West Ham United's under-18s missed the chance to complete a treble on Wednesday night with a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
West Ham had led in the first half when captain Gideon Kodua opened the scoring on the half hour mark, but with 15 minutes of normal time to go, hosts City levelled through Justin Oboavwoduo's header. In extra-time, Oboavwoduo struck again to put City 2-1 up, denying West Ham's under-18s of a third trophy this year and a place in next season's UEFA Youth League.
Here is how football.london’s West Ham United writer Jonty Colman rated the Hammers’ players against Man City.
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Finlay Herrick
One of two changes made from the side that started in the FA Youth Cup final win over Arsenal came in goal, where England youth international Finlay Herrick replaced Mason Terry. While West Ham largely dominated the first half, Herrick did make three big stops to keep out Will Dickson and two good chances for Justin Oboavwoduo. Outstanding in the second half and in extra-time, forced into a number of saves as City gained momentum after levelling the tie. City could well have been further ahead before making it 2-1, had it not been for a string of saves made by England youth international Herrick and was unlucky to concede the second, having made a good save seconds earlier. Would have hoped to have done better in his attempts to save the equalising goal. 8
Sean Tarima
The other change from the cup final side saw Sean Tarima start at right-back, having lost his place for the semi-finals and final of the FA Youth Cup. Showed good athleticism at right-back and made some important clearances in the first half to snuff out potential City chances. Unable to make the intended quality going forward on his few forays forward, was forced off on 70 minutes through injury. 6
Kaelan Casey
Centre-back Kaelan Casey was one of three players in the side to have made a first-team appearance this season, having featured against FCSB in the Europa Conference League in November. The centre-back helped control things really well for the first 70 minutes., with City's best chances often being on breaks and not really as a result of sustained passing or play. Was a real nuisance with his height at corners, forcing one save in the first half out of George Murray-Jones and going close at two others shortly before the leveller. Forced off at half-time of extra-time having really given it everything, one of West Ham's best in the final. 7
Regan Clayton
Partnering Casey at centre-back was Regan Clayton, who despite his size, showed he was more than capable of doing a job in that role, making a number of clearances to try and get things going for West Ham in attack. Fought for everything and played for 120 minutes and could not say he did not throw everything at it. Already featured a lot for the under-21s, and has trained with the first-team this season. 7
Ollie Scarles
Left-back Ollie Scarles was among those in the side with senior minutes under his belt, starting in Romania against FCSB just over six months ago. Defended really well for large parts and caused real problems with his crossing from out wide, both in open play and at set-pieces. After coming off on 90 minutes, there was a drop off in West Ham's quality of chances created, with Scarles' final action being an excellent low pass to almost tee up Callum Marshall to poke home a late winner in normal time. 7
Lewis Orford
Lewis Orford was a real metronome in the middle of midfield and especially in the first half, helped to make everything tick for West Ham, who controlled much of the game until City equalised with 15 minutes of normal time remaining. Forced to play at centre-back for the final 15 minutes when Casey was forced off injured and put in a great shift throughout. 7
George Earthy
Playmaker George Earthy showed good control and clever touches, but at times, his passes were not quite landing exactly where he would have hoped them to. Less effective than he has been in previous games, but still grafted like the rest of his side and helped put on a real shift, just unable to really add the extra touch. 6
Patrick Kelly (Star man)
Northern Ireland youth international Patrick Kelly was outstanding in the heart of midfield, equally as good as winning the ball back as he was in making things happen when he was on it. On numerous incidents, especially before half-time, Kelly was really quick in turning defence into attack and showed exactly that in the move for Kodua's opener. Getting the ball just inside City's half, he drove forward and played a stunning through pass that cut through four City players and was perfectly weighted for Kodua to latch onto and finish. Taken off with just over five minutes of normal time, but really ran show for large parts of his outing. 8
Gideon Kodua
Just as he did in the FA Youth Cup final, captain Kodua stepped up and led his side excellently. Came close to an opening goal when seeing a half volley fly over, but did then open the scoring after half an hour, timing his run perfectly off the end of Kelly's inch-perfect pass to sweep a first-time finish past Murray-Jones. Almost added a second on the stroke of half-time, but could not get the shot right. Almost made it 2-0 midway through the second half put Earthy's pass to him was cut out in the final instance. Battled and tried to make things happen later on, but West Ham were simply unable to add to his first goal. Has captained this side superbly this season. 7
Divin Mubama
Comfortably the West Ham player with the most senior experience in the side was Divin Mubama, who came close to scoring twice in the first half, first unleashing a driven right-footed effort on goal before later hitting one off his left at the end of some stunning control and a good run that left Jacob Wright on the floor. Less influential in the second half, but did have one good chance blocked. Often dropped deeper to try and link play up in the hope of starting moves. Unable to end his season at youth level with another goal to his large collection. 6
Callum Marshall
Northern Ireland under-19 international Callum Marshall has been more known for scoring goals this season, among those to net in the 5-1 FA Youth Cup final win over Arsenal. Was gritty, ran hard and did a good job of winning the ball back off City's back line to start counter attacks. Came close to a winner late in normal time, but Scarles' low cross from the left was cut out just in time. Created good chances, but West Ham were unable to make the count. 6
Substitutes
Ryan Battrum
With just under 20 minutes to go of normal time, Battrum replaced Tarima after Tarima was forced off injured, undoing the change Keen made for the starting 11 at right-back. Gave away a free-kick minutes after coming on which led to City notching their equaliser. 5
Daniel Rigge
Daniel Rigge was bought on with little over five minutes remaining in the tie, tasked with adding a needed bit of spark late on. Miss-timed some of his tackles. 5
Liam Jones
Liam Jones was bought into the tie at the start of extra-time, replacing Scarles for the additional 30 minutes. Lacked end product with his crossing. 5
Blaise Uwandji
Blaise Uwandji was introduced from the bench at half-time of extra-time, replacing Casey, who had worked his socks off while on, making big moments happen in both boxes. Added energy. 5
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