Barclays U21 Premier League 2016: Monday Results, Updated Standings and Schedule

Chelsea held a strong Manchester United under-21 lineup containing Phil Jones and Ashley Young to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Monday.

It's a result that means the Red Devils only closed the gap to league leaders Sunderland by one point. The Black Cats are four points clear of second-place United, having played three games more, while the Blues are 13 points back on United with two games in hand.  

Elsewhere, there were some thrilling matches, including an eight-goal thriller between Swansea City and Newcastle United, which the former won 5-3. There was also a win for Everton over Norwich City, pushing them up into fourth place, while local rivals Liverpool were also comfortable winners over Leicester City.

Here’s a look at the updated standings following Monday’s games and a more detailed recap of how the matches panned out in the U21 Premier League. All the scheduled games for the day are complete.

Division 1
Division 2
Manchester United U21	-	Chelsea U21
Norwich City U21	1-2	Everton U21
Leicester City U21	0-2	Liverpool U21
Brighton and Hove Albion U21	0-1	Blackburn Rovers U21
Swansea City U21	5-3	Newcastle United U21
West Bromwich Albion U21	1-0	Aston Villa U21
Fulham U21	0-1	Derby County U21
West Ham United U21	1-0	Stoke City U21

Division 1	Team	MP	W	D	L	F	A	D	P
Division 2	Team	MP	W	D	L	F	A	D	P
1	Sunderland U21	21	13	4	4	37	17	+20	43
2	Manchester United U21	18	12	3	3	38	15	+23	39
3	Manchester City U21	18	8	4	6	30	24	+6	28
4	Everton U21	18	7	6	5	29	26	+3	27
5	Reading U21	21	7	6	8	34	37	-3	27
6	Chelsea U21	16	7	5	4	30	23	+7	26
7	Liverpool U21	20	7	4	9	24	34	-10	25
8	Tottenham Hotspur U21	19	6	6	7	38	37	+1	24
9	Southampton U21	20	6	6	8	34	37	-3	24
10	Leicester City U21	19	5	3	11	21	44	-23	18
11	Middlesbrough U21	19	4	5	10	30	32	-2	17
12	Norwich City U21	19	4	4	11	26	45	-19	16
1	Derby County U21	21	13	3	5	43	24	+19	42
2	Aston Villa U21	20	10	5	5	23	23	+0	35
3	Arsenal U21	18	10	4	4	33	18	+15	34
4	West Ham United U21	21	9	5	7	35	31	+4	32
5	Stoke City U21	21	10	2	9	23	22	+1	32
6	Swansea City U21	19	9	3	7	34	22	+12	30
7	West Bromwich Albion U21	20	7	9	4	21	17	+4	30
8	Blackburn Rovers U21	20	9	3	8	25	30	-5	30
9	Fulham U21	20	7	5	8	23	26	-3	26
10	Newcastle United U21	20	4	6	10	28	41	-13	18
11	Wolverhampton U21	21	2	7	12	20	32	-12	13
12	Brighton and Hove Albion U21	21	1	8	12	13	35	-22	11

Monday Recap

In a battle that could be key in the race for the U21 title, Chelsea took an early advantage at Old Trafford thanks to a brilliant goal from Kasey Palmer.

The young forward put the ball down on the edge of the penalty area with authority before whipping a stunning shot past Sam Johnstone to give his team the lead. Here’s a look at what was a wonderful strike, via BT Sport Football:

A strong United side toiled for much of the first period following that, although after the break, the young Red Devils played with a greater purpose. And it was James Weir who levelled things up for the hosts just after the hour mark.

Weir went close again for United, but chances were at a premium in the final half-hour, with neither side able to get the better of defences that grew in cohesion as the clash went on.

Coach Kevin Sheedy’s young Everton side secured their first win in four games against Norwich City at Carrow Road, with Kieran Dowell netting a fine goal in a 2-1 win.

Jeff Holmes/Getty Images

The midfielder has been the standout player for the Toffees’ U21 side this season, and he lashed home a fierce shot in the first half to put the away side ahead. Everton’s official Twitter feed enjoyed it:

Anthony Evans doubled his team's advantage just before the break, as he reacted quickly to a Harry Charsley shot that hit the post. Jamal Lewis got one back for the Canaries with five minutes to go, although Everton held on to notch a vital win.

Liverpool had to work hard for long spells to get the better of Leicester City but eventually ran out 2-0 winners thanks to second-half goals.

As the Liverpool Echo’s Andy Kelly noted when the Reds did finally open the scoring through Lloyd Jones, it was a long time coming:

Then as the emphasis of the game shifted with the Foxes pushing forward for an equaliser, the visitors got more and more space on the break. It allowed Jerome Sinclair time to make the game safe, finishing well to make it 2-0.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

There were some remarkable games in the second tier too. Aston Villa’s youngsters endured a hugely frustrating evening, as they were beaten 1-0 by local rivals West Bromwich Albion, who finished the game with nine men.

Swansea’s win over Newcastle was the game of the day, though, as the home side ran out 5-3 victors. Kenji Gorre and Owain Jones netted braces for the Swans in a pulsating game, as both sides threw caution to the wind.

There was also a late winner for West Ham in their clash with Stoke City. The Irons’ Twitter feed documented the drama:

It’s a division beginning to heat up. Neither United nor Chelsea will be particularly pleased with a point from their match, although the Red Devils are still in control of the title race. The Blues, while having a lot of games to make up, need to put a big run together if they're to get among the upper echelons of the table now.

For the Red Devils manager Louis van Gaal, Jones and Young featuring will be a big boost as the club continues to cope with its injury issues. United are still in the hunt for the Champions League spots and the FA Cup this term, and experienced players like those two could play a critical role yet.