U18s edged out by City on opening day
There was frustration for Liverpool U18s as they were edged out 1-0 away at Manchester City in their opening game of 2015-16.
The young Reds were unfortunate in the opening 45 minutes when Toni Gomes hit the post and captain Trent Alexander-Arnold, who made his first-team bow at Swindon last weekend, was denied at close range by a brilliant save from Danny Grimshaw.
City, under the command of former Blackburn Rovers star Jason Wilcox, grabbed the only goal of the game after the break when England youth international Lukas Nmecha pounced to beat Owen Wheeler.
Reflecting on the 90 minutes, Critchley told Liverpoolfc.com: “It was a close game with nothing much between the two sides but the goal we conceded was disappointing. We lost concentration and didn’t defend the situation well.
“We had opportunities. Toni was unlucky when he hit the post and to be fair their goalkeeper has made a brilliant save from Trent.
“We have a young side this season but it’s a good one with very good players and we will get better.
"We didn’t perform to the standards we set ourselves in pre-season and we will improve.”
Liverpool U18s: Wheeler, Whelan, Johnston, Parker (Lewis 82), Masterson, Phillips, Kane, Alexander-Arnold, Gomes, Ejaria (Nicholas 60), Dhanda. Subs not used: Dobie, George.