McAleny, Kone and Oviedo score in U21s showpiece

, 1 December, 76comments  |  Jump to most recent
Everton U21s 3 - 2 Sunderland U21s

Everton midfielder Ryan Ledson moves smoothly away from Sunderland's Liam Agnew
Conor McAleny scored a late goal to seal a dramatic 3-2 win for Everton U21s against Sunderland U21s under the floodlights at Goodison Park this evening.

The game looked to be heading for a draw after the visitors had twice come back to cancel out goals by Arouna Kone and Bryan Oviedo but McAleny fired home with two minutes to go to give David Unsworth's side the points.

Getting another run-out for the Blues' second string as he make his patient return from a long injury layoff, Kone put Everton ahead in the first half when he slammed home Gethin Jones' cut-back.

Sunderland levelled when Liam Agnew's shot flew over Joel Robles before Oviedo struck a sweet half-volley from the angle to restore Everton's advantage. Carl Lawson turned in low cross from just six yards out, though, to make it 2-2.

Kone managed 75 minutes before being replaced by Chris Long, good news for the Ivorian who, like Oviedo, is hoping to complete his comeback from serious injury by rejoining the first team full time.

Everton U21s: Robles, Jones, Galloway, Browning, Kenny (c), Ledson, Dowell, Grant (68' Williams), Kone (75' Long), McAleny, Oviedo.
Subs not Used: Griffiths, Walsh, C Duffus.  



Reader Comments (76)

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Stephen Brown
1 Posted 01/12/2014 at 19:26:27
Not many of these lads look anywhere near ready for 1st team action. Robles MotM so far.
Patrick Murphy
2 Posted 01/12/2014 at 19:32:00
Kone – he shoots, he scores......
Colin Glassar
3 Posted 01/12/2014 at 19:32:18
I tell you what our goalie tonight, Joel, is a lot better than that Robles fella. Oviedo baby is class as is Galloway. Kone is......well, Kone is Kone. Even against a bunch of toddlers he looks shite.
John Keating
4 Posted 01/12/2014 at 19:48:18
Well our exciting, quick, forward, passing, defence splitting play has permeated through to the U21s.
Brian Waring
5 Posted 01/12/2014 at 19:50:54
Looking shaky at the back, deffo a pen for Sunderland when Browning went in, suprised with Browning, he’s looked dodgy. Oviedo looking sharp, Kone putting a shift in.
Jamie Barlow
6 Posted 01/12/2014 at 19:55:10
Just like watching the first team.
John Keating
7 Posted 01/12/2014 at 19:55:13
I suppose a good thing about the U21s after watching the first half, is the fact that any of them could step straight into the first team and be extremely comfortable with the square ball passing game.
Pity the young lads are not given the chance to express themselves, the Martinez way is obviously required to be carried out throughout the age groups.
What a complete contrast between the 2 teams.
I know which team I find more exciting to watch
David Flanagan
8 Posted 01/12/2014 at 19:56:35
Boring sideways passing, just like the first team. Outplayed for most of the first half but winning. Sunderland look sharper and 2 or 3 quick passes has got them a fair few chances. First team football is a million miles away for most of these...
Paul Andrews
9 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:00:09
Keeper hasn’t put a foot wrong,kept us in the game.

What a finish from Arouna

Keith Meakin
10 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:17:36
We have awaken. I like the look of number 10 McAleny.
Brian Waring
11 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:18:17
Nothing Robles could do about that, Sue. in all honesty.
Brian Waring
12 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:24:21
Terrible defending...
Geoff Evans
13 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:23:07
David.

The first team do.

