Arsenal’s Reserves returned to action this evening hoping to give some cheer to many down heartened Gooners with a victory over Fulham. Underhill has proved a mixed bag of fortunes this campaign, but the visitors were missing several of the first team members at their disposal, setting up an even encounter.
Mark Randall, Sanchez Watt, Conor Henderson and Jack Wilshere all missed out through injury, but Henri Lansbury returned from suspension to start in his preferred central midfield role.
Mannone
G.Hoyte – Rodgers – Ayling – Ogogo
Bischoff – Coquelin – Lansbury – Mérida
Simpson – Fonte
Subs -Szczesny – Steer – Thomas – Frimpong – Sunu
Match Report – Arsenal 2-0 Fulham
A nasty rain soaked Underhill pitch awaited both sides ahead of kick off, with an even fixture expected against two equally young sides.
Arsenal began brightly. Mérida and Coquelin exchanged passes in the middle of the park, before good defending snuffed out Simpson’s direct run through the middle.
A physical battle was the theme of the early stages, but in Lansbury, Ayling and Coquelin – the Gunners found themselves quickly on top. Fulham had two free-kick opportunities to try and pin back the hosts, but with poor deliveries, Mannone had little to do.
Bischoff also looked impressive. A tidy jinking run from right to left created space, only ended after Mérida ran into trouble following a 1-2 with the Frenchman. Amaury then played a 35 yard pass into the path of Fonte, but Rui failed to out-muscle Cumber.
Tenacious tackling and willingness to win from Ogogo ended two swift counters from Fulham, yet the game was lacking in any real flow or obvious chances.
Arsenal’s defending was extremely positive to see. Ayling and Hoyte were willing to stand in the way of shots to stop goalscoring chances, and Bischoff and Lansbury were prepared to throw their bodies into the path of the ball to block any crosses.
Up the other end, Mérida’s clever eye picked out Fonte who fought well to win a throw in. The crowd warmed to his attitude, and in turn the 18-year-old nearly gave them something to cheer about. After collecting possession 35 yards out, the Sporting Lisbon loanee smashed a goal bound dipping drive which Stockdale had to scramble just to get finger tips to.
Eventually the fluid football came from the hosts, and Fulham were rocking. Bischoff and Mérida switched flanks and worked a delightful chance for Simpson, the resulting corner saw Fonte’s header flicked off the line by the struggling Joe Anderson.
As the rain poured down, Arsenal stepped it up. Abu Ogogo and Bischoff worked a thrilling move down the left, Lansbury became involved around the edge of the box, he set up Ogogo for the shot, but the former Fulham man could only curl high and wide.
On 39 minutes, finally the opener. The ball pinged out to the edge of the box, where Bischoff gently lobbed the ball over Anderson’s head, before unleashing an unstoppable volley into the roof of the net. A stunning strike and one Amaury seemed to love. Young Guns has always been a firm supporter of the diminutive play-maker, and he is certainly proving many Gooners wrong.
Goal – Amaury Bischoff – (39)
Almost instantly, Fulham hit back after Ayling slipped, Mannone was forced to come racing off his line to deny Danny Hoeson. After some brief pressure, Bischoff’s long ball released Simpson, but up despite being up against two inexperienced centre backs, the ball was poked away – ending a promising attack.
Half Time – Arsenal 1-0 Fulham
A lovely early spell of “keep ball” kept the Gunners ticking over as Fulham tried to settle, before a tug of war in the midfield brought to an end the flowing football.
However, on 55 minutes, the telling strike. Mérida picked out Bischoff on the right, his perfect cross was chested down by Fonte, before he crashed beyond Stockdale from 3 yards.
Goal – Rui Fonte – (55)
Jay Emmanuel Thomas and Gilles Sunu came on with half an hour left, with the latter showing slick heels to out pace Briggs down the wing. Gilou then managed to win a corner, which Rodgers smashed wide from.
A powerful run down the left from that man Sunu brought the next chance, Simpson the recipient, but he shot wide after angling his run. Fulham came crashing back into it, with Mannone having to come to the aid of some terrible defending.
A stunning treble of saves after slack play from Frimpong had the crowd on their feet, until Briggs smashed into the Italian. He recovered, and Arsenal regained their composure.
Fran and Sunu both had shots, as did Bischoff from range, but Banfield was urging his players to ride the pressure and see out the game. With moments to go the fixture became really sloppy, as the damp, cold, miserable conditions took hold.
Arsenal were full of fight, and keen to score more goals, yet not be neglect any defensive duties. Thomas was caught out attacking twice, only poor technique on the end of Liribi’s cross rescued the situation.
Bischoff and Simpson linked for one final chance, but Stockdale managed to tip Jay’s shot off the bar.
It finished 2-0 to the Gunners on the night in a hugely impressive performance. Kudos go to Bischoff for his excellent goal, brilliant assist, and general link up play. Mannone, Fonte and Merida also put in solid 90 minutes.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Fonte well done as well.
