Liverpool U23s 3-0 Sunderland: Ings Scores Twice As Reds Seal Fourth Consecutive Win

Danny Ings scored twice as Liverpool U23s made it four wins from as many games with a 3-0 win at home to Sunderland at Prenton Park on Sunday afternoon.

After a frustrating first half, Ings put Michael Beale’s side ahead moments after the interval before the former Burnley striker doubled his tally ten minutes later.

Trent Alexander-Arnold then netted his second goal in consecutive games to seal all three points for the Reds, who move to just one point off leaders Southampton.

Ings was a constant threat throughout the opening period, and the former England youth international went close inside ten minutes, but his shot was well saved by Maksymilian Stryjek.

Alexander-Arnold created a further two chances in the first half, but Stryjek was equal to both of his efforts as the full-back was allowed too much space on the flanks.

The visitors frustrated Liverpool as they kept their opponents at bay, as both Ben Woodburn and Harry Wilson couldn’t capitalise on their early season form.

However, three minutes into the second half, the young Reds’ persistence paid off when a corner wasn’t dealt with and the ball eventually fell to Ings who swept home from seven yards out.

The striker then got his and Liverpool’s second in style as his header from a Pedro Chirivella cross lofted over Stryjek from 12-yards out, similar to Robin Van Persie’s goal for the Netherlands.

The hosts were fully on top, and Kamil Grabara’s only action in the game was pick the ball out of the stands when George Honeyman fired his shot wide of the goal.

Sunderland’s brief appearance in Liverpool’s half was over and the Reds went further in front in the 73^rd minute as Alexander-Arnold powered home a fine finish after another lengthy run.

Michael Beale rotated his squad with Cameron Brannagan, Brooks Lennon and Tom Brewitt all coming on in the closing stages, as Liverpool moved up to third in the Premier League 2 table.

The young Reds will be looking to carry on their momentum when they face Wolfsburg in the Premier League International Cup as they look to make it five wins in a row.

Liverpool U23s: Grabara; Alexander-Arnold, Whelan, Ilori (Brewitt 85’), Randall; Stewart, Chirivella; Wilson, Ejaria (Brannagan 72’), Woodburn (Lennon 76’); Ings.

Sunderland U23s: Stryjek; J Robson, T Robson, E Robson, Ledger; Brady, Honeyman, Beadling, Asoro (Nelson 53’); Maja (Embleton 46’), Greenwood (Molyneux 77’).