Everton U21s 1-1 Liverpool U21s: Match Report | OneFootball

Dan Clubbe

Before the first team got their campaign underway at St James’ Park on Sunday, it was the turn of the Under 21s as Rob Page’s side began their Premier League 2 campaign at Goodison Park for a min-derby against Everton. 

There was no sign of the likes of James McConnell, Luke Chambers and Lewis Koumas as all three still have potential loan moves on the horizon before the transfer deadline passes. 

Rob Page did have the welcome sight of Jayden Danns back into the squad as the fit-again frontman took a place on the bench, whilst Isaac Mabaya returned from a lengthy layoff to start at right back.

Mor Talla Ndiaye, Will Wright and Josh Sonni Lambie were also named in the starting XI, having featured for Andoni Iraola on the USA pre-season tour.

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When the action got underway, both teams had moments of promise, with Will Wright coming closest for the Reds when his header beyond the back post was firmly met but wide of the target. 

Liverpool goalkeeper Harvey Davies was called into action in the 13th minute to make a big stop as the intensity of the match, and indeed some of the tackles, began to ramp up. 

Shortly before the 15th minute mark, Wright was on hand to poke home left-footed from inside the area after a well-worked move; however, the lead was short-lived as Everton responded immediately when Jack Pattison fired beyond Davies with the very next attack. 

An even contest continued thereafter with both sides having moments to threaten but ultimately to no avail as the first half ended 1-1 despite the clear attacking and purposeful intent from Red and Blue alike.

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There were no changes for either side as the second half got going at Goodison, although the sight of Danns warming up down the touchline was to excite Page and indeed Liverpool fans. 

Midway through the half, it was time for the eagerly anticipated return of Danns, making his comeback from his latest injury layoff that saw the impressive centre forward sidelined since mid-March through a hamstring injury suffered against Man City. 

Chaos and drama ensued late on as Davies was dismissed for a late challenge way out of his goal, which meant Ndiaye had to see out the closing stages in goal, having used all the subs at their disposal. 

The Senegalese centre-back’s kicking was impressive, although there was a nervy moment as the teenage January arrival fell onto a goalbound shot, just about smothering it to keep the ball on the right side of the line. 

Moments before the final whistle, tempers flared, and punches were thrown after a late tackle; almost every player was involved, and coaches spilt onto the pitch in what was the tipping point of an already lively affair. 

Ultimately a hard-earned point for the Reds, which they can certainly take plenty from in a difficult opening encounter that saw them tested, down to 10 men and with a central defender seeing out the dying moments as a makeshift goalkeeper.