David Chait
14 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:24:18
Fuck's sake... that goal came from us playing the ball all the way back from just outside their penalty area, all the way back to our keeper and putting our defense under pressure... Number 4 was so flipping negative there with back pass after back pass.
Mike Oates
15 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:26:52
No 4, Ledson, the next rising star.
Sue Brown
16 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:24:49
I can't wait to see Oviedo back in the 1st team, he certainly looks fit.
Keith Meakin
17 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:29:28
I agree, Mike, we will need to beef up first though.
David Chait
18 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:28:30
One thing Everton so clearly don't do is press... We really hang back from the first team to the U21s... Other teams are given too much time and space on the ball.
John Keating
19 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:29:27
This is like groundhog day of yesterday's game against Spurs except Sunderland U21s are better than Spurs!!
Kunal Desai
20 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:32:52
75 minutes for Kone and a goal. Watch out Lukaku! Ha.
Mike Oates
21 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:33:04
We defend too deep and our midfielders don't press at all.
Brian Waring
22 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:33:24
Difference tonight, Sunderland attack with pace and intent, we are laboured getting forward.
Kunal Desai
23 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:36:09
"Difference tonight, Sunderland attack with pace and intent, we are laboured getting forward."

"We defend too deep and our midfielders don't press at all."

These quotes sound all too familiar with the first team.

Sue Brown
24 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:37:09
Big Joe doesn't get over-excited there, does he.
Brian Waring
25 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:41:36
I don't know how Sunderland aren't winning this...
Andrew Keatley
26 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:38:05
Some of the ball-watching – both in defence and attack – is frightening.
Kunal Desai
27 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:43:31
Top notch finish by Conor McAleny.
Sue Brown
28 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:44:23
Yes, get in there!!
Brian Waring
29 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:44:31
Great finish!
Brian Waring
30 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:45:24
Oviedo looking ready to come back.
Steve Orchard
31 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:39:21
I didn't get to see the game as it was me Arl Fella's birthday but it sounds like another good chance spurned and another harsh Premier League lesson looking at the some of the stats. Passing and possession don't count for naff all if you miss good chances, you might as well nick two goals on the break and defend hard.
Peter Laing
32 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:49:29
McAleny looking the brightest prospect tonight: good footwork etc.

Note to a Roberto: Browning doesn't look like a centre half.

Mike Oates
33 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:51:14
How we won that, I don't know.
Paul Andrews
34 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:56:27
Kieran Dowell stood out for me. He’s just turned 17...
Mike Oates
35 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:57:55
Dowell looks a real prospect: great left foot, balanced, quick head and feet. He's already scored some spectacular goals this season.
Sue Brown
36 Posted 01/12/2014 at 20:57:20
McAleny did well and a nicely taken goal. Jones also did okay going forward. Good result against a good Sunderland team.
Sam Hoare
37 Posted 01/12/2014 at 21:02:16
Didn't watch but this thread sounds rather ominous, particularly the bit about it being like Sunday...

Still, good to win and goals from Oviedo and Kone.

Harold Matthews
38 Posted 01/12/2014 at 21:01:21
Yes, two amazing goals from Kone and Oviedo. Simply awesome.
Colin Glassar
39 Posted 01/12/2014 at 21:08:25
Oviedo and Galloway played very well. The rest were average. Joel had a good game as well.
John Keating
40 Posted 01/12/2014 at 21:06:47
I was looking forward to seeing the youngsters, especially those Martinez has mentioned.

Reports say he mentioned not needing cover at centre half as he had Browning and Galloway – I think he needs to have a serious look at that!

Apart from McAleny I didn't see one performance there that would put any of the youngsters on the first team sheet.

Kone needs to have a word with Lukaku about holding up the play with his back to goal, for that alone he needs consideration.

Oviedo looking good...

Trevor Lynes
41 Posted 01/12/2014 at 21:14:57
McAleny is 22 years old so he is older than Lukaku.

Sunderland were much more dangerous and created lots of chances that they missed. On the break they were very dangerous and our build up especially in the first half was pedestrian.

That right back of ours must have been delighted when Whatmore went off as he ran him absolutely ragged in the first half. The first job of defenders is defending well and tackling.

The midfielders did not close down at all and let Sunderland have the ball in acres of space. Kone had valuable minutes out there and will give us good options up front. Oviedo had a decent game but really apart from Galloway the defence were pretty poor.

McAleny, has good ball control but Ledson drifted in and out of the game. He was OK on the ball but did not close down at all.

A good result but the best side lost IMO.

