In a wild match, the Elite Group loses to Everton
They had (many) chances to completely turn the match around. Quickly caught out by Everton at the start of the 3rd round of the Premier League International Cup, the members of the AS Monaco Elite Group ended up losing in England (4-2). Here’s our recap ✍️
FT. #EFCU21's moved top of group C as they continued their unbeaten start in the International Cup tonight – well played, Blues! 👏 pic.twitter.com/F7U4fnNyEw
— Everton Academy (@EvertonAcademy) November 28, 2023
A complicated start to the match
Arranged in 4-2-3-1 at the start of this duel against the U21s from the Liverpool side, Damien Perrinelle’s men were surprised from the start by the opportunism of Sean McAllister, on a chipped ball (1-0, 2′). Yann Lienard was then condemned to repeat the feat shortly thereafter, but kept the hosts at bay (20′ and 25′).
Everton push and double the lead
The Rouge et Blanc regained form, and on a good cross from Lucas Michal, Mamadou Coulibaly saw his header diverted by a fine save from Billy Crellin (29′). Unfortunately they were surprised moments later by a pass from Okoronkwo for the first scorer, McAllister, who scored his double (2-0, 30′). The Elite Group did not give up, however, and on a ball from Jules Béry for Antonin Cartillier, the latter found Madou Coulibaly behind the defence but he missed the target (33′).
Michal takes the initiative
A final run by Lucas Michal on his flank lead to a cross that no one could reach (40′). Unsuccessful, the Monegasques returned with very clear intentions in the second half. The entry of the experienced Mohamed Bamba was good, even if the first chances were for Everton (46′ and 55′). But from the hour mark, the threat became clearer to the English side’s goal.
HT. A strong opening 45 from #EFCU21! 💪 pic.twitter.com/WTIWuoUUra
— Everton Academy (@EvertonAcademy) November 28, 2023
Benama, a goal that gave hope… which was short-lived
After a very lively recovery from Michal (48′), AS Monaco then had a double opportunity from the Michal-Baglieri partnership (69′), before “Mala” Bamba impressed (71′). It was finally the striker who finds the fault with a quickfire strike under the bar, on a beautiful pass from Mayssam Benama (2-1, 74′)!
The match was lively, and with an run from Enzo Baglieri, the passer became a scorer with a nice volley (2-2, 75′)! What a turnaround! Unfortunately, Everton had a corner from which MacKenzie Hunt puts the ball into the back of the net (3-2, 81′). It was a big blow for the Rouge et Blanc, who conceded a final goal on a rapid counter finished by the Toffees’ forward, Francis Okoronkwo (4-2, 84′).
It was terrible for the Monegasques who had the best chances, especially in the second half, but who were punished by English side’s finishing. The Elite Group therefore lost for the second time in this PL Cup, before facing Fulham on January 17 in London.
📋 Match details
Premier League International Cup – Matchday 3
Walton Hall Park – Liverpool
Everton FC 4-2 AS Monaco
Halftime: 2-0
Goals: McAllister (2′, 30′), Hunt (81′) and Okoronkwo (84) for Everton; (74′) and Benama (75′) for AS Monaco
Everton FC: Crellin – Dixon, Astley, Campbell ©, John – Hunt, Metcalfe – Djankpata, McAllister, Dobbin – Okoronkwo
Substitutes: Barrett, Samuels-Smith, Bates, Heath, Beaumont-Clark, Sherif
Manager: Paul Tait
AS Monaco: Lienard – Platret, Valme ©, Béry, Cartillier – Benama, Baranik (Bamba, 46′) – Babaï (Baglieri, 59′), Coulibaly, Michal
Substitutes: Zadi, Kuzmanović, Bamba, Yacoub, Baglieri, Bertolucci
Manager: Damien Perrinelle
