Arsenal U21s were attempting to return to winning ways as they faced their Leicester counterparts last night but the game certainly didn’t go as expected as they ended up losing 5-1.
Max Porter’s team were sorely lacking in terms of cohesion and there seemed to be a concerning lack of loyalty amongst the group, with some players arguing with each other at times.
Evan Mooney’s goal, a fine finish after good work from Andre Harriman-Annous, was a rare plus point on an evening full of negatives for Arsenal.
The defence, which included Marli Salmon and Brayden Clarke, were far from at their best and they weren’t afforded sufficient protection by the midfield.
Having to play within the first-team framework in terms of the style of play may restrict the team somewhat, but the players on show last night are certainly capable of performing to a higher standard.
Recently it had appeared that the U21s had turned a corner in terms of performing with greater consistency, but they have now gone three games without a victory, two of which were defeats.
There are now just three games remaining of the regular season before the playoffs get underway but after this display improvements are required.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird