A strong Liverpool U21s side suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Sunderland on Sunday afternoon, producing a poor performance.
Michael Beale’s side featured Divock Origi up front, assisted by Ryan Kent, Joao Carlos Teixeira and Sheyi Ojo. Cameraon Branngan and Pedro Chirivella were the midfield two.
Danny Ward started in goal, while Connor Randall and Brad Smith occupied the full back positions and centre-back Lloyd Jones made his first appearance since September after a long lay off through injury.
Indeed, every outfield starting player has featured in the first team this season, bar Jones.
It was 0-0 at half-time after a scrappy, uneventful opening 45 minutes.
But the visitors scored twice in the second half – the first goal being somewhat controversial, with Sunderland forward Mikael Mandron seemingly handling the ball for his goal.
Carl Lawson made it two with a good finish across the keeper, but Liverpool defensively made it too easy for the Mackems.
“We got exactly what we deserved. There were a few things I’m not willing to accept today.”
Beale was not happy post-match saying: “This is probably the weakest performance I’ve seen from a Liverpool under 21 side for a long long time.
“We didn’t take one thing that we’d worked on in the week, into the game.
“It’s a wake up call for them. Because they’ve played at a higher level now they’re there to be shot at. We didn’t show our level.”
It was a disappointing display and result for the young Reds – who had won their last three games before this one.
Sunderland move above Man United at the top of the U21 Premier League table.
LFC U21s: Ward, Randall, Smith, Jones, Maguire, Chirivella, Ojo, Brannagan, Origi, Teixeira, Kent.
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