Liverpool U21s produced an emphatic response on Saturday afternoon as they swept aside Brighton & Hove Albion 5-1 in Premier League 2.
Rob Page’s side were in complete control at the Kirkby Academy for large periods, racing into a three-goal lead inside the opening 25 minutes before adding two more after the break.
It was exactly the kind of attacking display Liverpool’s young side will have wanted after their 1-0 defeat to West Ham last weekend.
Liverpool make flying start
The Reds couldn’t have asked for a better opening.
Liverpool needed less than two minutes to break the deadlock.
A brilliant move from left to right ended with Isaac Mabaya driving forward before cutting the ball back for Josh Sonni-Lambie, who finished from close range to put Liverpool ahead.
It was Sonni-Lambie’s first goal at U21 level — although unfortunately Mabaya picked up an injury while providing the assist and was forced off shortly afterwards.
Liverpool didn’t allow the disruption to affect them.
Just nine minutes later, the advantage was doubled.
Michael Laffey finished after Will Wright had created the opportunity, giving Liverpool a 2-0 lead inside the opening 11 minutes.
Will Wright takes centre stage
Then came the first of Will Wright’s two goals.
The striker met Joe Bradshaw’s pass in behind before cutting inside and firing a superb effort into the far corner from outside the box.
Three goals inside 25 minutes.
Liverpool were flying.
Brighton managed to pull one back through Valentin Joseph just before half-time, but there was little doubt which team had been in control.
Wright strikes again
Liverpool restored their three-goal advantage just five minutes into the second half.
Wright produced another composed finish after turning his marker, calmly placing the ball beyond Brighton goalkeeper Steven Hall.
Two goals for Wright and four for Liverpool.
The striker even came close to completing his hat-trick later in the game, only for Hall to produce an excellent reaction save.
Liverpool eventually got their fifth in the 66th minute when Brighton’s Theo Outen inadvertently turned an inswinging corner into his own net.
5-1. Game over.
Plenty of positives for Liverpool
The result was impressive, but it was the manner of the performance that will please Page most.
Liverpool scored five, created plenty of opportunities and showed excellent attacking movement throughout the game.
Sonni-Lambie opened his U21 account, Laffey got on the scoresheet and Wright produced a two-goal performance.
Joe Bradshaw also played an important role, providing the assist for Wright’s first goal, while Alvin Ayman was involved in the build-up to the fifth.
There was also a strong contribution from goalkeeper Bailey Hall, who produced an outstanding reflex save in the second half to prevent Brighton from finding a way back into the match.
A perfect response
After losing at West Ham, Liverpool needed a reaction.
They certainly got one.
Five goals, three points and an attacking performance full of confidence.
For Wright in particular, this was another reminder of the talent coming through the academy.
The striker now has another two goals to his name after previously scoring twice against Leeds and once against Everton earlier this season.
Liverpool’s U21s now turn their attention towards the EFL Trophy, with a trip to Rochdale coming on Tuesday evening.
After this performance, they’ll head into that game full of confidence.
The future continues to look exciting at Kirkby.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
Leave a Reply