Amaechi inspires Arsenal to FA Youth Cup final

Amaechi provided two assists as Arsenal U-18 beat Blackpool to advance to FA Youth Cup final.

Nigerian born forward Xavier Amaechi inspired Arsenal’s U-18 to the FA Youth Cup final after they defeated Blackpool  4-0 on Monday, April 16.a (Arsenal Twitter)

Nigerian born forward Xavier Amaechi inspired Arsenal’s U-18 side to the FA Youth Cupfinal after they defeated Blackpool  4-0 on Monday, April 16.

Amaechi who is yet to feature for any Nigerian set up was named in the starting line up alongside James Olayinka and Florian Balogun who are players of Nigerian descent.

Ameachi scored for Arsenal’s U-18 sided in their first leg encounter against Blackpool which ended 2-2.

Arsenal took the lead in the second leg as early as the 18th minute when Amaechi crossed for Balogun to score the opener.

GOOOOOAL!

He's looked the most likely so far, and now Balogun has his goal ⚽️

That run and cross from Amaechi 🔥#AFCU18 🔴 1-0 🔵 (18)

WATCH LIVE 👉 https://t.co/ya46sSWMej pic.twitter.com/450hYIYoRX

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 16, 2018

The 17-year-old was again the provider for the second goal as his corner was converted by Danny Ballard in the 20th minute.

AND ANOTHER ONE! ⚽️

This time it's Danny Ballard, powering home a header from Amaechi's corner#AFCU18 🔴 2-0 🔵 (20)

You can watch the game live right here
👉 https://t.co/ya46sSWMej pic.twitter.com/Lsux4G8vkS

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 16, 2018

Robbie Burton made it three for Arsenal in the 23rd minute when his deflected shot went in.

MAKE THAT THREE! ⚽️

This time it's Robbie Burton, his shot from the edge of the box taking a deflection on its way in#AFCU18 🔴 3-0 🔵 (23)

WATCH LIVE 👉 https://t.co/ya46sSWMej pic.twitter.com/4MSzYiwnSG

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 16, 2018

Smith Rowe made it four for Arsenal by converting a penalty given to him after he was brought down.

IT'S FOUR!

Smith Rowe converts from the penalty spot after his superb solo run was stopped by a foul in the area#AFCU18 🔴 4-0 🔵 (33)

Watch LIVE here 👉 https://t.co/ya46sSWMej pic.twitter.com/Tk5pR2plai

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 16, 2018

Amaechi was substituted for Bukayo Saka another player with Nigerian descent in the 62nd minute.

John-Jules has gone close and we've just introduced Bukayo Saka for Amaechi

Watch the game LIVE here 👉 https://t.co/ya46sSWMej #AFCU18 🔴 4-0 🔵 (62) pic.twitter.com/ynuNmCtQGK

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 16, 2018

Matthew Smith scored Arsenal’s fifth which turned out to be the last goal of the game.

Amaechi and the players of Nigerian descent including goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo who did not play are still eligible to feature for the Super Eagles provided they do not represent another country’s senior national team in a competitive match.

The result means that Arsenal will now face Chelsea winners of the last four editions in the FA Youth Cup final.

Chelsea U-18 will host the first leg encounter at Stamford Bridge on Friday, April 27, then Arsenal will host the return leg at the Emirates Stadium on Monday, April 30.