Was Bischoff the Man of the MAtch?
Luke Ayling very impressive with his understanding of danger and covering. Which makes me beleive that more of our young defenders need to be sent to Bould for coaching sessions bcuz Ayling has made great strides in improving.
Bischoff also impressed me and in general, the team did more of the ugly side of the game that you need to do to win games
Bischoff was my Man Of The Match, you will have to ask some of the other fans who watched for their opinions.
I THINK BETWEEN MERIDA AND BISCHOFF BUT 60% BISCHOFF
Bischoff was impressive. Simpson held the ball up well and Fonte took his goal with aplomb.
I wouldn’t say the performance was that pleasing in the first period, but a much improved game from the defeat against West Ham.
Quite amazing how quickly it takes for a club to be in a so-called crisis! And if this game lifts any Gooners spirits, then thank fook for that I say!
Go on the Bisch! I always knew he was a class addition to the squad…… erm, yeah right!
Ayling looks a fantastic, albeit low-key, prospect. Could be one to look out for.
they haven’t taken this clip off youtube yet, so….http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNCR_TBNgYs
Oh, and:
‘Banfield – Bischoff will flourish in New Year’.
Too late. ;)
Two great goals by the young guns! Although the weather was nasty they still played very well and fought hard especially in midfield. I was very impressed with Merida’s fierce tackling which I liked very much. Ayling and Hoyte impressed me very much especially in the first half and Ogogo made a great run up the field with him nearly picking out the top corner. Bischoff’s goal was great and very creative and had a very good game overall The cross he made for Fonte’s goal was perfect! Was hoping Jay could bag a goal,very nearly did at the end. Was a well fought match and our senior squad should watch the Reserves more often.
Bischof was impresive and I think he was man of the match. Goal and assist may assure him a place in first team.
OMG so do we not actually own merida we are being loaned him. How is this good is there are contract that says we can sign him if hes any good.
i know bischof will be a good player….just give him time
how did lansbury get on in center mid???…is ramsey still wayy better than him in dat position??
Julius Caesur said this on November 3, 2008 at 10:25 pm
WHO TOLD U HES ON LOAN
You has misunderstood.
Fran Merida is Arsenal’s player.
Rui Fonte is on loan from Sporting Lisbon.
Not Merida, Fonte is supposedly on loan.
Bischoff was excellent as were Ayling, Coquelin, Hoyte and Merida.
The others did well in places, no one had a bad game although Frimpong almost gifted a goal not long after coming on. I expect more from Simpson, he had a bit of a mixed bag but finished stongly.
Banfield said before the game that Randall had groin problem but should be ok for the Carling Cup.
Wilshere and Gibbs were pulled out this mornng as they are on 1st team duty over the coming week.
What was most encouraging was how quickly they closed down Fulham, never letting settle on the ball and if they lost possession were quick to recover- Merida tracked back excellently tonight. It was in you faces but totally fair, something the first team could do now and again.
I don’t know whether that was because it was their last chance to impress before the Wigan game or because they wanted to prove they can play that way.
Either way very pleasing, gives me more confidnece going into the Crlng Cup game knowing these players will hassle them off the ball.
How did henri lansbury do cause i think he needs to be playin in that position on a regular basis and arsenal fans will see why everyone loves the kid. Luke Ayling looks a good talent i thinks hes a better defender than gavin hoyte- i dont rate at all hes just got pace. Well just seen bischoff goal very good reminds me of iniesta the way he moves looks very simlar in technique
I used to think Jay Simpson could make it but i’m not so sure now…He made his u18 debut at 13,so maybe he didn’t live up to expectation. Is amaury Bischoff better than denilson…Is lansbury a gerrard, lampard or cesc
Stephen Hawking is better than Denilson. Lansbury is like Gerrard if you want a comparison.
Jack isnt injured he is in the squad along with Kieran Gibbs for wednesday.
I fink we are gonna see some players playin in the champions league: Fabianski, sagna nordveit djoruo gibbs, wilshere ramsey song diaby bendtner and vela
highly doubt that one john.
AND THE MAN U GAME
great team performance tonight both the goals where top quality and bischoff was awesome tonight but ogogo deserves special praise to he was fantastic going forward and just as good defending.
Lovely to see Wilshere start vs. Fenerbarche. A great performance vs. them got get him into the starting lineup vs. Manchester United. The only way to beat United is to attack them…because if Wenger tries to play it safe like he did vs. Stoke…we’re gonna get thumped royally.
We’ve got to defend by attacking vs. ManU this Saturday. That means…we need an attacking lineup…one that ManU haven’t seen.
Looks like Nortdveit can not play for us till the new year. Neil Bandfield told Arsenal TV that its true his loan has been cut short but he said he will be eligable to play for the reserves again on Jan 1st
We should have built some sort of partnership up with a team from Scotland like Falkirk instead. They played Anthony Stokes in every match.
