Under-21s flying high

Filip Lesniak and Nathan Oduwa were both full of praise for their Under-21s colleagues after they stormed to the top of the table this week.

A 2-0 victory at Fulham, courtesy of goals from Nathan and substitute Daniel Akindayini, saw us assume first place in the Barclays Under-21 Premier League standings with 15 points from nine games. We're now joint-top with Chelsea and Southampton.

Home wins against Chelsea and Manchester City have contributed to that total, but it was the manner of last Saturday’s triumph at Fulham - the team’s first points on the road this season - that pleased players and coaches alike.

Defensive midfielder Filip, who hit the post in the second half, said: “I thought we played really well, especially in the first half, and we were very solid at the back.

“It was a really good performance for us. We played really well against Chelsea and Manchester City - they were good wins - but we didn’t keep the ball as well as we did today, so I think we can be very pleased.”

Attacker Nathan, who scored a spectacular opener in the first half when he curled into the top corner from out wide on the left, added: “We’ve been working hard to press teams like that in this formation – a 4-3-3 with a false nine – and you can see it paid off.

“I’m pleased with how we kept possession in the opposition’s half and, personally, it’s a great feeling to get on the scoresheet.

“It’s also good for us to get our first three points away from home. The whole team played well so it’s a great result for us.”