by Manchester City Under-18s defeated Leeds United 6-2 on Saturday in the Under-18s Premier League North, extending their already-remarkable unbeaten home run.
City got back to winning ways in the league after losing at Everton two weeks ago, recording their third home win of the season to give them 10 points from their opening five games.
Ben Wilkinson’s side were dominant in the opening 45 minutes, as goals from Max Alleyne, Joel Ndala and Dan Ogwuru put City firmly in control. The visitors pulled one back just before the interval, but Ogwuru and Ndala both scored again in the second half before Nico O’Reilly smashes home a late effort to round off the scoring.
The win extended City’s unbeaten home league run to 31 matches; the last time City lost an Under-18s Premier League game at the City Football Academy was in November 2019.
Speaking to mancity.com after the game, Wilkinson was full of praise for his youngsters, although he admitted that there are still plenty of things to work on.
“I think we have to be pleased, we played some really good football, we looked a real threat attacking-wise, showed a lot of quality, created a lot of chances, so I think there’s lots of positives to take out of the game.
“But a few bits to work on as well, in terms of making sure we go in at half time at 3-0, not 3-1, we got a bit sloppy the final five minutes of the first half and a little too open in the second half.
“It is typical of what a game against Leeds usually looks like in terms of the way they try and play, it’s never a close compact game with no space it’s the complete opposite, although you don’t always want it as a coach as it’s hard to stop.”
When questioned about the impressive home record, Wilkinson praised the quality of the pitch at the City Football Academy and the squads he has worked with.
“I think it’s a good record we obviously feel comfortable playing here the pitch suits us in terms of quick pitches, we can go and express ourselves and get on the ball, so we know that’s not going to be an issue.
“It’s credit to teams we’ve had over the last three or four years when that record has been in place, we’ve had a couple of good players in that time and built some good teams so it’s pleasing and long may it continue.”
