Arsenal FA Youth Cup 2023

Arsenal U18s player ratings vs West Ham: Reuell Walters impresses but Ethan Nwaneri misfires as Gunners suffer Youth Cup heartbreak

Arsenal suffered FA Youth Cup final heartache on Tuesday night as they saw an early lead slip away during a 5-1 defeat by West Ham at Emirates Stadium.

Jack Wilshere's Under-18s side started in fine fashion in front of a crowd of 34,127 and went in front when Omari Benjamin was on hand to finish smartly after Amario Cozier-Duberry's shot had been saved.

But West Ham bounced back in impressive fashion and took control of the game with two goals in as many minutes, with George Earthy levelling things up before Callum Marshall struck from close range.

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A stunning 35-yard chip from Gideon Kodua extended the visitors' advantage just before half-time, much to the delight of the 7,000 strong travelling support that was packed into the lower tier of the Clock End.

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Arsenal improved after the interval, with half-time substitute Osman Kamara making a difference. But the hosts missed some good chances and West Ham took advantage when Kaelan Casey and Josh Briggs both scored from late corners to wrap things up.

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