What a season it has been for Divin Mubama and Ollie Scarles.
The duo made their first team debuts in November and six months later, sat on the Emirates Stadium turf, each had a FA Youth Cup winners medal in their hands.
Both had played their part as West Ham United U18s lifted the prestigious trophy for the first time in 24 years following a 5-1 defeat of Arsenal on their own patch.
Now, in the middle of the celebrations in front of a 7,000-strong away support, both Scarles and Mubama were lost for words.
At the start of the season, I don’t think we ever thought we would come this far,” Scarles enthused, “but honestly, it is an amazing season.”
Likewise, Mubama was taken aback but proud his side executed the gameplan impeccably.
“I said the same thing at London Stadium that coming to the Emirates was going to be tough. But we went to war, and we didn’t stop,” the forward added.
Perhaps the moment looked out of reach when Arsenal took the lead through Omari Benjamin, although led by a loud away support the Hammers roared back in north London.
Goals from George Earthy, Callum Marshall, Gideon Kodua, Kaelan Casey and Josh Briggs completed a memorable comeback, with Mubama and Scarles thrilled to play their part in front of such a passionate following.
“The fans were unbelievable as always,” Mubama said, before Scarles added his own praise of the support.
“I don’t think you can give them bought credit,” the full-back added. “They are unbelievable.”
A FA Youth Cup win has been just one part of an enthralling season for the duo. Mubama has made his Premier League debut – also at the Emirates on Boxing Day – and scored his first senior goal in West Ham’s 4-0 win over AEK Larnaca.
For Scarles, a first senior outing in November was followed by the signing of his first professional deal.
“This season has been amazing. I think Divin has been through a bit more than me, scoring his first professional goal. It is amazing and doing the journey with Divin and having a mate there has been amazing. I can’t put it into words."
Mubama added: “What a player Ollie is. I wish I could play alongside him every week. We are both developing every day and the boys and the lads got across the finish line [against Arsenal].
