Declan Rice sends five-word message as West Ham thrash Jack Wilshere's Arsenal to win FA Youth Cup

Declan Rice has sent his congratulations to West Ham's youngsters after they were crowned FA Youth Cup champions on Tuesday night.

The young Hammers thrashed London rivals Arsenal 5-1 at the Emirates to win the competition for the fourth time.

Arsenal, coached by former Gunners and West Ham midfielder Jack Wilshere, took the lead through Omari Benjamin after just eight minutes.

But West Ham turned the match with two goals in as many minutes from George Earthy and Callum Marshall.

The visitors extended their lead later in the half through an audacious goal from captain Gideon Kodua, who chipped the Arsenal goalkeeper from 40 yards out.

Kaeley Casey added a fourth for West Ham after the break before Josh Briggs sealed the victory with his first touch of the match late on.

Speaking after full-time, Earthy told West Ham's website: "I am absolutely buzzing. The fans have been brilliant all night. You'd have thought we were at home, to be honest with you.

"I can't describe how much their support helped us through this game. Honestly, when I got the ball, I just tried to create something like I always do and luckily enough it went in the back of the net."

Casey added: "I'm speechless, to be honest, and I can’t think of anything to say! I'm a bit emotional. It's crazy. All of us felt it the whole game, even when we went 1-0 down, and we got back in front.

"We've been together since we were five, me and George, and he just scores goals!"

Rice congratulates West Ham's youngsters

West Ham captain Rice has been strongly linked with a move to Premier League leaders Arsenal in the summer transfer market.

But the England international made it crystal clear where his allegiance still lies with a tweet after full-time.

"U18's incredible! Youth Cup champions!," tweeted Rice, followed by the love-heart and hammers emoji.

It is the first time West Ham have won the Youth Cup since the 1998-1999 final, when they beat Coventry City 9-0.

It caps a memorable season for the young Hammers, who also won this season's Premier League Under-18 South title.

The future certainly looks bright in east London.

Topics: Declan Rice, West Ham United, Arsenal, Football, FA Cup

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan