Liverpool U23s striker Danny Ings scored four and assisted two as Neil Critchley‘s side strolled to a 7-0 victory over Bristol City on Sunday.
Liverpool U23s 7-0 Bristol City U23s
Premier League Cup, Swansway Chester Stadium
November 5, 2017
Goals: Ings 1′ 17′ 21′, 68′, Dhanda 33′, Masterson 73′, Wilson 88′
Ings has been a regular feature for the young Reds so far this season, as he works his way back to full fitness following two serious knee injuries.
Despite a host of impressive showings, however, the 25-year-old had struggled to find the back of the net on a regular basis, scoring just once in nine appearances in all competitions.
This all changed on Sunday afternoon, however, as Ings inspired the U23s to a sensational victory over Bristol City at the Swansway Chester Stadium.
Critchley named a strong side for the Premier League Cup clash, with Jon Flanagan also stepping down from the senior squad to join the likes of Ovie Ejaria, Harry Wilson and Yan Dhanda.
It took Liverpool just one minute to break the deadlock, with Ings rifling home, before Wilson tested goalkeeper Max O’Leary with a solid effort.
Ings made it 2-0 and 3-0 within 21 minutes, with Wilson central to the striker’s second, as he returned to goalscoring form in impeccable fashion.
The former Burnley man netted on the other side of half-time, too, having already turned provider for Dhanda with an excellent reserve pass on the edge of the box.
Centre-back Conor Masterson, who replaced Lloyd Jones just after the hour mark, netted with 17 minutes left to play, before Wilson fired home his ninth goal of the campaign just before full-time.
Liverpool benefited from the dismissal of City’s Aden Baldwin in the second half, but their quality was more than enough to seal the victory.
The young Reds have now taken four points from their first two games in the Premier League Cup, with their next outing coming at home to Newcastle in the Premier League International Cup on November 10.
Will Ings’ First-Team Chance Come?
At 25, and making up for lost time after missing the majority of the past two seasons since joining the Reds in 2015, Ings will clearly be eager to make a point to Jurgen Klopp.
His four-goal haul in Chester will be encouraging, as will have his all-action performance—contributing heavily at either side of the pitch and twice laying on goals for his team-mates.
That this comes on the back of an exceptional display from Roberto Firmino against West Ham, however, highlights the challenge ahead.
What Next for Flanagan?
Arguably in the same boat as Ings, Flanagan made his third appearance for the U23s this season on Sunday, and his fourth for the club in any capacity.
Despite injury to Nathaniel Clyne, Klopp clearly has little intention of fielding Flanagan in high-stakes clashes, preferring both Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back.
He has been on the substitutes’ bench on two occasions, once in the Premier League, once in the Champions League, but while Ings could still eye a place under Klopp, Flanagan’s ship has surely sailed.
Man of the Match: Danny Ings
Four goals, two assists and a bright all-round performance from the striker, who could be knocking on the door for the first team if his form continues.
Liverpool U23s: Kelleher; Flanagan, Jones (Masterson 63′), Whelan, Juanma (Johnston 78′); Virtue, Brannagan, Ejaria (Kane 52′); Wilson, Dhanda, Ings
Subs not used: Firth, Alves
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