U21s vs Liverpool

1-0 down at half time. Now lead 2-1 Hansen Aarøen then McNeill penalty.
2-2 now after 60 minutes.
 
Just got back from the game which was entertaining and very competitive.

Liverpool came out of the blocks the fastest and put early pressure on the United defence without really troubling Vitek. Bennett was a rock at the back and it was one of his best games against a very lively attack. Hardley did ok and both Murray and Jurado who have stepped up from the U/18's, had good moments going forward but were often caught out in defence. Slowly United got into the game with Iqbal very impressive and nearly going close with a dribble in the box on one occasion. Garnacho had a one-one-one with the keeper but his dinked shot was cleared off the line. Liverpool took the lead around the 38th minute mark when we didn't clear the ball and challenge quickly enough and were a bit unlucky when a shot was deflected past Vitek. Charlie McNeill also had a one-on-one but their keeper blocked it with a brave challenge. 1-0 at HT

Liverpool probably deserved their half time lead based on possession and our front three really didn't get a kick. Garnacho when he got the ball tended to run into corners and lose the ball, whilst Charlie McNeill really didn't get a kick against two very big and strong centre-halves. However, good pressure from United in the early exchanges of the second period, saw a cross to the fast post reach Charlie Savage, he controlled the ball and knocked into the path of Isak Hansen who half volleyed the ball into the net from the edge of the box. United went ahead not long after when Charlie McNeill played a ball over the defence and Isak Hansen ran into the box where he was brought down. McNeill stepped up and made no mistake to give United the lead. Within minutes Liverpool got a penalty of their own, and even though Vitek brought off a great save, the rebound was drilled into the net for an equaliser. The game stayed even for a while but slowly Liverpool got on top and Vitek made 3-4 tremendous saves to keep things even. Daniel Gore came on for Shola Shoretire who was disappointing throughout, and gave United some extra impetus in midfield with tackles flying in...yellow cards being shown and the game hotting up. For the last 10 minutes United got back into the game and could have score a couple of goals but in truth they never really tested the keeper. Our forwards started testing the Liverpool defence more as the game wore on but the result could have gone either way.

The match finished 2-2 which United fans would say was a fair result but the home fans may consider themselves unlucky with all the chances they had.

MOTM - Zidane Iqbal but special mentions to Vitek and Bennett.

Until our forwards start to develop some physicality, I think we will struggle to score a lot of goals in this league. Obviously Hugill, Mejia and Emeran are all injured and Oliver Bray wasn't involved today but nevertheless it's something we need to address.
 
@Mr. MUJAC how did Garnacho and Jurado perform?

Garnacho didn't see much of the ball in the first half but the Liverpool defender managed him well. He seems to do the same thing all the time...run with the ball on the outside and then cut in so he becomes predictable. He was also reluctant to pass to players in better positions. In the second half he was much better and stretched the Liverpool defence.

Jurado was solid enough.
 
Garnacho didn't see much of the ball in the first half but the Liverpool defender managed him well. He seems to do the same thing all the time...run with the ball on the outside and then cut in so he becomes predictable. He was also reluctant to pass to players in better positions. In the second half he was much better and stretched the Liverpool defence.

Jurado was solid enough.

Thanks. I like Jurado. Think he goes under the radar a bit.
 
Feels like Bennett is quite under appreciated when it comes to academy defenders because he isn’t super physical or quick. Rate Fredricson higher but I think Bennett is a better defender than the likes of Fish and Hardley.
 
Feels like Bennett is quite under appreciated when it comes to academy defenders because he isn’t super physical or quick. Rate Fredricson higher but I think Bennett is a better defender than the likes of Fish and Hardley.

It doesn't take much though.
 
Vitek seems to be progressing well. At 6 foot 6 he should be well watched and helped by the staff.