Despite the handsome score line, City were made to work hard for the victory at St George’s Park, where the opposition frustrated us for long periods with their tireless work without the ball.
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The Academy outfit’s pressure was rewarded with three goals in the final 15 minutes and Vicens was pleased with his side’s measured attacking play.
“I’m happy with a good performance and a good result and we are where we want to be, in the final,” he said afterwards.
“In the first half we were a bit impatient in the final third. To find the extra pass in the final third was important. At 1-0 it was still a tight game and anything could happen.
“We dominated the first 15 minutes of the second half and then they had five or ten minutes where the game was transitioning. We never wanted to be in that type of game.
“We spoke at half-time and said once we reach the final 40 metres we need to be patient, find combinations in the final third and wait for the extra pass and the opportunity will arrive and it did.”
Vicens was able to call on the services of Liam Delap, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Cole Palmer for the last four clash, all of whom have played first team football this season.
All three impressed against Blackburn and their manager said they were all keen to be involved in the semi-final, despite having been rewarded with chances at senior level.
“They were excited about this opportunity,” he added. “Being in a Youth Cup final is an unbelievable achievement for these players.
“They were really sad at the end of last season when we went into lockdown and they were so close to being in the final.
“[It was] great news from the FA to finalise the competition and they were super excited and motivated. In terms of motivation there is no job to do there.
“Taylor played a big role today, not just as a centre-back, as a leader for this team. His leadership was massive at the back.”
