Spurs under 23’s 2-3 Liverpool: (match report)

Our under 23’s were defeated 3-2 by Liverpool on Sunday afternoon in a PL2 encounter at Anfield. Ugo Ehiogu’s experienced side saw Joshua Onomah, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Marcus Edwards all start. I was in the Kop watching Sunday afternoons match and although I was disappointed that the lads didn’t get something out of the match, I did think it was a really good game of football, and I felt that there were plenty of positives for Ehiogu’s side to take out of the game. We started the match at a chilly Anfield in positive fashion and it wasn’t long before Spurs’ attacking football had Liverpool on the back foot. The Lillywhites bright start was rewarded on 18 minutes, when Marcus Edwards opened the scoring for Spurs. A nice piece of play which started on the right wing when Walker-Peters deflected cross came into the path of Marcus Edwards and the England youth international cut inside before unleashing a powerful low shot which gave the Reds goalkeeper Grabara no chance, 1-0 to Spurs. Spurs were able to build on their lead and they were making an experienced Liverpool side look uncomfortable on the ball. Seven minutes later Spurs doubled their advantage over the Reds, after Nathan Oduwa won the ball off of Alexander-Arnold, Oduwa passed the ball to Tracey in the box. However, Tracey’s shot was blocked, coming to the alert Will Miller whose deflected effort eventually found the back of the net, 2-0 to the Lillywhites! It was a brilliant start at Anfield by Spurs but I just knew that Liverpool would turn on the pressure, and that happened just minutes after Miller’s goal. Right back Alexander-Arnold burst into the box wrong footing left back Joe Muscatt who panicked, his mistimed challenge resulting in a penalty for Liverpool, which was expertly despatched by Welsh winger Harry Wilson.

Goalkeeper Tom Glover made a fine save five minutes before the interval, denying Ben Woodburn from the resulting free kick. Liverpool started the second half in even better fashion than they had finished the first, and just minutes after it had begun they had drawn level. Sheyi Ojo had the ball on the right side of the penalty area and the young winger seemed he had no option to go for goal, but Ojo deceived Glover with a superb curling effort which nestled into the far corner of the net, 2-2. We were on the back foot in the resulting minutes as Liverpool sparkled, playing some fine attacking football which cut Spurs right open. Corey Whelan’s headed effort on goal hit the cross bar after Muscatt managed to get a vital head on the ball. And former Spurs academy graduate Kevin Stewart rifled a ferocious long range effort at goal which whistled past the right post. However, the former Spurs man did put the ball into the net in the 82nd minute after Alexander-Arnold whipped the ball to the area, Stewart beat Carter-Vickers in the air to head home the winner, Glover was furious in the Tottenham goal. Our confidence had been shattered after that late goal and Ehiogu’s depleted side could only muster up one good chance when Oduwa met a corner deep in stoppage time, but his header was well saved by Grabara, the final score Spurs under 23’s 2-3 Liverpool.

I also thought i’d add that young forward Reo Griffith’s traveled with the team on Sunday, he was sat in the stands along with fellow Spur Zenon Stylanides and another player who I was unable to identify.

 
My man of the match: He may have only been on the field for 59 minutes but I thought Edwards was terrific. After a four month injury lay off, it was obvious that Spurs had missed his mesmerising skill and brilliant ball control. Edwards had the Liverpool fullbacks sweating every time he went forward, the ball stuck to his boots as he attacked down the right wing, his early goal was brilliantly taken, his fourth of the season. Despite having not played a competitive game in four months, I didn’t think he was missing his sharpness, but it’s inevitable that he will be at his best again in no time.

