Chelsea Under-18s kicked off 2025 with an emphatic 4-1 win over West Bromwich Albion at Cobham. On a chilly Saturday afternoon, three different Blues found the net to secure all three points in a commanding performance that set the tone for the new year.
The Blues hit the ground running, applying relentless pressure on West Brom from the opening whistle. Shumaira Mheuka was a constant menace and earned an early penalty in the 9th minute after being fouled by Rhys Morrish.
Mheuka stepped up and confidently converted, driving the ball down the middle to give Chelsea an early lead.
The advantage was doubled when Leo Cardoso, playing against his former club, rifled in an unstoppable shot from a tight angle.
Moments later, Mheuka finished off a superb cross from schoolboy Ryan Kavuma-McQueen, netting his second goal to put Chelsea firmly in control.
West Brom pulled one back before halftime with a thumping header from Divine Onyemachi off a set-piece. However, the Blues maintained their composure, entering the break with a 3-1 lead.
Chelsea resumed the game with the same attacking intensity. Substitute Yahya Idrissi made an instant impact, drawing a foul in the box that led to a second penalty for the Blues.
Captain Ollie Harrison coolly chipped in a Panenka to seal the 4-1 victory in style.
Despite a late push from West Brom, including a missed penalty by Cole Deeming, Chelsea’s defense held firm to secure the win.
Chelsea 4:1 West Brom: Standout Performers
- Shumaira Mheuka: A constant threat in attack, bagging two goals, including the opener from the spot.
- Leo Cardoso: Tormented his former team with a stunning goal and creative play throughout.
- Ryan Kavuma-McQueen: Provided a brilliant assist and displayed electrifying runs on the wing.
Chelsea Under-18s will face Merstham in the FA Youth Cup fourth round on Wednesday, 15 January, at Kingsmeadow. The game kicks off at 7 PM.
Team Line-Ups
Chelsea (4-3-3):
Hudson Sands; Genesis Antwi (Joseph Wheeler-Henry 73), Olutayo Subuloye, Landon Emenalo, Calvin Diakite (Harry McGlinchey 73); Ollie Harrison (c), Charlie Holland, Reggie Walsh; Leo Cardoso, Shumaira Mheuka (Chizaram Ezenwata 64), Ryan Kavuma-McQueen (Yahya Idrissi 64)
Unused sub: Toby Bell
Scorers: Mheuka 9 (P), 37; Cardoso 29; Harrison 71 (P)
West Bromwich Albion (4-4-2):
Louis Brady; Alfie Maughan, Adam Letlat, Matthew Crowther (Charlie Blackshields 65), Noah Dupont; Rhys Morrish (Donte Ranger 77), Divine Onyemachi (Fran Cherchi 76), Cole Deeming (c), Dan Chimeziri (Abdul Abudu 45+4); Rio Parmar (Adam Okorodudu 76), Miller McDonald
Scorer: Onyemachi 40
With this strong start to 2025, Chelsea’s Under-18s have shown they mean business this season.
