Cup final has been nothing short of dominant. The youngsters beat Everton on their way to the semi-finals with a 3-0 victory over the Toffees.
Round five was another goal fest with a 4-1 win over Chelsea’s academy. Another London club saw a similar fate as Arsenal were the team to be defeated before the Blues.
A half-time penalty was not enough for the Gunners to spark a comeback. The game ended 5-2 with two goals from Tyrone Samba, who was called up by the first team for the UEFA Champions League game against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.
Then on Friday, despite a tumultuous first half, City’s teenagers were able to seal the deal in the second. Now, the Sky Blues move on to the finals with possible opponents Manchester United or Crystal Palace.
Man City respond after first-half setback
The first-half hinted at the game going either way, but the City youth weren’t willing to give up. Leke Drake misjudged a long ball, which went over the player’s head.
Blackburn striker, Valentin Joseph, quickly carried the ball, scoring from a tight angle. City made a comeback when Ryan McAidoo cut into the box from the right wing, smashing it into the bottom right corner.
The Citizens were given an opportunity for a lead during injury time. Floyd Samba hit the ground after a challenge from Joseph.
However, the goalkeeper saves the half for Blackburn as he denied the chance to Man City. The first-half ended 1-1.
Second-half dominance seals the result
The first half may not have gone as expected, but that didn’t stop the Citizens from carving their way to the final in the second half.
Striker Teddie Lamb made the way for a lead. The 16-year-old landed on a stray ball after the goalkeeper deflected a shot, and Lamb was never going to miss the open goal.
A second penalty was awarded around the 63rd-minute mark. Samba faced a head-on tackle, which brings him down in the penalty area.
This time, winger Reigan Heskey tried his luck from the spot, smashing it into the top left corner. Heskey left the goalkeeper no chance with his strike.
City sealed the deal in the 72nd minute after a block from the Blackburn defence. The ball landed straight into left-back Oliver Tevenan’s feet, who volleyed it into the bottom left corner.
A possible Derby final
Interestingly, both assistant managers, Kolo Toure and Pep Lijnders, were present at the Joie Stadium, taking a look at the academy’s development.
After cruising through the semi-finals, Man City U18s will be awaiting their next opponents. Manchester United face Crystal Palace on the 17th in what will be a decider for the second finalists of this year’s FA Youth Cup.
A win for Man United would result in a derby final. The Red Devils also hold the record for most FA Youth Cups, with the Eagles having a tough game on their hands.
