Daniel De Ridder Scored The Winner [Picture from 9.ttvnol.com]
Arsenal lost 2-1 to Birmingham at St Andrews this evening.
An entertaining first half ended goalless but just five minutes after the break Mikael Forssell put Blues in front.
James Dunne levelled for Arsenal with a stunning long range effort just four minutes later.
But De Ridder won it for Blues with 16 minutes remaining.
Arsenal started the brighter, Sanchez Watt having two chances to give us the lead after good work from Gilles Sunu and despite “The Blues” obvious experience the Reserves held there own, Havard Nordtveit was again impressive.. an error from Doyle gave Rui Fonte a simple Chance to give us the lead, but the Portuguese striker missed, Mark Randall had some poor efforts and we were certainly battling, Half Time 0-0 goals were on the cards.
Shortly after the Restart Birmingham flexed some of there more experienced muscles and our young boys lost concentration.
Forssell’s opener came courtesy of some good fortune when the ball rebounded to him in the area after Gary McSheffrey’s pass had been cut out and the former Chelsea striker made no mistake in his typical predatory style.
But Arsenal dug in, with Martin Taylor marking Fonte and Sunu well James Dunne tried his luck from range and we were level, a stunning goal from James his 2nd of the season and his first Reserves goal this term.
De Ridder was at the heart of the action again when he linked up well with Forssell but the Dutchman’s eventual shot was saved by keeper Vito Mannone. De Ridder then volleyed over after good work from Zarate, but the former Celta Vigo winger would beat the Italian and subsequently win Birmingham the match, with tricks and skills the cut in from the right flank and drilled a low shot beyond Vito.
Arsenal finished the game with ten man when Gavin Hoyte was sent off for a poor tackle on De Ridder. A silly bit of play really and as vice-captain he should lead by example.
The tired Reserves boys never really stood a chance of coming back the impressive Evina had to come off and Blackwood replaced him as Arsenal reworked there defence.
after that but only losing 2-1 to a side full of Premiership experience and away from home shows Banfield has alot to be pleased about, the team were willing to fight back and showed a no fear attitude.
Positives:
Gilles Sunu Linked Up Well
Cedric Evina Made His Debut And Impressed
James Dunne Played Very Well
Vito Made Some Excellent Stops
Goals:
Mikael Forssell
James Dunne
Daniel De Ridder
Sent Off:
Gavin Hoyte
From Blues.Premium.Tv
Article Written By – J.Sanderson