The U21s kicked off their season with an unfortunate loss to West Bromwich Albion yesterday afternoon.
Steve Potts and Terry Westley named a strong side that included Manuel Lanzini and Martin Samuelsen, plus Leo Chambers who returned from an unfortunate 18-month spell on the sidelines. Stephen Hendrie also started, whilst Josh Cullen was made captain.
Nine of the players starting had already made their first team debuts, whilst Tim Brown and Stephen Hendrie were making their competitive U21 debuts. West Brom named a strong side too, with ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Ethan Ross, who played for the Gunners until U16 level, Sebastien Pocognoli and brothers Adil and Samir Nabi starting
The Hammers, lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, kicked off the game with Elliot Lee going close first, forcing Ethan Ross into a good save. The U21s were playing in a rather high-tempo fashion, with the attacking midfield trio of Lanzini, Samuelsen and Djair Parfitt-Williams creating lots of chances for Elliot Lee and causing lots of problems for the West Brom defence.
It took a little bit for the Baggies to respond though, with Adil Nabi curling wide and his brother Samir shooting straight into the hands of Tim Brown. But ultimately, it was the home side to take the lead with Adil Nabi’s free kick beating Brown. Just prior to that Stephen Hendrie almost came close for West Ham with a volley after he hit first time from Parfitt-Williams’ cross, but West Brom defender Jack Fitzwater got in the way to block it.
Josh Cullen and Elliot Lee responded superbly by coming close twice, and Martin Samuelsen had his shot saved but unfortunately it wasn’t enough and Ross was able to save them, tip them over the bar or watch them just go inches wide.
The Hammers started off the second half quite brightly, with Lanzini’s pace causing a few problems for the West Brom defence but Josh Ezewele was their to halt him in his tracks. Elliot Lee ran past two defenders but unfortunately he struck his shot straight into the hands of Ross, and the ex-Arsenal player was also able to save Parfitt-Williams’ shot too, denying the Bermudan from range.
But moments later the Hammers got their long-deserved equaliser, with Elliot Lee powering home a header from Josh Cullen’s corner. Jordan Brown was also brought on in place of Samuelsen has the Hammers switched to a 4-4-2.
And the Hammers still continued to bombard Ethan Ross, with the goalkeeper tipping over Manuel Lanzini’s rasping drive and pushing away Elliot Lee’s low, drilled shot, turning Lanzini’s shot round the post and getting his palms stung by Josh Cullen, before Leo Chambers, who looked absolutely excellent on his return, headed over the bar.
But West Brom were lucky as Kyle Howkins popped up to seal the game for them in the closing minutes. It was fair to say this was quite lucky and the Hammers were undoubtedly the stronger side, but despite the loss they can be very proud of their performance.
West Ham United U21s: Tim Brown, Stephen Hendrie, Leo Chambers, Reece Burke, Kyle Knoyle, Diego Poyet, Josh Cullen, Manuel Lanzini, Martin Samuelsen (Jordan Brown 66), Djair Parfitt-Williams, Elliot Lee
Unused subs: Dan Boness, Emmanuel Onariase, Nathan Mavila, Jahmal Hector-Ingram