Trevor Lynes
42 Posted 01/12/2014 at 21:25:20
Tonight's game would have been a perfect chance for him to show his worth. If the lad only comes on fleetingly what is the use of having him here on loan. He should play a full game against Krasnodar and so should Kone and perhaps Oviedo.

I would like to see the following starting side:

Robles, Hibbert, Galloway, Browning, Garbutt, Besic, Osman, Ledson, Naismith, Kone, Atsu.

This should be a good test for the youngsters with a strong bench as back up. ie; Howard, Coleman, Pienaar, McAleny, Jagielka, Eto'o and Barry.

Steve Orchard
43 Posted 01/12/2014 at 21:39:07
I was really surprised to turn the TV on and see the Under-21s on. It's usually Batman, Brave and the Bold on for the kids at that time!

Great to get a look at them but they seem to play the same as the first team, getting out muscled in front of our own goal and shagged on the break. I would like to see Kone get some minutes, maybe half-an-hour again Hull next game.

James Joseph
44 Posted 01/12/2014 at 21:47:49
Just back from the game so not seen it on sky yet – thought we were really lucky to win. I thought Joel Robles did okay in goal, seemed a lot more confident than I've seen him in the 1st team. At right-back, Gethin Jones was overrun at times but got forward well and put over three lovely crosses, two of which led to goals. Galloway played at left back and looked our best defender and showed some composure on the ball. Central defence really shaky — Browning had a bit of a stinker and, while Jonjoe was better, he had some dodgy moments too.

Midfield was overrun in the 1st half especially. Conor Grant started well but faded, Ledson had an awful 1st half but improved 2nd and got better as the game went on. Agree with the comments about Dowell, looked classy when he played in the centre, a bit lost out on the wing. McAleny scored a brilliant goal and showed his usual quick feet and sharpness. Definitely good at this level - can he take it on into the 1st team?

Finally, Kone scored a great goal and showed some classy touches before Long replaced him late on, and Bryan was Bryan, playing wide on the left, working hard for the team and scoring a great goal.

Sunderland had some good players too, especially the number 10 and 8, and looked much more cohesive as a team than we did, though that might be the downside of us having 1st teamers in the side even though they effectively won the game in the end.

James Marshall
45 Posted 01/12/2014 at 22:28:25
Great news that Kone and Oviedo are returning to fitness. Both scoring is nice to read as well. Fingers crowed neither have any sort of adverse reaction to playing again and can make moves toward the first team.

Both returning certainly makes our squad stronger. Be great to see them both play a part against Krasnodar.

Mike Childs
46 Posted 01/12/2014 at 22:49:18
Colin, anymore on Robles? Didn't see it here in the states.
Thanks to anyone for info who went.
Jamie Barlow
47 Posted 01/12/2014 at 22:57:19
Kone looked quite strong tonight. Held the ball up well when he eventually had the ball played to him. Oviedo looks lively and I like the look of Ledson. A young Gareth Barry. Tidy player.

Hard to believe McAleny is older than Lukaku. Shows how good Lukaku is for his age and that he's still learning.

It still all seems a bit slow for me. When it clicks, it looks great. When it doesn't, it bores me.

Phill Thompson
48 Posted 01/12/2014 at 23:09:03
An interesting contrast of Club styles/formations, with Sunderland going for 4-3-3 throughout their teams. At times we seemed to be playing 4-2-4, leaving our two DFMs exposed as Sunderland ran straight at our defence.

Dowell was out of it first half, wide on the right, but showed he has something about him in the short bit of time he had at the end when playing through the centre. I have an uneasy feeling that we are developing good "back six" youngsters, Galloway, Browning, Kenny, Ledson, but no maverick attackers who can pick up the ball and run at defenders.

Mike Allison
49 Posted 01/12/2014 at 23:37:32
I agree with a lot of what's been said here. We were very slow and ponderous on the ball, with most of our passing being slow and sideways and intercepted when we did go forward.

We did have at least three 17-year-olds in the side though, and players playing out of position. People like Ledson, McAleny and Dowell showed good little glimpses without taking control of the game.

