Match report: Arsenal reserves 0 Fulham reserves 2

On a bitterly cold night at Underhill, Neil Banfield’s charges returned to competitive action for the first time since early December and it was clear that they were lacking match practice. Kyle Bartley began the game in defence alongside captain Paul Rodgers, whilst Kerrea Gilbert returned at right-back and Sanchez Watt partnered Rui Fonte up front.    It was Fulham who started the brightest and the visitors, containing the first-team experience of both Jimmy Bullard and ‘keeper Tony Warner in their line up created a host of chances. One shot brought a good save out of Vito Mannone, whilst the Cottager’s also struck the post as they attacked the new stand at Underhill.   

       It wasn’t the most enticing thing and, although I find it difficult to put up with the idiots behind me, I stayed to see some good attacking moves by Arsenal. Abu Ogogo added an extra dimension as a right-winger as he bombed forward and came close on a couple of opportunities. He’s a player that doesn’t get many goals, but he does like to push forward. Arsenal battled on until half time in front of the watching Arsene Wenger, who had presumably come to see Lansbury play.     

     By half-time Wenger had had enough and it was good timing too after a mistake from Gilbert, who didn’t really seem up for this game, enabled Ishmael Ehui’s strike to creep past Mannone. It was a shame because Vito had quite a good game in my opinion but he couldn’t do anything here.   

 The search for the equaliser started immediately. Gibbs came close and Ogogo shot just wide. Neil Banfield even tried to turn things around with a triple substitution as Gilles Sunu, Havard Nordtveit and even Wojciech Szcezesny (presumably in preparation for the FA Youth Cup) came on. It didn’t work, however, and after Wayne Brown dispatched past the tall Pole, it was game over. Not the best performance from Neil Banfield’s men but at times it was an enjoyable game of football. 

PLAYER RATINGS: 

Vito Mannone- 7- Some good saves but could have done better with the goal.

Kerrea Gilbert-5- Some good touches but out of sorts and will probably be sold.

Kyle Bartley-6- Not bad considering it was his debut. Looked a little tentative.

Paul Rodgers-7- Calm, confident and hard-working, captain material. 

Rene Steer-6- Didn’t see much of the ball but made some good runs.

Abu Ogogo-7- Made diminutive runs and came close with a shot.

James Dunne-6- Got on the ball and sprayed some decent passes.

Henri Lansbury-7- Worked hard and was committed. Booked.

Kieran Gibbs-6- Played too central in the first half and struggled to break down the defence.

Sanchez Watt-6- Tried hard but should have scored.

Rui Fonte-5- Struggled to form partnership with Watt.

SUBS

Szczesny-6- Let in a goal.

Sunu-5- Did little to change the game.

Nordtveit-5- Found physical aspect of the game hard to cope with. 

Reserves v Fulham: Preview

Arsenal reserves return to action this evening as they take on Fulham at Underhill. Prior to the winter break, the Gunners won two games in a row and will be looking to keep the run going at Underhill tonight. Arsenal beat Fulham 2-1 on the opening day of the season thanks to strikes from Armand Traore and Jay Simpson. The Gunners will be without top scorer Nacer Barazite who is out with a dislocated shoulder, whilst Vincent van den Berg has joined Go Ahead Eagles on loan for the rest of the season. Kerrea Gilbert is back from his frustrating loan spell at Southend, so Ogogo will push into midfield. Kyle Bartley gets his first reserve start and Sanchez Watt is also in the side. There’s a place on the bench for Havard Nordtveit, who has been out since September with injury.

—————-Mannone——————

–Gilbert—Rodgers—-Bartley——Steer

–Ogogo—Lansbury—Dunne——Gibbs

——–Watt————Fonte

subs: Szczesny, Nordtveit, Cruise, Emmanuel-Thomas, Sunu