Young Reds suffer Foxes loss
Harry Wilson netted on his return from suspension but it was a frustrating night for Liverpool U21s as they lost 3-1 away to Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Monday night.
The home side fielded a more experienced team while Michael Beale handed first starts at U21 level to Ovie Ejaria and Sam Hart.
Ryan Kent played his first full 90 minutes since returning from injury while Jerome Sinclair again led the line, as part of his youth loan agreement with Wigan Athletic.
With Tottenham Hotspur to come at White Hart Lane on Friday night, this was a good chance for the young Reds to continue their title charge, but ultimately missed chances proved costly as the Foxes were clinical in attack.
Joe Dodoo fired the home side into an early lead before Tom Lawrence curled home a brilliant effort to make it 2-0 just before the break.
Wilson then pulled a goal back from the penalty spot after he was brought down but Dodoo fired again to make it 3-1.
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There was also some concern for the Reds when Pedro Chirivella left the field on a stretcher with an ankle injury.
Reflecting on the night, Beale told Liverpoolfc.com: "Overall I was pleased with our performance. We had a young team out but we missed some unbelievable chances and when you do that it puts you under pressure at the other end.
"We started really well and missed three or four great chances before Leicester took the lead.
"Harry then got us back into the game and Marc Pelosi had a great opportunity to make it 2-2 when he was clean through.
"Ben Hamer was very good in goal for Leicester, but at the other end we need to deal with the counter-attack better.
"On the plus side Wilson and Kent were excellent for us and it was great to give Sam [Hart] his first start and Tom Brewitt his debut at this level.
"Another positive for the group was seeing Cameron Brannagan on the bench for the first team again and Joe Maguire was also in the matchday squad which is fantastic for him.
"Hopefully Pedro will be okay but we'll have to assess him later in the week."
Liverpool U21s team: Vigouroux, Randall, Hart, Cleary, Chirivella (Brewitt 77), Ejaria (Pelosi 60), Canos (Yesil 70), O'Hanlon, Sinclair, Kent, Wilson.