Kone's hold up play was good, and Robles looked like a confident, dominant goalkeeper for much of the night, especially in the first half when he made three excellent saves that should have been goals for Sunderland. Browning looked in trouble at times, was deservedly booked and gave away a clear penalty that the referee turned down.

Quite interesting to hear the commentators discussing the game as being all about 'developing the youngsters' without much reference to the fact that youngsters should get used to feeling the pressure to win games. If that's the way the players and coaches approach it, then it's no wonder they struggle to make the step up to the first team.

They also mentioned that Unsworth is a big believer in putting senior players into the U-21s as he thinks it's worth a lot in terms of developing the younger players.

Colin Smith
50 Posted 01/12/2014 at 23:42:17
McAleny has a decent touch & works hard, just wonder if that's enough to compensate for a lack of strength/size & real pace. He did take his goal well & I reckon he deserves a chance with the 1st team to show what he can do. Ledson didn't do a lot, but bit looks to have enough about him to make the grade. Bit disappointed by Browning.
Trevor Lynes
51 Posted 01/12/2014 at 23:50:27
I agree, Colin, but Sunderland ran through our defence far too easily and I reckon only Galloway of the back four played reasonably well. We could easily have shipped four goals in the first half alone.

Sunderland's fast red headed lad looked the pick of both teams for me and his direct running terrorized the right side of our defence. When he went off we were able to get a foothold in the game and the 2nd half was much better. However, closing down is not being coached on this evidence and Sunderland dominated midfield.

Kone looked like a decent option for the first team and Oviedo looked to be enjoying his outing. McAleny has a really good touch but seems to lack strength and pace which he would need in the premier league.

Ledsen did not impress me that much though and only had sporadic affect in midfield. He did better as the game slowed down but was caught in possession during the first half and did not do his share of closing down when he did not have the ball. To my mind this is down to the coach to get him and the rest of the midfield working harder and finding space.

Our attacks in the first half were very poor and Kone was up front on his own. Kone's goal was against the run of play, but it showed his ability when supported properly. If he had been playing for Sunderland he would have had a field day.

Obviously some of the team have potential and I did like Galloway throughout the match. But the role of the midfielders is closing down quickly without the ball and finding space when we have it. This is the basic requirements once ball control is mastered.

Darryl Ritchie
52 Posted 02/12/2014 at 00:20:59
It’s good to see both Kone’s and Oviedo’s names on the scoresheet. The sooner they are match fit, the better.

Just out of curiosity: With the free admission; what was the attendance?

Harold Matthews
53 Posted 02/12/2014 at 00:36:57
It was Sunderland versus Robles in the first half. They could have scored four or five. Jones and Browning were constantly skinned by Duncan Watmore, Galloway was too one-footed and too lightweight and skipper Kenny, despite a great attitude, was lacking in size.

Conor Grant was very neat and tidy on the ball but never made a tackle or closed down all night. He was eventually replaced by the more physical Williams. The two 17-year-olds, Ledson and Dowell, improved after the break and should have a future. McAleny has plenty of talent and a good attitude but his lack of inches will always cause him problems.

Great to see Robles, Oviedo and Kone get a game and all three perform reasonably well.

The most depressing thing about the dire first half was seeing young lads passing sideways and back before venturing forward in the same slow manner as the first team. Sunderland, like Spurs and Palace, came at us with pace and purpose. Will Roberto have a rethink? Maybe not.

David Ellis
54 Posted 02/12/2014 at 04:51:57
Is Messi bigger than McAleny??
David Chait
55 Posted 02/12/2014 at 05:08:04
I only got to watch the 2nd half... the team as a whole drifted in and out.. when we were in we lookd very good...

For me, McAleny stood out and took a great finish. Oviedo was very involved and Galloway also showed himself. I didn't see that midfield playmaker we need although Ledson did at time try to play that role. Walsh in the U18s does this very well every time I have seen them.

Paul Andrews
56 Posted 02/12/2014 at 06:05:16
One thing to take from the game:

None of the young players are ready to be in the first team squad long term.

