Tottenham-bound teen brushes aside ex-Arsenal man to score brilliant goal

Irish Daily Mirror

23-05-2025

There was a touch of North London rivalry in the League of Ireland on Friday night, as Tottenham-bound Ireland Under-21 striker Mason Melia made light work of former Arsenal prospect James Olayinka to score for St Patrick's Athletic against Waterford.
Melia had already netted his fifth goal of the season - and his third in his last four games - to drag the Saints back into the game, after they went behind to an early goal by former Pat's striker Tommy Lonergan.
Melia levelled in the 28th minute with a clever turn and strike, as he got to Joe Redmond's low shot before Blues defender Darragh Leahy could block the effort.
Five minutes later, Melia scored his second of the night, a wonderful solo effort that saw him race from inside his own half to put the hosts in front.
Waterford were on the attack when Pat's launched the ball clear. Olayinka mis-controlled on half-way and Melia was straight onto it. Even though the ex-Gunner was the last defender, Melia still had plenty of work to do.
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But the 17-year-old showed great acceleration and pace to burst past his 24-year-old opponent, and race into the area, where he finished low inside the left-hand post.
Melia will head to Tottenham next January after he turns 18, with Pat's and Spurs agreeing an initial €1.9m fee - a League of Ireland transfer record.
You can see the goal here...