Barradell Credits Under-18s Following Comeback Win At Arsenal
- Leicester City’s Under-18s beat Arsenal 2-1 in U18 Premier League South
- Forward Amani Richards scored both goals for the Foxes on Tuesday
- Coach Adam Barradell shared his thoughts following the victory
- It was the perfect way to bounce back from defeat to Palace, he said
The young Foxes triumphed 2-1 in the capital courtesy of Amani Richards’ second-half brace, as the visitors came from a goal down at Arsenal Training Centre to snatch all three points late on and respond well to defeat at Crystal Palace last time out.
Speaking to LCFC.com following full-time in Shenley, Barradell gave his verdict on a pleasing away performance, which lifts Leicester above the Gunners and into sixth spot in the U18 Premier League South standings.
“It was an excellent performance from the group,” City’s coach beamed. “There was a real desire to defend, especially after the last game against Crystal Palace. We looked at ourselves after that game and we’d let ourselves down with the performance.
“To bounce back straight away in the next fixture, against a tough opponent, was really pleasing. Credit to the boys, we had a really good shape and organisation. The two goals from Amani Richards were really pleasing.
“Amani has been fantastic for us. He’s focused on his development and has continued to perform well at Under-18s level. I’m delighted for him going back to Arsenal and scoring a couple.”
Bradley Ibrahim’s 57th-minute penalty had put the hosts in a commanding position heading into the final quarter of an hour, but Richards’ ninth and 10th league goals of the season turned the game on its head and moved City into the top half of the table for the first time this term.
Barradell explained: “We spoke about that before and at half-time - if we go 1-0 up, or 1-0 down, stick to the process and stick to what we’re doing. The boys did that.
“We changed shape slightly second half and we were more aggressive in our defending higher up the pitch. Josh King came on and had a really good impact. To turn the game around, it was a real positive for the group.
“We’ve got a good group that are focused on their development and they don’t get too carried away if they’re winning or losing. It’s around developing each day and improving as a group. It was really pleasing for them today.
“It’s pleasing to move up in the table. We looked at it at Christmas and wanted to improve our position, so we’ve had a really good focus on doing that, as well as moving boys into the Development Squad and transitioning the Under-16s into the Under-18s.
“It’s been a real positive second half of the season so far. We’ve got five tough games left but if we approach them with the positive mindset and the maturity that they’ve shown today, the boys will be fine.”