Michael Forbes believes there are lessons to be learned from West Ham United U21s’ 3-2 defeat to Arsenal U21s.
The Irons went a goal up at Rush Green Stadium against the Gunners on Friday evening, courtesy of Kamarai Swyer’s well-taken finish, but immediately conceded a leveller to the visitors through Marquinhos.
The Arsenal winger added his second before half-time while James Olayinka scored on 55 minutes to give the visitors a 3-1 advantage. While Mipo Odubeko netted his second in as many games, it was not enough for the Hammers to get back into the fixture.
Forbes told whufc.com: “Arsenal are a very strong team and it was tough at times, particularly when they were running in behind. They were hard to play against but, to be fair, I think we were lacking a little bit of quality.
“There were probably the better team on the night but we were lacking a bit on the ball and we weren’t able to stop them. We could have done better, but they were the better team.
“Kam scored his goal so well but then within two minutes, their very next attack, they come and hit one back on us. It’s disheartening and tough to take because then, as players, you have to get going again.
“It was a good lesson for us in that we need to switch on after we’ve scored and keep it tight for ten minutes. I think, if we don’t concede that goal like that, it becomes a different game.”
The Northern Ireland youngster could take heart from the side’s efforts to get back into the game, particularly in the pressure they placed on Arsenal in the second half.
“At the end of the day, we were 3-1 down and we had to keep fighting. We got one back and had some hope but it was always going to be tough just because of how well they pass the ball.
“We tried to press them in the second half and it worked at times, but it’s tough to keep it going. It was good to see the boys digging in though.”
Forbes’ start on Friday represents his first competitive outing of the season and the 18-year-old relished the opportunity to play 90 minutes for Mark Robson’s side.
“Personally, it was really good to be back out on the pitch again,” he added. “I’ve not played a game in a couple of weeks and it was nice to be back in there and be involved.
“We just need to regroup after this and go again next week because the first two games of the season have not been good enough from us. We need to put that right next week.”
