Kieran McKenna called for our Under-18s to sharpen up on their defensive work after suffering a 5-3 defeat at Arsenal on Wednesday.
First half goals from Marcus Edwards (2) and Kazaiah Sterling saw us go 3-1 in front at the Gunners’ training ground, but a penalty shortly before the half-hour mark allowed the home side a route back into the contest.
Arsenal substitutes Tyrell Robinson (2) and Eddie Nketiah then combined to win the game for their side in the second period, with Under-18s Coach Kieran left to reflect on a disappointing day in the Barclays Under-18 Premier League.
“Obviously the start was very pleasing from our side with the intensity we played at and the quality of the play, but the problem in the game – and for the last few games really – has been an inability to defend well enough individually and collectively,” he said.
“When you’re conceding goals as we are at the moment it knocks the momentum and knocks your confidence a little bit.
“We were in the ascendancy towards the end of the game and on another day we could have got an equaliser when they were 4-3 up so there were some pleasing bits. but the main areas for improvement are the spells where we’re not on top and we’ve got to withstand a little bit of pressure from the opposition.
“At the moment, individually and collectively, we’re not quite able to do that and it’s resulting in goals going in.”