Liverpool U18 2-3 Arsenal U18: Steven Gerrard's managerial debut at Anfield ends in defeat after five-goal thriller

  • Steven Gerrard managed his first game at Anfield on Saturday afternoon
  • But Liverpool Under 18s have been sent crashing out of the FA Youth Cup
  • Tyreece John-Jules netted in extra-time to send Arsenal into the fifth round

Steven Gerrard's Anfield debut in the managerial dugout ended in defeat as Arsenal claimed an extra-time victory in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup.

The Gunners edged a five-goal thriller thanks to Tyreece John-Jules' strike after Curtis Jones' brace looked to have won the game in normal time for Gerrard's side.

But a late equaliser from Bukayo Sako kept the tie alive and allowed Arsenal to secure their passage into the fifth round.

Liverpool U18 manager Steven Gerrard addresses his players at Anfield on Saturday

Liverpool U18 manager Steven Gerrard addresses his players at Anfield on Saturday

Bukayo Saka celebrates his late equaliser in normal time to sent the tie into extra time

Bukayo Saka celebrates his late equaliser in normal time to sent the tie into extra time

The Gunners took a 16th minute lead through Robbie Burton thanks to a deflected strike.


But the visitors were pegged back just before half-time as Curtis Jones kept his cool to side foot the ball home.

The turnaround was complete when Jones doubled his account four minutes after the break with a deflected shot that left the goalkeeper stranded.

Robbie Burton is mobbed by his Arsenal team-mates after opening the scoring at Anfield

Robbie Burton is mobbed by his Arsenal team-mates after opening the scoring at Anfield

But the game was taken to extra time when Bukayo Sako fired into the roof of the net five minutes from full time.

Arsenal clawed their way back in front seven minutes into extra time when Tyreece John-Jules bundled home Saka's cross from close range.

The Reds had chances to level once more and take the tie to a penalty shootout, with Yasser Larouci missing a late gild-edged chance.