In a promising display, Liverpool’s U21 side managed to edge past Stoke City with a narrow 1-0 victory, thanks to a decisive goal by James McConnell. The young Reds might have also given fans a glimpse of Cody Gakpo’s potential return in their upcoming clash with Manchester City.
Stoke U21s 0-1 Liverpool U21s
Premier League 2, Bet365 Stadium, February 21, 2025
The only goal of the match was fired in by McConnell in the 73rd minute, helping Liverpool secure a much-needed victory on the road. With key players like Terence Miles and Josh Davidson sidelined due to injuries, and Rio Ngumoha off on international duty, coach Barry Lewtas had to make some tactical adjustments. This led to the debut of 18-year-old left-back Clae Ewing, who stepped up brilliantly to justify Lewtas’s confidence in him.
Despite a strong start from Stoke, who tried to exploit Liverpool’s defensive flank, the young Reds was exceptional at managing the pressure. Their ability to push up the pitch and apply their own pressure paid off in the second half, with McConnell seizing a chance that came off a deflection.
Trent Kone-Doherty came close to scoring earlier, but his shot from a Kieran Morrison corner veered just wide. As Stoke threatened to level the score late in the game, Liverpool’s keeper Harvey Davies was up to the task, thwarting their best opportunity and ensuring a tight angle for the opposing forward, Favour Fawunmi.
This win marked the U21s’ first triumph of the year, snapping a five-game streak without a victory and adding a touch of optimism to their campaign.
A Glimmer of Hope for Cody Gakpo’s Return
The presence of both McConnell and Trey Nyoni in full-match action raised eyebrows, hinting that Gakpo might just be ready to make a comeback against Manchester City. With these two likely out of the equation for Sunday, the 19-man roster could potentially make room for Gakpo or third-string goalie Vitezslav Jaros. Liverpool’s tradition of traveling with 20 players for Premier League matches leaves space for speculation on Gakpo’s participation, albeit likely not in a starting capacity.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot added fuel to the fire during Thursday’s press conference, stating, "We’ll see how it goes," expressing hope but not certainty about Gakpo’s fitness. "He’s yet to train with the team, maybe a bit today, it’s touch and go."
Liverpool U21s Line-up: Davies; Mabaya, Lucky (Pinnington 85’), Nallo, Ewing; McConnell, Morrison, Nyoni; Figueroa (Young 69’), Pilling, Kone-Doherty (Laffey 90+2’). Unused Subs: Misciur, Spearing.
Looking ahead, Liverpool’s U21s will face Middlesbrough in their next Premier League 2 encounter on March 2 at 2 PM GMT.
