Everton U23s defeated in first Premier League Cup game

U23s currently losing 1-2 to Sheffield United. Dobbin smart goal from corner but otherwise their Number 4 has done an impressive job on him.

Our two conceded from diagonal balls from left and right with Anderson (?) and then Welch caught napping. But Warrington again impressing. Cannon again looks off the pace.

U23s lost 3-1 to Sheffield United tonight. The Blades were really strong – skillful, tenacious, well-organised.

Despite an early Dobbin goal from a corner, he was hardly in this game. Their Number 4 had him in his pocket and Dobbin didn't have much more of a look-in when he moved over to the right.

I can't say that we had a good challenge in on any of their 3 goals: diagonal balls from left (Anderson napping? A good game despite this) and right (Welch napping? A poor game overall). Their third a shot from just inside our box, central.

Disappointed again with Cannon. Slow, poor control, poor anticipation. But very impressed again by Warrington in midfield. A good shift also from McAllister – he gets stuck in physically, as does Hunt.

Thanks for your notes on this one, Brent. Did you see any subs made by The Blues? None mentioned in the official blog.

Still missing at least five 'star' players through injury by my reckoning. Were you able to secure any updates through your surreptitious enquiries from the sidelines?

Michael, no subs made last night, unusually.

Haha, no further updates! I think he was avoiding me!

Can't stress how good Sheffield United were, all over the pitch (and they operate in a lower / weaker division?). Dobbin had a few good moments and chances but really impressed by the way their Zak Brunt dominated Dobbins.

Thanks, Brent. Both youth teams losing 3-1 this weekend in their respective Premier League Cup openers. Must make it that bit tougher for them to progress out of the groups (although I think it's 6 games for each team).

I remain unconvinced about pushing the playing age down and down but we may now not have the players to field older, more experienced sides that might stand a better chance of playing well and winning and playing more games and thereby giving our youngsters more prospects to play, improve, shine, impress, and even win trophies!

Not overly concerned with the results at this level. It's more about development, particularly with the U18s.

Good to hear the feedback on young Warrington Brent. He's caught my eye on the few occasions I've watched him. I suppose the only concern is that he's another that has been locked in the academy bubble since a very young age from what I understand.

Personal view, but I don't always feel that is healthy.

Thanks Brent, much appreciated. Unsworth was quite scathing about the performance of those coming in, which is unlike him, but suggested that they really didn't take their chance. It seems like another disappointing game from Dobbin after his flurry of goals pre season.

Hope Wallasey lad Warrington cracks on and makes it. Don't think we've had one in the first team since Derek Mountfield.

Thanks for the report Brent. Good to hear Warrington and McAllister had a decent game, still only 18 and it sounds like they are holding their own and impressing at U23 level.

An interview with Sean McAllister talking about his background and breaking his leg in a cup final just as he was about to join us.

Everton teenager wanted by Celtic given academy captaincy as progress continues

Early days but, for me, the body language of this team this season tells a story. That's my view but I've watched this level for a long time and there's no shape and no leadership. Playing with no belief and no genuine hope.

Only my view, and I respect all views, but there's no spark this term that stays lit for 94 minutes.

Paul#11, it's great to have a body language expert posting and I'm intrigued. Unlike you I didn't see Fridays game, but I did see the two previous games where the u21/23s won 1-0 each time. Which players in particular where highlighting the body language signs you detected and for my help what were these signs? Ta.

Phil in my view most of the team.

NB I'm not a body language expert, but having watched football at amateur level, to professional level for years you can spot the signs.

Let's see who plays and what happens in the next few games.