Tottenham Hotspur’s Academy side impressively lifted both the PL2 league and play-off trophy last season, silverware that symbolised the club currently had the best academy side in the country – although loan moves for many of that team have led to a slow start to Spurs’ championship defence.
Tottenham U21’s fall to defeat to Leeds United
Wayne Burnett made four changes to his side that lost out to Exeter City in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy on Tuesday, with the majority of the alterations being in defence.
Academy stars who remain between the fringes of the first team and the U21’s, Luca Gunter, Will Lankshear, and Mikey Moore, were all absent from Burnett’s selection although the latter two were spotted watching on at Hotspur Way, presumably after their training session with Yusuf Amhamrich ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester United.
Tottenham’s new look defence was quickly taken advantage of with a mix-up in defence allowing Leeds United to find striker, Luca Thomas, who was left unmarked after a large share of the Spurs’ defence were drawn into trying to extinguish the fire that some lackadaisical passing had gotten them into.
Thomas’ strike handed the visitors a lead in just two minutes, although, Spurs managed to grasp a foothold following the early setback with Yusuf Akhamarich in particular finding joy down the left wing.
Leeds proved the more clinical of the two teams again however, as Tottenham found themselves open in transition with Leeds swiftly breaking through the Spurs’ defence before firing a wicked cross low along the box that was tapped home by Luca Thomas yet again, securing the 20-year-old’s first-half brace.
Despite having plenty of chances and narrow misses, Tottenham headed into the Hotspur Way changing rooms at half-time two goals down, although it was Alfie Dorrington’s injury that was the biggest cause for concern for the academy.
Dorrington, who has only shortly returned from injury, did stay down late in the half after a heavy challenge and failed to emerge with Maeson King replacing the 19-year-old centre-back.
Despite his young age, Dorrington’s maturity and leadership on the pitch for Spurs is notable, with the defender’s sudden absence leaving Tottenham with only a single central defender on the pitch.
Although Wayne Burnett’s side reflected the senior side’s ethos of the best form of defence being attack, much like Postecoglou’s men, a corner undone Tottenham’s hard work in the half.
Tottenham U21’s face their Arsenal counterparts next
Scotland U21 international, Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen, rose highest in the Spurs box and nodded in a goal that diminished any chances of an impressive Tottenham comeback, making it 3-0 with just a quarter of an hour left to play.
Although Tyrese Hall and Jaden Williams continually combined, without the focal point of Will Lankshear, Spurs failed to trouble Harry Christy in the Leeds United goal.
Tottenham’s U21’s will take on Arsenal at Meadow Park next weekend with Wayne Burnett having just a week to try and gel what is a very new crop of young players who are currently, understandably, struggling after the loss of Donley, Lankshear and Abbott – all of which who were key to the Lilywhite’s success last campaign.
Final Score: Tottenham U21’s 0-3 Leeds United U21’s