Despite a brace from schoolboy Chizaram Ezenwata, it was a tough opening day for the Blues, as we suffered a 5-2 defeat to Brighton at Cobham last Saturday. Hassan Sulaiman’s side now travels to face London rivals Arsenal looking to bounce back on Saturday morning, with kick-off at 11am.

Defender Harry McGlinchey was disappointed with the first result of the season, but he believes that channeling his frustration will enhance his performance going forward, pushing both him and the squad to strive for better outcomes.

‘Brighton was a tough game and I don’t think we played to our best potential as a team. We weren’t good enough,’ reflected the defender.

‘In the first half we had a few clear chances, but we didn’t find the back of the net. After the break we made some errors that we shouldn’t have, which led us to concede.

‘It wasn’t the ideal start, but this result will make us want a positive outcome even more against Arsenal and push us further to ensure that we don’t make those mistakes again. We will learn from them and move on.’

Speaking about personal development, McGlinchey became a Blue in his Under-14s season after spending time at Plymouth Argyle. He has seen progression in his performance but sees areas in his play he wants to improve when facing the Gunners.

‘During the Brighton game, although on the ball I was a positive threat, and putting deadly crosses into the box, I still need to tidy up my game. I need to be at my best ability. In academy football you are constantly developing and learning, it’s about how to adopt the directions to your performance.

‘This week I have been working on how I can link up with the wingers more efficiently, so I am 100 per cent reliable for my teammates. From a defensive point of view, I want to be compact and hard to get through - almost impossible.

‘Against Arsenal, I want to show that I can be an exciting player who is able to adapt to a defensive role but is also confident when pushing upfield and looking to score goals. I want to make sure I am getting assists, helping our strikers whenever possible, and being creative within my performances. As a team we need to unite as it will only make us stronger.’

This is the 16-year-old's first full-time experience at youth football level and he hoping the facilities at Chelsea can also help elevate his performance.

‘The team and I have been working closely with the analysts, rewatching all the clips to ensure those mistakes we made won’t happen again. We’ve also been thinking about decision-making and ensuring that we are thinking ahead of every move.

‘The coaches have been hands-on this week as they can see the potential within the squad, and it’s important that we display that.

‘Hass wants to see a reaction. The team wants a reaction. I am sure we will deliver to what we are expected to.’

McGlinchey finishes by rounding off his final thoughts on how mindset will play a crucial factor in making sure the boys bring home our first points of the season.

‘Arsenal will be a tough game, we all know that. I think because we didn’t get the result we hoped for at the start of the season, it will only drive us more to get it. It’s important we are all aggressive and in the zone for the next match to make sure we are on top of things.

‘We all must have a positive mindset heading into the Arsenal game, as it makes all the difference. To win, you must care and want the result, and that will naturally put you in a better position than the other team.

‘It’s not the start we wanted, but we have to forget it, move on, and use this fixture to show our talent and desire to win.'