Defender-turned-striker Ezenwata scores in fifth consecutive game as Chelsea U18s beaten by Arsenal

Chizzy Ezenwata took his tally to double digits in the U18 Premier League after bagging a brace during Chelsea's 3-2 loss to Arsenal at the Cobham Training Ground on Tuesday afternoon.

The schoolboy has caught the eye this season and now has ten goals and two assists to his name in the U18 Premier League.

Ezenwata has found the net in each of his last five matches in the division, having scored against Brighton & Hove, West Ham United, Aston Villa, West Brom and Arsenal.

The 16-year-old began his career at Tottenham Hotspur academy, where he was deployed in several defensive positions including fullback and centre-back, but converted from defender to striker after joining Charlton Athletic.

After Louis Zečević-John opened the scoring in the 25th minute, Ezenwata finished with aplomb to bring the game back to parity at minute 28 but Nigerian defender Josh Ogunnaike's strike and Tayo Subuloye's own goal saw Arsenal establish a two-goal cushion.  

With eight minutes remaining, Ezenwata headed in a free-kick from Landon Emenalo, son of retired Nigeria international Michael Emenalo, to make it 3-2 but the home team ran out of time to get an equalizer. 

Born to a Cameroonian mother and Nigerian father, Chizzy is eligible to represent the Super Eagles and Indomitable Lions, as well as England at international level. 

According to Chelsea youth, Ezenwata has scored twenty-seven goals in all competitions for Chelsea youth teams and England so far this season, including goals for Chelsea U16s and U17s. 

He has already agreed a pre-scholarship deal with Chelsea ahead of the 2025-2026 season,  reflecting the club's strong belief in his potential.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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