WATCH: Xavier Mbuyamba finally makes Chelsea U23 debut, even scores a goal!
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Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
It’s taken several months and a couple setbacks, but centre back Xavier Mbuyamba was finally able to make his Chelsea U23 debut, coming off the bench against Southampton U23 on Monday night and even getting on the scoresheet for a debut goal as Chelsea went on to win, 3-1, with goals also from Tino Anjorin and 16-year-old Silko Thomas, who was also making his debut at this age level.
The 19-year-old Mbuyamba joined Chelsea in the summer on a free transfer from Barcelona, completing a move that should’ve happened a year prior but was made impossible by Chelsea’s transfer ban. And then his debut was delayed by a couple of injuries as well as a follow-up surgery in November.
Crystal Palace 2-1 Chelsea Under-18s 16 March 2021
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Late drama for a second game running saw Crystal Palace Under-18s defeat Chelsea through a David Omilabu brace, the Eagles trumping the Blues twice this season and ending the day top of the league.
Summary
The Eagles seek a second victory over Chelsea this season
The first half an hour is a quiet affair – with Chelsea pressuring their hosts and Palace seeking to catch them with fast, free-flowing counter-attacks
Both sides begin creating more chances after 30 minutes
The Blues’ Joe Haigh hits the crossbar with a 20-yard free-kick before Charlie Webster strikes the post