City win third consecutive U18 Premier League National final | OneFootball

Manchester City have been crowned 2022/23 Under-18 Premier League National champions.

Ben Wilkinson’s side sealed the prestigious title with a 2-1 extra time victory over West Ham United in the showpiece final at the Etihad Stadium.

A brace from top scorer Justin Oboavwoduo secured a comeback victory over the Hammers and sealed what has been a superb campaign for Wilkinson’s talented young side.

It means City are the first team in history to win three consecutive National finals, following successes over Southampton and Fulham in the last two campaigns.

We were also awarded the title in the COVID-interrupted 2019/20 season when we were awarded the title on a points per game basis.

City won the Under-18 Premier League North crown last month and the national victory sets the seal on what has been a wonderful second season in the job for Wilkinson.

His side were consistent throughout the league campaign to hold off the challenge of Sunderland, who remained on our tail until the penultimate week of the season.

We won 19 of our 24 games, including a remarkable run to end the season with 13 consecutive victories.

The triumph came thanks to a potent attack and the steeliest defence in the country.

Our 81 goals across the 24 games in the regular season was the best in the country, averaging an incredible 3.3 goals per game.

That came courtesy of several thumping wins including an eight-goal haul against Wolves, six strikes against Leeds United and 5-0 victories over Blackburn Rovers and Nottingham Forest.

In defence, we have kept our opponents under control more than anyone else at this level, conceding just 23 goals in our 24 league matches.

This title also rounds off yet another incredible year for the Club’s Academy, with the Elite Development Squad winning our third consecutive Premier League 2.

With Pep Guardiola’s side also in the hunt for a third league title in three seasons, we could potentially see a hat-trick year of previously unprecedented Premier League dominance across the three senior age groups.

Everyone at Manchester City congratulates Ben, the Under-18 squad and staff on this magnificent achievement.