Arsenal 1 West Ham United 2

West Ham United beat Premier League and London rivals Arsenal 2-1 in the final of the Southend United Under 19 Youth Cup.

Arsenal, wearing their new away kit, were on the back foot in the early exchanges as the young Hammers pressed for an opening goal.

But it was Arsenal that had the first real chance when the speedy Monakana squandered a great opportunity from 10 yards out.With the goal beckoning he shot wildly over the bar.

The West Ham youngsters were quick to respond and Charles-Cook in the Arsenal goal was tested on several occasions.Despite being on the back foot it was Arsenal who took the lead with a break away goal after some good work By Resse and Bihmountine, Webb was able to beat Larkin in the Hammers goal from close in.

As Arsenal searched for a second goal West Ham turned defence into attack and created a four man overlap which was wasted when Werndly couldn't control the ball.

Monakanna's pace down the right continued to cause problems for West Ham with their left back Drivers doing well to stop the flying winger delivering crosses into the box.Poor West Ham defending gave Campbell a glimpse of goal but his effort went wide of Larkin's post.

It was all Arsenal at this stage of the game but a quick turn and shot from Subuola had the Arsenal keeper scrambling and from the resulting corner, initially cleared by the Gunners defence, Subuola picked up the ball and fired it into the back of the net seconds before half time.

A poor clearance from the Arsenal replacement keeper seconds after the restart was nearly punished by a Lee snap shot but likely for the keeper the midfielder shot wide.

Numerous substitutions from both teams did nothing to help the flow of the game as both sides battled to get on top and find the winner.

With 20 minutes of the second half gone good work from the impressive second half substitute Turgott resulted in an own goal when the Arsenal defence scrambled the ball into their own net.

As the clock ticked down Arsenal pushed forward with Roberts unlucky with his final shot after some impressive build up play by the young gunner.

A break away from Hall created a great opportunity however he made a complete hash of his shot, spectacularly mis-hitting when it would have been easier to score.

That was how it finished and West Ham take the honours and silverware home to Upton Park.

Arsenal: Reice Charles-Cook, Ben Glasgow, James Campbell, Callum Webb, Elton Monterio, Steven Smith, Jeffrey Monakana, Kyle Embicillio, Philip Roberts, Josh Rees, Samir Bihmoutine.

Substitutes: George Bislen-Hall, Sean McDermott, Jamie Edge, Zac Ansah, Isaac Hayes.

West Ham United: Jake Larkins, Jake Young, Callum Drivers, Lamar Hurley, Paco Craig, Kenzer Lee, Jack Werndly, Declan Hunt, Daniel Subuola, Daniel Purdy, Domonic Vose.

Substitutes: Mathias Fanimo, Dave Wootton, Robert Hall, Blair Turgott, Dylan Tombides, Jack Powell.