Frimpong is a arrogant rude mug
So Nortdveit can’t play in the Carling Cup either. Would it not have been better to leave him in Spian, even though he isn’t getting a lot of playing time, he’d get more than he would be now?
Yes well done Ogogo, did well playing at left back, I know how hard it is for a right footed person to play there.
Also with regards to Lansbury he started off in the centre but eventually swapped with Merida and went out wide in fact Lansbury, Merida and Bischoff kept interchanging.
Henri had one rasping effort well saved by the keeper and moved the ball round well, he’s not afraid to get stuck in either.
Anywhere to see video of the goals?
ok keirrison is a free agent!!!n didnt dat arsenal agent say dat the south america striker is going to be free…if ts him then wow,i mean 54 goals in 100 app.BETTER than pato,n he’s 19
COQUELIN IS GONNA BE HUUUUUUUUUUUGE
Does anyone know any websites where I could see the highlights of the game, I missed it. Anyone got any idea, if any of the reserve players will be in the squad to face fernabache as we are short of players
alan ho do you kierrison is free agent???? he has signed for deportivo brasil wiki says…
come on arsenal fans we need to get behinmd the players backs and now we need to support them. we need to stand up and be counted and be that twelth man. whoever is going no matter what the score we show our support
lol dosent anybody rate denilson in here…come on, give him time
arsenal look to sign fabian delph 6 million
but the leeds youngster will be loaned back to them to help them with promotion.
Ayling looked a player and a half last night,But like Rodgers before him,he has no chance of making it to the first team with his pure defender instincts,Without the technic and pace Wenger demands he won’t be pushed on like Hoyte,Cruise and that bloke we got from boltan have been.
Banfield mentioned that nordtveit is back, and that he can’t play for the reserves before january first. But then they removed it from arsenal.com-
fabian delph for 6mill?? does anyone know anything abiut this kid??
So Nordtveit can’t play in the Carling cup until January? OMG…
Alan I’m brazilian and I can tell you that I think Keirrison is better than Pato.It would be great if we sign him.He’s like a little Fernando Torres.
Cant play for the reserves it was stated. Dont know about the first team, but I doubt it.
There is probably some registration in order for reserve games
Young-guns.org. Is it for the better?
Really good performance from the reserves, Merida was extremely impressive and Coquelin was the usual workoholic in midfield. My word that Bischoff goal was amazing! Having seen the match I would say that based on an overall performance Merida was MOTM, however Bischoff’s goal by itself almost wins it.
Bischoff had a good game in general and reserves look fantastic.
J.Sanderson I have to say that is a fantastic report, having seen the, the report i snear perfect well done!
dptaylor
Sanderson,
Do you think its time especially against Fenerbache tomorrow that we give Randall a chance in Midfield, I mean he is willing to put a tackle in and I think with walcott out, we should play a 5 man midfield with Randall holding, with Diaby and Fabregas in front of him and Vela and Nasri supporting Bendtner. Djourou and Toure at the back also. Its time that Wenger gives maybe some fringe players a chance to shine.
Jamie i have read several reports that we will sign the Leeds United central midfielder Fabian Delph for £6 M illion pounds in the january transfer window do you know if there is any truth to this particular story or not?.
Randall could be a great player for us in the middle of the park if he improves his concentration.
Good coverage Jay.
Interesting what you say about Bischoff. Seems to me he is no way a DM, but actually more attacking. That would count him out as one to partner Cesc in that role. I think there may be some truth to the idea that Wenger partnered Cesc with Flamini by accident, and that Diaby was his original choice.
With Flamini now gone, whatever plan Wnger has in mind is clearly not working.
So who do you think should be Cesc’s partner now?
And if Cesc leaves after this season, who would be the best central midfield combo for the first team?
How did Coquelin do? No mention of him in your report….decent player or not? A potential 1st team defensive midfielder or not?
Coquelin has a big chance to be the midfield hardman for us for years.
Merida, Hoyte, Bischoff & Simpson are really impressing me every time I see them play. Bischoff took his goal really well, MOM for me. I hope Wenger is watching them all very closely.
I think Randall is stll injured (although he should be ok for the carling cup)
I agree with you Nacer, Coquelin has a great future. I think he is the only player similar to Flamini we have at the club (possibly Randall as well), give them a good education and expereince and they could be what we’re missing (although we should buy someone experienced in Jan similar to Flamini for the time being).
Just for fun, I reckon the team vs Wigan will be:
Fabianski
Hoyte Song Djourou Gibbs
Wilshere Ramsey Randall Merida
Bendtner Vela
Manonne, Simpson, Lansbury, Coquelin, Fonte, Thomas, Bischoff
Only questions are will Bischoff be ready for an inclusion? Will Bendtner play now that RVP and Adebayor are missing for a few weeks? Can Nordtveit play, it hasn’t been cleared up yet? Wenger said Eduardo will be back in 3 weeks, will he be on the bench? Will there be a shock call-up for another youngster (I think Fonte)?