Sean Allinson
57 Posted 02/12/2014 at 07:03:30
Ryan Ledson has just turned 17.
Steven Jones
58 Posted 02/12/2014 at 07:36:01
Some of these are 4 years younger than 21. Lots of time to develop and therefore promising much. They have obviously not played together as much as Sunderland.

Not sure where David Henen was? Any others missing?

Trevor Lynes
59 Posted 02/12/2014 at 10:06:15
Should have given Atsu a game... otherwise, why is he here?
Denis Richardson
60 Posted 02/12/2014 at 11:24:37
Didn't see the game, can someone say what position Oviedo played in?
Helen Mallon
61 Posted 02/12/2014 at 11:23:34
Jesus, we won a game playing Under-21 lads and two lads who have been out with injuries. The injured lads both score and everyone still moans... what is it with some Everton fans?

Our football is sometimes slow but we are playing a system that from the first team down everyone knows how they should play so that when they get a chance they are comfortable. Also it was an Under-21 game; I expect they are not the most exciting of games to play in.

We were world beaters at Wolfsburg, stop judging on the Spurs game. We could be above them come tomorrow night and the Spurs game will be forgotten. If anyone is to blame, it is Roberto for changing winning teams, but that’s football.

Linda Morrison
62 Posted 02/12/2014 at 11:36:01
Totally agree, Helen, but Roberto is stuck between a rock and a hard place as some of the players are still not 100% match fit and there is no point having a squad if only the same 11 get picked.

I thought we would be very lucky to get anything at Spurs, we have not won there for 6 years.

I think they were all still a bit hung over from the win to top the group and never really got going.

This will be an up and down season for the team but if we win a cup I’ll be drunk for at least a week!

Phil Walling
64 Posted 02/12/2014 at 12:52:51
Harold, the highlights on Sky showed our goalie caught flat-footed for both Sunderland goals. I said to myself, 'He's no better than Robles', so perhaps no surprise that it was actually 'Old Butterfingers' himself!

Thus I was surprised you thought he did well - perhaps apart from the goals he conceded? Howard can make as many errors as he wants with this clown as his only back-up!

Mike Allison
65 Posted 02/12/2014 at 13:06:58
Phil, I take it you didn't actually watch the game then. Robles was excellent, and I don't understand how you blame him for either goal.

Denis, Oviedo played on the left wing, ahead of Galloway at left back. It seems odd as Kenny is seen as a right back, and Galloway as a centre back, but a few of them were shuffled around. The commentators mentioned that Sunderland often do this on purpose if a player is having an easy game in his own position, so maybe experience of playing different positions is part of what the U21s is seen as for. I'd prefer they got experience of playing well and winning.

Having said that, I agree with the poster above who said that they're probably not the most exciting games to play in. It just shows they're not a very reliable guide for who will do well in the first team.

Phil Walling
66 Posted 02/12/2014 at 13:11:18
I must have been watching a skewed clip but good to know Robles looked good at this level, at least!

Roberto's square pegs in round holes philosophy obviously extends to the kids' teams now. He'd have had Unsy as his play-maker!

Harold Matthews
67 Posted 02/12/2014 at 13:03:46
Phil. I didn't say he played a blinder. He kept us in the game first half and played reasonably well. The commentators were pleased with the way he commanded the area and was very vocal. Remember, this lad hardly ever gets a game.

That said, he appears to have lost none of his old habits and Howard's job looks pretty safe.

Gary Jefkins
68 Posted 02/12/2014 at 14:56:03
All of this just proves how much we all know about the current crop of youngsters.

So many people have been saying we should play Browning, Ledson etc... but when they actually watch them they say they are not ready.

Martinez see’s these boys everyday and will know when to bring them in, just trust him to do the right thing and use them when they are ready.

Also we shouldn’t be judging players on 1 game. If we were honest with ourselves most who have commented above will have only seen these players for the first time last night. Everyone has a bad day at the office and lets face it most of them did last night.

Basically lets not right these youngsters off after 1 game and trust Bobby!

Norman Merrill
69 Posted 02/12/2014 at 15:17:27
I don't think you could draw any conclusion, after watching the game versus Sunderland.

