Arthur made a second successive start for Liverpool under-21s, eventually being replaced by Jay Spearing, in a 1–0 loss to League Two side Rochdale.
Rochdale 1-0 Liverpool U21
EFL Trophy (2), SpotlandSeptember 20, 2022
Goal: Campbell 82′
At his request, Arthur, who has been on loan on deadline day, is spending the international break as part of the Under-21 team, as well as following a personalized training regimen to develop his fitness and sharpness.
After 90 minutes in a 1-0 win over Leicester on Saturday, the Brazilian kept his place as a mixed line-up arrived at Spotland in the EFL Trophy.
With a large group away with his national teams, Barry Lewtas was forced to field players out of position, with midfielders James McConnell and Luca Stephenson in defence, while 16-year-old Lewis Koumas started in attack.
There was a lull in midfield with Arthur and Stefan Bajcetic impressing, but Liverpool understandably struggled for fluidity against physical and senior opposition.
Few opportunities presented themselves to Liverpool before the break, although Bajcetic saw a hopeful effort go wide when he fired from distance.
HT: Rochdale 0-0 Liverpool U21
The Reds looked to take the lead shortly after the break, with Arthur heading just outside the goal and both Bajcetic and Koumas looking to test goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell.
Lewtas’s first changes came after the hour, and were clearly planned, as Arthur and Bajcetic were replaced by player-manager Spearing and 15-year-old Carter Pinnington.
Given that Spearing had not played a competitive match since May and that Pinnington had recently tasted U18 football for the first time, it is little wonder Liverpool were under pressure following the double switch.
They continued to hold on until the 82nd minute, with Tahvon Campbell breaking and hitting Luke Hewitson, before Rochdale had a chance to make it 2-0 from the penalty spot after Oludare Olufunwa brought the striker down.
Summer signing Olufunwa received a second yellow card but Hewitson saved the penalty kick, saving Liverpool any blushes on a night when they could be forgiven for the result.
Liverpool Under-21: Hewitson; McConnell, Olufunwa, Stephenson, Norris; Bajcetic (Pinnington 63′), Arthur (Spearing 63′), Corness; Koumas (Hayes-Green 88′), Blair, Stewart
Unused Subs: Kelly, Gyimah
Next game: Arsenal (H) – Premier League 2 – Saturday 1st October, 2pm (BST)
