Free admission to a football match can never be a bad thing, especially if that football match is played at a Premier League stadium. St Mary’s hosted Southampton U21s against Liverpool Under 21s on a floodlit Monday night, where a 1-1 draw was certainly a fair result at the end of the ninety. Krisztian Adorjan and Veggard Forren were the goalscorers on a night that saw both teams dominate possession in periods.
Back in January, Liverpool beat the Saints 1-0 at the Academy when Daniel Pacheco’s effort was deflected into his own net by Jordan Turnbull.
For Monday’s reverse fixture a few first team players had dropped into the usual U21 squad for Liverpool, with Peter Gulacsi starting in goal, Andre Wisdom at left back, Suso in midfield and Jonjo Shelvey playing as the lone front man. Liverpool set up with their usual 4-3-3, which was stuck too well throughout the game. It would be a classic 2nd vs 3rd fixture in the league – with Liverpool only leading Southampton by a point entering the game.
From kick off it was a frantic affair, both teams creating chances and holding the ball for spells, but Southampton came out of this period the more dominant. We did witness a moment of Liverpool magic though, as Suso put forward a convincing contender for ‘pass of the season’. He picked up the ball in the middle of his own half and bent a perfectly weighted pass around two Saints defenders, perfectly into the path of the goalbound sprinting Adam Morgan. The young Englishman missed the one-on-one to the right of the far post, something that was met with a sigh from all in the stand. If you have ever seen a pass that deserved a finish: that was it.
As we have seen occasionally in the first team, crosses and set pieces were causing problems for the visiting team. Peter Gulacsi flapped at a few crosses before he found the ball in his net, for it to be ruled out for offside.
This only invigorated the home side to push on as they smelled blood and went for the jugular as they piled on the attacks. The ball was put out for a corner and when it was whipped in with pace; only a half-hearted clearance was mustered. This, along with poor marking at the back post, allowed Veggard Forren to rifle the ball home with his potent left foot. It can’t be argued that Southampton deserved their lead.
You may remember Forren as the player Liverpool nearly signed in January. His odd trial deal fiasco never came to fruition, thus his move to the south coast where he is regaining match fitness in the reserves. Monday night was his first appearance in the red of Southampton at any level after his multi-million pound move in January.
Liverpool woke up sufficiently after Southampton took the lead, as Suso really started to assert his first team prowess on the game alongside Teixeira in the middle of the pitch.
The transition phase from defence to attack was less rushed and more thoughtful. Custody of the ball was secure yet natural. It took this for me to realise how deep-rooted the philosophy is at the club. Gulacsi was being used as the sweeper, something he looked relatively comfortable with, whilst Sama and Jones spread the width of the pitch to give him options. Full-backs bombed on down the touchline, at the same time as Shelvey was dropping deep in his false nine role.
The circulation and cultivation of the ball became active and this was rewarded with numerous chances, the highlight of which was a disallowed goal just before half time. Adorjan touched the ball goalwards from close range after a Jonjo Shelvey strike from just outside the box. The assistant rightly flagged.
The first half drew to a close with a large applause from the home support as they headed inside to keep warm.
The second half kicked off with the same tenacity that had greeted the crowd in the first, however this time Liverpool were in charge. It’s no secret that Liverpool sides finish well, but, away from home and a goal down, it was certainly a test of character for the young lads.
Although he had started there, it was interesting that Andre Wisdom remained at left back for the duration. Inglethorpe’s selection was rightly justified, however, as he bombed forward; pulling in crosses and cutting inside for variation. For a manager like Brendan, versatility in a squad is paramount – thus, the inclusion of Wisdom at left back inspired confidence for his future.
After Shelvey had picked up his obligatory yellow card early in the second half, Liverpool really drove on. Coady supported the play well from deep and Roddan assured good balance as he burst forward on the opposite touchline to the adventurous Wisdom. Shelvey was also starting to drop deep as Adam Morgan moved from right-wing to his more natural, central role.
Liverpool made their dominance pay in the 77th minute, seconds after the introduction of Jack Dunn. Shelvey found himself in front of Roddan on the right, where he dug out an inch perfect, drifted cross onto the unmarked head of Krisztian Adorjan. The Southampton goalkeeper, Gazzaniga was left rooted as the ball sailed past him. A justified equaliser thirteen minutes from time.
Liverpool continued to kick on for the winner in the remaining minutes, but not even brilliance from the ever-present Suso could inspire a second goal.
Although Suso will rightly take the plaudits for his buccaneering expressionism towards goal, Conor Coady certainly impressed in the deep midfield role. The captain allowed the more forward thinking players to play in front of him, whilst also protecting the two central defenders when the full backs flew on. When Liverpool were in possession, the team’s shape changed to a strong three at the back, as Coady slotted in between Sama and Jones.
Inglethorpe’s men will take a point back with them to Liverpool; something that they will agree was fair. Liverpool remain 2nd in the U21 Premier League.
Saints U21s: Gazzaniga, Chambers, Stephens (c), Forren, Targett, Robinson, Ward-Prowse, Moore, Seidi (McQueen 53), Sinclair (Ariyibi 90), Rowe. Subs (not used): Johns (GK), Curtis, Turnbull.
Goals: Forren (30)
Bookings: Sinclair (65)
Liverpool U21s: Gulacsi, Roddan, Wisdom, Sama, Jones, Coady (c), Morgan (Dunn 73), Teixeira, Shelvey, Suso, Adorjan. Subs (not used):Ward (GK), Nacho, Brannagan, Baio.
Goals: Adorjan (77)
Bookings: Shelvey (44)
