Chelsea U21s 0-0 Spurs - Ugo's verdict

Ugo Ehiogu praised the central midfield pairing of Luke Amos and Harry Winks after Monday’s goalless draw with Chelsea in the Barclays Under-21 Premier League.

Both sides went close to winning the game at Wheatsheaf Park – home of Staines Town Football Club – with Daniel Akindayini denied by Blues goalkeeper Mitchell Beeney before Luke McGee pulled off a fine double save in stoppage time.

Midfielder Amos, on his first start at that level, then came up with a crucial goal-line clearance from the subsequent corner – with Under-21s Coach Ugo full of praise for the youngster.

“Performance-wise, I thought we were very good and additionally I felt we were excellent in central midfield,” he said.

“Luke Amos was outstanding for someone making his full Under-21s debut. Under pressure, he was a vital cog in midfield and a real presence along with Harry Winks.

“Cameron Carter-Vickers at the back has set his standard and we know how good he can be. I thought he was much better stepping out with the ball today, more vocal as well – all the things we’ve asked for.

“At the end everyone was saluting Luke McGee for his double save as well. That’s something that is part of the game and we’ve got to be mindful of. On reflection we could have won the game but it would have been devastating to have lost it right at the last moment.”

Reflecting on the contest as a whole, Ugo added: “We didn’t take our chances and that’s the difference the higher up we go.

“When you get a performance like that, the only thing that’s missing is the hardest part of the game which is putting the ball away and on another day we could have come out with a 1-0 or 2-0 win.

“That said, I was really pleased with a lot of aspects of the performance and, on reflection, I think progress has been made.”