'Playing like that, we will win more than we will lose'

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The under-21s suffered their first defat of the Premier League 2 season.

Neil Moxley

2025-09-01T06:00+01:00

Shannon Ruth alongside Mikey Harris on the touchline at Borehamwood. 📷 by James Boardman.

Shannon Ruth reflected on a ‘harsh lesson’ but said he was delighted with the level of consistency his youngsters are showing.

Defeat in the 89th-minute at Arsenal on Friday night was a bitter pill for the head coach to swallow but after three victories in the opening matches, he managed to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

He said, “This was an example of not getting what you deserve. And football can do that, can’t it? It can teach you a harsh lesson sometimes. However, I was pleased with the players’ intentions and their efforts.

“Arsenal were very good early on and we rode that really well. We got stronger as the game went on.

Shannon Ruth felt his side deserved at least a point. 📷 by James Boardman.

“To be honest, I’d have been disappointed with a point given the performance level. And I’ve just told the lads: ‘If you play like that, you’ll win more games than you lose.’ I couldn’t have asked any more from them.”

Albion’s youngsters had restricted Arsenal to next to nothing going forward until Sebastian Ferdinand found a way through in the dying moments.

Ruth added, “There were a lot of young boys on the pitch and what pleased me was the level of consistency we are showing. That’s our fourth game. We started well at Aldershot, continued it against West Brom, then at Blackburn and they continued it here.

“With young players sometimes they can be in a good moment and get carried away but this group are being the best they can be in every game.”