The visitors’ high press and physical approach saw a 1-0 lead for City become a 2-1 lead for Everton, but Vicens’ side dug in and levelled against the run of play in first-half stoppage time.
After the break, City dominated and reduced the Toffees to the occasional counter-attack – but the hosts couldn’t find a third goal.
“I was pleased, especially with the second half performance,” said Vicens.
“Everton were really aggressive and smart in the way they were pressing us, but we improved, found ways through and we were able to sustain the pressure in their final third for most of the second period.
“Unfortunately, we weren’t able to finalise the actions, but I’m pleased from what I saw in the first 45 and then how we applied ourselves in the second 45.
“The most important thing for us is how we build up from the back and when we find it tough, we need to be able to change and adapt.”
A few tweaks from the Under 18s boss at the break saw the momentum shift City’s way in the second period, but the visitors dug in and held on until the final whistle.
City’s 20 shots to Everton’s six, tells its own story.
“At the break, we changed one or two things around tactically, to allow more time on the ball for the players we wanted to be in possession more and that allowed us to play through and find a way – and that’s why were much more successful in the second half,” revealed Vicens.
“Then again, it is recognising that when you are up against top class opposition, you’re not going to have many opportunities, so the ones you create, you need to take them – we didn’t, and that’s why we didn’t get the result we wanted.
“When you manage to change the course of the game, what usually happens is the opposition tends to drop deep and sit around their own box – that means you have to be careful and be wary of the counter-attack because you are leaving a lot of space to attack.
“I think we have the talent and though we didn’t win today, I am happy with the way we played and the reaction during the game.”
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