In a close Liverpool U21s loss, Arthur makes his debut and Jay Spearing makes a comeback
In a 1-0 loss against League Two team Rochdale, Arthur played his second straight start for the Liverpool U21 team before finally getting substituted by Jay Spearing.
Arthur is spending the international break with the U21 team of Liverpool
On his own initiative, deadline-day loanee Arthur is spending the international break with the U21s squad. They are undergoing a customized training regimen to increase his stamina and mental acuity.
The Brazilian preserved his place after 90 minutes in the 1-0 victory over Leicester on Saturday as a varied side headed to Spotland in the EFL Trophy.
Upon signing the Brazilian, Klopp:
“What does he bring? He’s a really good footballer – I think we all agree on that… he can give rhythm, he’s a really good passer, has speed with the ball, safe on the ball and, how I said, can demand rhythm, which is pretty important, really good in tight areas – all these kind of things. I like it a lot.”
Due to a significant number of players travelling with their national teams, Barry Lewtas was compelled to start Lewis Koumas, 16, in the attack. Furthermore, midfielders James McConnell and Luca Stephenson played defence.
An unpredicted outcome
Soon after halftime, the Reds attempted to take the lead. Arthur missed the target with a header. Moreover, both Bajcetic and Koumas attempted to put goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell to the test.
The first adjustments made by Lewtas occurred after the hour and obviously got premeditated. Arthur and Bajcetic got substituted by player-coach Spearing and 15-year-old Carter Pinnington.
Due to Spearing’s lack of recent competitive experience and Pinnington’s recent introduction to under-18s football, Liverpool got put under pressure after the double substitution.
They managed to hang on until the 82nd minute. It is when Tahvon Campbell broke through and chipped Luke Hewitson. Rochdale was given an opportunity to make it 2-0 from the penalty spot. Hewitson stopped the spot-kick after Olufunwa earned a second yellow card.
