Rochdale 1-0 Liverpool U21s
EFL Trophy (2), Spotland, 20 September 2022 Target: Campbell 82′ At his request, on-loan Arthur is spending the international break as part of the U21 squad, as well as following a special training program to improve his fitness and sharpness. After 90 minutes in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Leicester, the Brazilian kept his place as the mixed XI arrived at Spotland in the EFL Trophy. With a large group away to their national teams, Barry Lewtas was forced to field players, with midfielders James McConnell and Luka Stephenson in defense while 16-year-old Lewis Coumas started in attack. There was a lull in midfield with Arthur and Stefan Bejcic impressing, but Liverpool understandably struggled for fluency against physical, superior opposition. Few chances arose from Liverpool before the break, although Byctic saw a promising effort fly wide as he let fly from the area. HT: Rochdale 0-0 Liverpool U21s The Reds looked to take the lead straight after the break, with Arthur off target and both Baisetic and Koumas looking to test goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell. Lewtas’ first changes came after the hour, and they were clearly planned as Arthur and Bajcetic made way to be replaced by player-coach Spearing and 15-year-old Carter Pinnington. With Spearing not having played a competitive game since May and Pinnington only recently getting his first taste of under-18 football, Liverpool were unsurprisingly under pressure after the double change. They continued to hold the score until the 82nd minute, with Tahvon Campbell then slotting past Luke Hewitson, before Rochdale were given the chance to make it 2-0 from the spot after Oludare Olufunwa brought down the striker. Summer signing Olufunwa was shown a second yellow card but Hewitson saved the spot, avoiding Liverpool’s blushes on a night where he could have been forgiven for the result. Liverpool U21: Hewitson? McConnell, Olufunwa, Stephenson, Norris; Baisetic (Pinnington 63′), Arthur (Spiring 63′), Cornes; Koumas (Hayes-Green 88′), Blair, Stewart Subs not used: Kelly, Gyimah Next match: Arsenal (H) – Premier League 2 – Saturday 1 October, 14:00 (BST)