Player reviews:
– Tom Glover: The Australian goalkeeper was at no fault for any of the three goals Spurs conceded, he made a string of fine saves notably the one from Woodburn’s free kick. A few observations: I thought Glover was very good with the ball at his feet especially in his kicking. In addition his vocalness in front of the back four also impressed me
– Kyle Walker-Peters: The right back played well, his mazing forward runs causing the Liverpool defence some bother. It was also a very courageous performance from the brave right back.
– Cameron Carter-Vickers: The centre back made his first under 23 appearance of the season and it was a game of two halves for the American centre half. After an impressive first half where he was comfortable on the ball, the defender struggled in the second period he looked far less composed and didn’t impose his authority over the Liverpool attackers.
– Joe Muscatt: A decent performance from the left back I thought he had a good game, minus him giving a penalty away in the first half, Muscatt also made a key interception to deny Stewart’s effort in the second half.
– Luke Amos: A really good performance from the midfielder on loan at Southend, Amos was tenacious and unrelenting in the centre of the park.
– Will Miller: I thought Miller had a brilliant game, his movement was again top draw and his dizzying runs were a threat. He also netted Spurs’ second goal.
– Marcus Edwards: My man of the match. I thought Edwards demonstrated exactly why he’s training with the first team, he was very good on the ball despite severely lacking in game time.
– George Marsh: The second year scholar is an old school midfielder his second half introduction brought steel to the midfield, he was not afraid to get stuck in.
– Joe Pritchard: Since coming on in the second half, Pritchard failed to make much of an impact but this was down mainly to the fact that Liverpool had most of the ball in our end.
– Josh Onomah: He may be low on confidence of late, but I thought Onomah had a good game in his natural number 8 position. Onomah was very good on the ball and showed good feet, a Dembelesque performance from the youngster.
– Nathan Oduwa: Oduwa made some good driving runs down the right and was highly influential in the creation of our second goal.
– Cy Goddard: Came on very late.
– Shilow Tracey: Whilst his not a natural striker I thought Tracey done a good job up front, he worked very hard and was constantly pressing the Liverpool defence.

Liverpool: Grabara, Alexander-Arnold, Randall, Gomez, Whelan, Stewart, Wilson (c), Virtue (Williams 83), Brewster, Woodburn, Ojo. Substitutes (not used): Alves, Hart, Gomes, Kelleher (GK).

Spurs: Glover, Walker-Peters, Lesniak (c), Carter-Vickers, Muscatt, Amos, Miller (Marsh 56), Edwards (Pritchard 59), Onomah (Goddard 89), Oduwa, Tracey. Substitutes (not used): Maghoma, McDermott (GK)

Goals: Liverpool – Wilson 28 (pen), Ojo 47, Stewart 82; Spurs – Edwards 18, Miller 25.

Yellow cards: Spurs – Marsh 74.

Referee: Andrew Miller.

Spurs under 23’s 3-1 Southampton: (match report)

Our under 23’s recorded a much needed 3-1 victory over Southampton on Tuesday night. Ugo Ehiogu’s side put in a vibrant first half display which saw Spurs put three goals past Southampton, their confident first half performance effectively ending the game. Spurs started the game the better side, passing the ball around the field with ease. The first real chance came early on when Joe Pritchard whipped a fine cross into the box in which the unmarked Ryan Loft waywardly volleyed off target, Loft knew he should have done better. Spurs’ domination of the game paid off just before the half hour mark, when Nathan Oduwa opened the scoring for Spurs. Oduwa who was playing with an air of confidence as the passed the ball to Miller from the edge of the area and Miller played the ball back into the path of Oduwa who fired home in style, his composed side footed effort flying in to the top corner. Oduwa was again the inspiration for our second goal which came just two minutes afterwards. Oduwa darted forward on the left wing before whipping in a low cross, which was bundled into the back of the net by Southampton defender Joes, 2-0 to Spurs. Southampton had barely got any of the ball in the remainder of the first half, as Spurs played with a panache about their game. And deep in to stoppage time of the first half Spurs got their third of the game. Oduwa again the provider playing a short pass to Tracey who showed good ball control inside the area, managing to rifle a shot in to the far corner of the net.

