Arthur made a second consecutive begin for the Liverpool under-21s, and was finally changed by Jay Spearing, in a 1-0 loss to League Two outfit Rochdale.
Rochdale 1-0 Liverpool U21s
EFL Trophy (2), Spotland
September 20, 2022
Aim: Campbell 82’
At his request, deadline-day loanee Arthur is spending the worldwide break as a part of the U21s squad, in addition to following a bespoke coaching regime to construct his health and sharpness.
After 90 minutes within the 1-0 win over Leicester on Saturday, the Brazilian stored his place as a blended lineup took to Spotland within the EFL Trophy.
With a big group away with their nationwide groups, Barry Lewtas was pressured to deploy gamers out of place, with midfielders James McConnell and Luca Stephenson in defence, whereas 16-year-old Lewis Koumas began in assault.
There was a calmness in midfield with each Arthur and Stefan Bajcetic impressing, however Liverpool understandably struggled for fluency towards bodily, senior opposition.
Few alternatives got here Liverpool’s manner earlier than the break, although Bajcetic noticed a hopeful effort sailed broad as he let fly from vary.
HT: Rochdale 0-0 Liverpool U21s
The Reds seemed to achieve the lead quickly after the break, with Arthur heading off beam and each Bajcetic and Koumas seeking to take a look at goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell.
Lewtas’ first modifications got here after the hour, they usually had been clearly deliberate ones, as Arthur and Bajcetic made manner to get replaced by player-coach Spearing and 15-year-old Carter Pinnington.
With Spearing not having performed a aggressive sport since Could and Pinnington having solely lately been given his first style of under-18s soccer, Liverpool had been unsurprisingly beneath stress following the double change.
They continued to carry on till the 82nd minute, with Tahvon Campbell then breaking by means of and chipping Luke Hewitson, earlier than Rochdale had been awarded an opportunity to make it 2-0 from the spot after Oludare Olufunwa introduced the striker down.
Summer time signing Olufunwa obtained a second yellow card however Hewitson saved the spot-kick, sparing Liverpool’s blushes additional on an evening the place they could possibly be forgiven for the consequence.
Liverpool U21s: Hewitson; McConnell, Olufunwa, Stephenson, Norris; Bajcetic (Pinnington 63’), Arthur (Spearing 63’), Corness; Koumas (Hayes-Inexperienced 88’), Blair, Stewart
Subs not used: Kelly, Gyimah
Subsequent match: Arsenal (H) – Premier League 2 – Saturday, October 1, 2pm (BST)
