Liverpool Under-18 boss Neil Critchley has conceded that it was “tough to take” for his side as they were dumped out of the quarter-final stages of the FA Youth Cup after losing 2-1 to Arsenal, but admits the Gunners have top talents at their disposal.
The Reds, who edged out Nottingham Forest 1-0 in the previous round of the competition last month, managed to keep the Gunners at Bay in the first half of the contest at the Emirates Stadium.
However, the hosts did manage to break the deadlock after the break when Stephy Mavididi found the back of the net in the 51st minute.
Although Liverpool scored an equaliser just three minutes later through Conor Masterson, Arsenal had the last laugh as Kaylen Hinds struck the winner shortly afterwards.
And Critchley, who insisted that his charges gave their all to win the match, felt it was “good game” between "two good teams.”
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“To get knocked out of the quarter-finals is tough to take”, he told LFC TV after the game.
“The boys gave everything, the second half showing was much better than the first half. Disappointed with the goals we conceded.
“We were hoping to create a clear chance to take towards the end, we couldn’t do that.
“We played against a top team tonight, Arsenal have got some terrific players.
“I thought it was a good game between two good teams.”
Liverpool Under-18s, who currently find themselves bottom in the Premier Academy League, are next scheduled to play West Ham United in the league a week later.
