Defending champions Chelsea beat Aston Villa 2-0 in their U18 Premier League opener at Bodymoor Heath Training Ground in Warwickshire on Saturday afternoon, with two talented players of Nigerian descent in action.

In a 3-5-2 formation, England U18 international Tariq Uwakwe, dubbed the new Mikel, and England U16 international Faustino Anjorin started in midfield for the Young Blues.

It was goalless at the break but Chelsea would have taken the lead if one of their strikers had met Uwakwe's teasing cross.

In the second half, Chelsea broke the deadlock when Anjorin's cross was headed home by Charlie Brown, then George McEachran doubled their advantage with a fine strike from 25 yards out.

Tariq Uwakwe came close to extending the lead before he made way for Jonathan Russell, Anjorin was replaced by Renedi Masampu.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com