The second half was nowhere near as exciting as the first, the game petered out with neither side creating much to shout about. However, after a rash sliding challenge from Joe Pritchard in the 59th minute the referee awarded the saints a penalty. Ryan Seager’s effort was initially denied by a fine Glover save, only for the ball to roll into the path of Seager who made no mistake as he hit the ball home. There was little of note in the remaining half an hour, as Spurs comfortably completed an important 3-1 victory over the saints, to go three points clear of safety in eighth position, a result which will delight Ugo Ehiogu. It was a really impressive performance last night in what was a bitterly cold evening in Stevenage, I was surprised to see loanees Luke Amos, Will Miller and Ryan Loft involved even though they are eligible under EFL ruling. I thought our more experienced side put in a really good performance and it was refreshing to see us get three points on the board.

I thought Nathan Oduwa was superb yet again (see below) I also thought that Will Miller had a good game, I am a big fan of Miller. The 20 year old is an incredibly skilful player and he made great movement as well as assisting Oduwa’s goal. Shilow Tracey is really beginning to find his feet in under 23 football, I’ve been really impressed with him in recent matches and Tuesdays match was no exception he was very good on the ball, he now has 4 goals this season. The centre half pairing of Christian Maghoma and Filip Lesniak was successful, both were solid and the former was excellent in the air. The players played well as a team and they’ll go in to next Sunday’s match against Liverpool, at Anfield with confidence.

My man of the match: For the third time in our last three matches Nathan Oduwa has been the creative force. Oduwa was brilliant against Southampton, he was without doubt the best player on the pitch getting a goal and two assists. Oduwa’s recent fine form will likely catch Pochettino’s eye.
Spurs: Glover, Walker-Peters, Muscatt, Amos (c), Maghoma, Lesniak, Miller (Goddard 74), Pritchard (Stylianides 60), Loft, Tracey, Oduwa. Substitutes (not used): Brown, Lock, McDermott (GK).

Southampton: Latham, Valery, Wood, Rowthorn, Cook, Jones (c), Willard (Olomola 46), O’Connor, Seager (Barnes 70), Slattery, Johnson. Substitutes (not used): Vokins, Smallbone, Parkes (GK).

Goals: Spurs – Oduwa 28, Jones (OG) 30, Tracey 45+2; Southampton – Seager 59.

Yellow cards: Spurs – Amos 78; Southampton – Cook 55.

Referee: Constantine Hatzidakis.
Attendance: 431.

Spurs under 23’s 2-2 Manchester City: (match report)

Our under 23’s fought back from two goals down, as they drew 2-2 with Manchester City on Friday evening. It was a thoroughly entertaining match as Ugo Ehiogu’s side showed great character as they came away with a valuable point in Manchester, playing some really attractive football in the process. The game started off with a sense of cautiousness from both sides, as they passed the ball around the park without any real attacking intent. Winger Nathan Oduwa had a half chance for Spurs in the 17th minute, after a nice bit of play Oduwa skilfully cut inside on the edge of the box, before firing a low effort against the side netting. The game was very even as Spurs managed to contain City well, but on 27 minutes Paolo Fernandes went close for the home side. Fernandes powerful shot in the area stung the palms of Tom Glover, who thwarted the Spaniards effort. However, not long afterwards Spurs began to cause Man City’s defence problems, as they passed the ball around nicely. And on 33 minutes Spurs were unlucky not to take the lead through Shilow Tracey. Owens passed the ball to Walker-Peters on the right and the England under 20 international sent a lovely pass to Tracey in the penalty area, Tracey struck it first time forcing a fine save out of Angus Gunn.

