West Ham United U21s 1-1 Olympique Lyonnais U21s
Premier League International Cup, Chigwell Construction Stadium, Tuesday 28 November 2023
West Ham United U21s left it very late to claim a deserved share of the spoils in their 1-1 Premier League International Cup draw with Olympique Lyonnais U21s.
The French side thought they had secured all three points in east London thanks to Romain Perret’s penalty, which the striker confidently dispatched on 88 minutes.
Going behind so late seemed harsh on Steve Potts’ Irons, who had more than played their part in a well-contested contest at Chigwell Construction Stadium, but the hosts would get their reward in the final minute of added time.
Kaelan Casey’s header fell kindly into the path of midfielder George Earthy, who sweetly struck on the half-volley to level the game in the closing exchanges.
The Hammers and Lyon sat in first and second spot, respectively, in Group B heading into Tuesday’s fixture, and it was the French youngsters who enjoyed the best of the opening exchanges in east London.
Moussa Kante struck the near post with a low effort from a narrow angle, before Luizao was forced to gallantly clear the follow-up off the line.
More good work from Chesters led to another West Ham chance, with Gideon Kodua lashing a strike on target, before Marshall had the best chance of the first half for the home side. The No9’s sliding attempt was expertly stopped by Pereira.
Having grown into the first half, the Hammers sought to make their pressure count in the second with quick combination play. Dan Chesters and Gideon Kodua linked up well, only for the latter to send a first-time shot over the bar.
The two teams exchanged opportunities as El Djebali and Djibrail Dib tested Joseph Anang in the West Ham goal, while Marshall forced Pereira into two excellent saves, including one fantastic, reactive stop.
It seemed, for all of West Ham’s hard work, the points would be heading back to France with Lyon when a penalty was awarded to the visitors; Junior Robison being adjudged to have fouled Dib in the area.
Forward Perret took the resulting spot-kick, confidently dinking the ball down the middle to give Lyon the lead.
Desperate to secure a point, West Ham went on the offensive but thought their best chance had slipped by when Kodua fired a well-taken volley agonisingly wide three minutes into the five added on.
But there was still time for a final twist, and a merited one for the hosts, when a long free-kick was turned back into the danger area by centre-back Casey. Earthy shaped himself and caught the ball terrifically, finding the bottom corner with seconds to spare.
The point keeps the Hammers top of the group with three games played, with a final group stage match to come against Dinamo Zagreb in January.
West Ham United U21s: Anang, Chesters (Robinson 70), Laing, Casey ©, Luizao, Scarles, Orford, Kelly (Moore 90), Earthy, Kodua, Marshall
Subs not used: Terry, Clayton, Tarima, Fawunmi, Rigge
Goals: Earthy 90+5,
Booked: Luizao, Marshall, Scarles
Earthy impressed with Hammers’ resilience
George Earthy was delighted to make his mark once more.
His late strike grabbed the headlines but the No10 was quick to praise the all-round performance of his teammates.
The U21s kept fighting and deservedly stole a point in additional time.
"Lyon were really hard to break down all game," Earthy stated, "but to score late on is really pleasing for the boys to keep this unbeaten run going.
"I am buzzing to score. I am really pleased to keep getting goals and assists and to keep contributing."
For Earthy, the Hammers mindset was really important. Trailing as the clock ticked past 90 minutes, West Ham kept going and got their reward.
He added: "I think a lot of the boys never gave up last year with the U18s and you saw that fight in the FA Youth Cup final last year. We never gave up and we always had that want to win and the desire to win.
"We have carried that through to the U21s - and we are buzzing to get a point tonight. On a personal level, I can still do more, score more, get more assists for the team.
"So, for me, it is just about continuing to build on that."
Potts praise high levels from both sides in 'proper' test
Steve Potts applauded the character of his side to remain top of their Premier League International Cup group.
The U21s efforts were clear late on with Callum Marshall and Gideon Kodua going close, before Earthy found the net.
A point was a just reward for another impressive showing though, according to the U21s lead coach.
“That character is always there,” Potts stated, on the U21s showing against Lyon. “The group train hard and has a great work-ethic too. We weren’t totally dominant, but I thought we edged it and had to really do everything.
“I think we deserved something out of it but the match felt like a proper game of football. It was a real stern test and we had to stand up to them on a physical level too.”
Potts praised the quality of the visitors and admitted he was pleased to see such a high level of youth football on show.
The Hammers stood tall against their opponents. They scrapped. They showed quality. And in the end, they stretched an unbeaten run to 13 games.
Potts said: “Nothing surprised me in the game because, as expected, Lyon were well-organised, a tough unit to break down, and physically very strong too.
“Going forward, they had a real edge in attack, so we knew it would be a test in defence.
"But overall, I think we created more chances and tested their goalkeeper more often. It would have been a bit of an injustice if we hadn't got anything from the game."
Up Next
The development team face a quick turnaround as Nottingham Forest make the trip to Rush Green Stadium on Friday 1 December 2023.
Kick-off for the Premier League 2 fixture is set for 7pm GMT.
