Everton Under-21s missed the chance to go level at the top of Premier League 2 despite a valiant effort against leaders Arsenal in London.

Cătălin Cîrjan opened the scoring for the hosts after seven minutes before Isaac Price restored parity for the young Blues with his fifth goal of the season.

However, Everton’s celebrations were short-lived as Mauro Bandeira regained the Gunners' lead 10 minutes later and led at the break.

The visitors began the second half well but were handed another blow as Brazil youth international Marquinhos slotted in a third shortly after the break which put the game out of reach for Everton.

Head Coach Paul Tait said there were aspects of the performance to improve on but was left proud by his players' effort to take the game to the unbeaten league leaders.

“I was happy with the performance in terms of what we did with the ball. I felt we had more possession than them,” he told evertonfc.com.

“There were large parts of the game where we dominated and there were some really good performances put in by the boys.

“It’s errors that has cost us goals but the players’ actions in the final third were good enough to get something from the game today.

“I’ve been saying that for a while now - we’ve been scoring goals for fun.

“It just wasn’t to be for us today.”

Tait added it was fine margins that proved the difference.

“We went into Sunday’s match knowing we are capable of going toe-to-toe against a side like Arsenal,” he added.

“Ultimately, the deciding factor is that they’ve been more ruthless in the final third.

“Apart from that, it was fine margins.

“We’re a team that have been playing well this season, creating chances but that third goal straight after half-time changes the game.

“We started that half really well, with some real intent and created good chances.

“Unfortunately, we’ve made a mistake and they’ve punished us.”

One standout despite the defeat was goalscorer Price’s performance, with Tait crediting the maturity and development of the 19-year-old this season.

“I’m delighted with how Isaac has come on.

“He’s adding goals to his game which is terrific.

“He probably had more touches of the ball than anyone else on the pitch today. That’s something we’re looking to continue to develop with him and he’s been improving with every game.”

Focus quickly turns to Wednesday’s Premier League International Cup encounter against Paris Saint-Germain and a debut appearance at Walton Hall Park for Tait's Under-21s.

The competition has brought favourable results for the young Blues and Tait is hoping for more of the same this week.

“We’ll get the boys back in on Monday and begin preparations for another big game.

“We might be without a few who could go away with the First Team but those who are staying are really excited for it.

“It’s our first game at Walton Hall Park so it would be nice to get a decent crowd along.

“With how the lads have played this season – it’s been a shame that we haven’t had more fans down to see it.

“Wednesday is an opportunity for the players to get that experience of playing in front of a great crowd and we can’t wait.”