After comfortably disposing Fulham in their opening game Arsenal reserves carried on their clinical momentum against Birmingham scoring four goals and perhaps just as rewarding keeping another clean sheet despite the presence of experienced duo Kevin Phillips and Gary McSheffrey.
A strong Arsenal side were able to recall Merida, Traore and Randall to the starting eleven.
In the early exchanges Birmingham mustered up some half chances, but soon Arsenal firmly established themselves on the game and began passing the ball with real conviction. Arsenals first chance dropped to Randall after a delightful ball from Merida, however Randall could only send the ball over the hosts crossbar. Only two minutes later and Merida was in the thick of action again this time putting Eastmond through in an unfamiliar position but perhaps due to lack of goalmouth experience sent his left footed drive inches wide.
For Merida though it was third time lucky in the 33rd minute as he placed a delightful pass between the two Birmingham defenders in to the path of Sanchez Watt who coolly slotted the ball past the Birmingham keeper Colin Doyle.
Merely five minutes later and Arsenal doubled their lead. After a neat one two, Traore was able to burst down the left and then unselfishly pass to the oncoming Eastmond who had arrived on the edge of the Birmingham box. Eastmond confidently side footed the ball in to the Birmingham net despite the presence of two defenders on the goal line.
Arsenal essentially put the game to bed four minutes later when the excellent Coquelin played a splendid through ball to Sunu who was able to take full advantage of the stranded keeper and glide the ball past him at the far post.
Birminghams best chance of the half came in first half stoppage time when the veteran Kevin Phillips knocked the ball on for Ashley Sammons who could only fire over from 10 yards.
Arsenal began the second half as they had ended the first. Giles Sunu who was clearly enjoying himself, latched on to a wonderful cross field pass from the ever composed Bartley. Sunu was then able to reach the by line and dink an inviting cross for Watt who finished the move off by heading the ball in to the back of the net. Game over.
Watt could have had a hat-trick in the 65th minute when he fired at the Birmingham goal, but Doyle showed safe hands and held the ball to his chest.
Luke Freeman was brought on with twenty minutes to go and nearly made it five, however his shot went narrowly wide. Shortly afterwards Traore had to limp off and leave Arsenal with only ten men due to the maximum substitutions being used.
Birmingham could of nicked a consolation at the end when substitute Josh Hawker headed over from close range, but in truth it was Arsenal that could of added one or two more and a 4-1 defeat would of flattered the Brummies.
Article By – Nick Love