I was most interested in Kone & Oviedo, plus the very unlucky McAleny. To see how they shaped up after long lay-offs.

I'm sure we will see them in the first team squad soon, as injuries will start to bite, with the build up of fixtures.

Martin Farrington
70 Posted 02/12/2014 at 15:33:55
I watched the match last night, and we looked out of our depth at times against a very good Sunderland outfit. If they had someone that could strike a ball, we'd have been 4 down by half time (as Ozzie rightly pointed out).

I'm still not impressed with Kone. Was he instructed not to put a shift in? However, he scored and, when he could be bothered, held the ball up well. Dowell got better in the second half, and at 17 is someone to watch. Oviedo took his chance superbly and looked like he's almost there.

However the whole team appeared disjointed. The defence kept insisting turning back towards our own goal to make a pass that wasn't on because Sunderland had pushed up, and hence those lads consistently got into trouble. Our centre was as soft as a marshmallow, and the full backs consistently ball watching were easily dragged out of position when Sunderland attacked. There has to be a Plan B!

On a positive note, we won and the pitch didn't cut up badly.

Sam Hoare
71 Posted 02/12/2014 at 17:19:04
Sounds like our youth teams that are doing well are doing so more through team ethic and a high general standard rather than any particular individuals. Shame, as i'd rather an average youth team with one or two exceptional players than a whole load reaching good level if you know what I mean.

Early days of course but there don't seem to be many Barkleys about let alone Rooneys. Which makes sense I suppose as they are rare talents or at least the latter is, jury is still out on the former but fingers crossed!

Denis Richardson
72 Posted 02/12/2014 at 17:44:35
Thanks Mike (#65), I was wondering given (early days I know) we seem to have 3 decent LBs so if Babyface can play left wing that's a bonus as Pienaar's getting to the end.

After his cameos last year, I'm really looking forward to having a fit Oviedo back.

Colin Glassar
74 Posted 02/12/2014 at 18:16:10
Joel, Galloway and Oviedo were the best players yesterday. The rest were average at best but it's hard to judge on just one game,
Colin Smith
75 Posted 02/12/2014 at 20:52:55
Galloway made a reasonable fist of playing at left back, but don't think he's a natural there. I agree with Martin (#70), Dowell looked to have all the attributes to have a decent future.
Stephen Parris
76 Posted 02/12/2014 at 21:59:42
I watched the game last night and from what I saw Robles looked okay, no more and no less, while the back 4 didn't have the best of nights.

Galloway did reasonably well and looks a good player, although left back certainly didn't look natural for him. Jones did great going forward Coleman style, but was vulnerable defensively, something Coleman himself was once accused of, but if Jones can improve that in the same way Coleman did, then he has promise.

Ledson looked decent 2nd half and looks like he still needs time to develop, so I don't think too much expectation should be placed on him just yet. Kone held the ball up well when it was played into him and took his goal well, while Oviedo was encouraging and looks to be getting closer to a 1st team return and took his goal brilliantly too.

McAleny looked really good on the ball and certainly has ability, so lets hope he can make the move up but time will tell. A decent loan spell could serve him really well at this stage if he is not to step up just yet.

For me though, it was Dowell who looked the most promising player on the pitch having just turned 17. The lad looked really good on the ball and certainly has good potential, so I'll be keen to see how he progresses.

Not the greatest team performance, but at U21 level consistency can be difficult, and the team did well enough to win the game against a lively Sunderland team. Some promising signs, so lets hope a gem or two develop from the pack. Some players of course can take longer than others to develop, so they won't all be a Rooney coming through at such a young age, not many do that early.

Dave Abrahams
77 Posted 03/12/2014 at 14:12:05
Remember and make allowances for the young players in the team: six of them were between 17 and 19 years of age and playing in front of a relatively big crowd at home can be an ordeal for young lads.
Thomas Keeley
78 Posted 03/12/2014 at 15:06:54
I think Kone did a good job. Hopefully he keeps repairing and can help us climb the table towards the end of the season when we may have some tired legs and hamstrings.

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