Season Finale Thrills Beaglehole

The win meant City cemented their spot in the top eight of the U21 Premier League table, and in the process, qualified for next season’s Premier League International Cup. 

“It’s a great way to finish the season,” the Under-21s boss told Foxes Player. “I thought we were exceptional in the first half, going 3-0 up. You get games sometimes where you don’t want half-time to come, and this was one of those games. 

“We said the right things at half-time about the next goal being crucial, and can we be ruthless and keep a clean sheet. I don’t think we played as well in the second half. They were obviously coming out after a telling off and they went up a gear – we had a few tired legs out there. We knew that before the game. 

“I felt that we dropped off a bit in how we’ve started games recently. We weren’t as dominant from the off. We like to make it uncomfortable for the opposition in the first 15 minutes of the game. 

“I thought we’d gone away from that, but we got back on that against West Ham. It shows how important starting the game well is. 

“Even when you’re playing exceptionally well, there’s always going to be a period in the game that goes against you, so if you’ve got a three-goal cushion it gives you a great opportunity to take those bumps and still come out winning the game as we have done today.” 

City exceeded their target of avoiding relegation from the U21 Premier League in a campaign that included wins over 2013/14 champions Chelsea and 2014/15 title-winners Manchester United away from home, as well as recording victories against the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City. 

Coupled with their brilliant league form was their enthralling run in the Premier League International Cup. The Foxes reached the semi-finals, only to be edged out by Man City in extra-time. 

Reflecting on his side’s fine season, Beaglehole added: “Overall, it’s been a fantastic season, and that’s a great way to end it – to beat a big side that are very proactive in recruiting and producing players. 

“To finish at least in the top eight, which means we’ve qualified for the European competition next year, and to obviously be in this league again next season with all the big boys is fantastic.”