Moments later Tracey came close again, Harrison finding Tracey in the penalty area with a nice cross, and the former Ebbsfleet man met the cross well, side footing an effort against the post, with the rebound being lashed over the crossbar by Joe Pritchard. The match was becoming really live with Spurs looking the slightly better side, though goalkeeper Tom Glover was forced into action right on half time, after Jaden Sancho danced his way into the box, jinking past some Spurs defenders, before cutting in on his right and unleashing a powerful low shot, which Glover got down well to save. The first 45 was level pegging, Spurs played well creating some good chances from the flanks. The second half started in disastrous fashion for Spurs after they were caught cold in their own half, and the City attack punished us. Following a slight error from Maghoma after his misplaced pass came to Buckley-Ricketts who burst forward into the box, unleashing a powerful shot which Glover stopped excellently, the ball came out out to Sancho and the 16 year old made no mistake, poking the ball home, 1-0 to City. Things got even worse for Ehiogu’s side, as just over ten minutes later the home side doubled their lead after Paolo Fernandes doubled the citizens advantage with a stunning goal. Fernandes’s cut in on his left after receiving the ball from a short corner and the Spain under 17’s international let fly as the ball flew past the stunned Spurs goalkeeper, and into the top corner, 2-0 Man City.

Ehiogu’s side may have looked depleted but they didn’t show it in the minutes that followed. Spurs created some fine chances most notably a nice turn from Stylianides as he burst through on goal only to see his effort stopped by Gunn. And Spurs’s hard work was starting to pay off when they got a goal back through Nathan Oduwa on 76 minutes. Shilow Tracey sent in a wonderful cross from the right which was met by Oduwa, as he sidefooted the ball home with a volley, at the back post. Spurs went from strength to strength, coming close to snatching a late equaliser from a double chance which saw Harrison and Stylianides come close. That late equaliser did come four minutes from time, after Oduwa weaved away from his man on the left, the Nigerian youth international whipped the ball into the area as Harrison made contact with the ball, and the ball eventually came to Tracey who converted from close range to secure an important draw for Ehiogu’s side. The final score Spurs 2-2 Manchester City, it was a truly exhilarating game of football and I was delighted that the team got something out of the game after such a good performance. Also I’d like to say well done to Manchester City who broadcasted the game live on Facebook allowing some of us Spurs fans to watch the game.

Nathan Oduwa was my man of the match (see below) but another player who had a brilliant game was Shilow Tracey, the powerful right winger set up Oduwa with a delightful cross and Tracey also scored the equaliser late on, Friday nights goal was his third of the season. Finally I thought that midfielder Zenon Stylianides had a big influence on the game after coming on in the second half, the midfielder played a more attacking role against city and he really impressed me. Stylianides was bright and creative he was constantly looking to go forward and he set up Harrison with a nice pass as well and his fine solo effort late in the match was unfortunate not to end in a goal. At the end of the day everyone played well, the defence was resilient, Glover made some fine saves between the sticks, and the midfield was tenacious. COYS

My man of the match: This was a hard one, it was close between Tracey and Oduwa but I’m going to give it to Nathan Oduwa. The winger seems rejuvenated since returning from his loan at Peterborough, he was good last week against Chelsea but he was even better today. Oduwa worked so hard down the left flank and was as skilful as ever, Oduwa never fails to surprise, me his such an entertaining and creative player, his a magician on the ball. Oduwa was by the far the most creative player on the field his powerful runs, trickery and endeavour were rewarded with a goal and an assist. Another top performance from Oduwa.

Manchester City: Gunn, Oliver, Humphreys (c), Adarabioyo, Francis, Diallo, Duhaney, Boadu (Kongolo 67), Buckley-Ricketts (Diaz 78), Fernandes, Sancho (Nmecha 61). Substitutes (not used): Patching, Haug (GK).

Spurs: Glover, Walker-Peters, Ogilvie, Amos (c), Maghoma, Walkes, Pritchard (Stylianides 65), Owens (Muscatt 65), Harrison, Tracey, Oduwa. Substitutes (not used): Goddard, McDermott (GK).

Goals: Manchester City – Sancho 47, Fernandes 58; Spurs – Oduwa 76, Tracey 86.

Yellow cards: Spurs – Walker-Peters 90+4.

Referee: Martin Coy.