Match report- Arsenal reserves 1 Tottenham 1
Arsenal reserves were held to a 1-1 draw by Tottenham at Underhill this evening, but in the end they were lucky to escape with a point. Spurs took the lead through Thomas Pekhart on 10 minutes, but it was cancelled out by an Armand Traore strike just before the half-hour mark.
Neil Banfield named a strong side for this fixture and called upon the first-team experience of Johan Djourou, Armand Traore and ‘keeper Lukasz Fabianski. With the under-18s in action against Millwall tomorrow, only four substitutes were named on the bench.
——————-Fabianski————–
–Rodgers—-Nordtveit (c)———-Djourou—–G.Hoyte
–Barazite—-Dunne—————Ogogo——Traore
————Fonte—————-Sunu————
subs: Cruise (for Fonte, 57), Watt (for Sunu, 57), Steer (for G.Hoyte, 67). Not used: Mannone
Spurs included first-teamers of their own in full-backs Gilberto and Chris Gunther. However, Adel Taarabt pulled out just before kick-off and was replaced by John Obika.
——————Forecast———————–
—Gunter——-Archibald-Henville———Dervite——–Gilberto
—Maghoma—-Livermore—————-Rose———–Obika
—————-Pekhart—————-Dawkins————
subs: Hutton (for Obika, 70), Mtandari (for Dawkins, 88). Not used: Smith, Hughton, Butcher.
The opening stages of the game were typical of a North London Derby, with both sides enjoying lots of possession without really creating any clear-cut chances.
On 7 minutes, Arsenal won a free-kick after a foul on Nacer Barazite, it was taken short and the ball eventually found its way to Armand Traore, but there was no-one there to meet his cross. Arsenal looked like they were beginning to settle, but then disaster struck. A quick breakaway occurred for Spurs and the ball found its way to Jacques Maghoma who cut inside Gavin Hoyte and threaded it through to the on-rushing Pekhart who slotted it home. It was a shock to the Arsenal fans and players alike.
Arsenal were determined to make amends. First they won a couple of corners with no real end product and then Traore found Rui Fonte who positioned himself well but hit a weak shot in the direction of Forecast. Forecast had to be alert to deny Gilles Sunu moments later, and the French u-17 striker came close but the ‘keeper was equal to it.
On 20 minutes, Nacer Barazite hit a powerful shot but once again Forecast was equal to it. Arsenal were beginning to wonder if they’d ever score. Then, they did. Armand Traore found himself in space and, such was his confidence, decided to shoot and hit the back of the net with an unstoppable shot. It was his third Reserve goal of the season, all three of which have been absolute screamers.
Tottenham weren’t disheartened and set off in search of a second. John Obika hit a poor effort and moments later he was through on goal again, but this time he was denied by an inch-perfect tackle from Paul Rodgers. There was one minute of added time but both sides went into the break on level terms.
Half time- Arsenal 1 Tottenham Hotspur 1
The second half was a much more lively affair, but the Underhill crowd were becoming frustrated at the lack of willingness to shoot from the Gunners, in a style reminisent of the first-team last season. Traore had a poor shot which went wide and then Maghoma had a chance at the other end but hit his effort straight at Fabianski.
On 55 minutes, Maghoma went down in the area after being brought down by Gavin Hoyte. However, the claims for a penalty were turned down by referee Andy Halliday. In a means of retalliation, Hoyte was fouled moments later by Tottenham goalscorer Pekhart.
Tottenham were gaining more confidence with every passing minute and Arsenal were lucky not to go behind. First Fabianski did well to tip a shot away and then Djourou cleared the ball off the line.
Neil Banfield attempted to freshen things up by bringing on Thomas Cruise and Sanchez Watt in place of Rui Fonte and Gilles Sunu.
Tottenham continued to press and right-back Chris Gunther had his cross met by Fabianski.
On 67 minutes, Arsenal made their final substitution, replacing Gavin Hoyte with Rene Steer.
Fabianski was forced into action again and made a decent save from Pekhart. Then, with the clock ticking down, Spurs had a chance to win the match when they were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area. It was not particularly well struck but still managed to force a corner out of Fabianski. The resulting ball in created no such problems.
Danny Rose attempted to make a name for himself with a last-minute dash into the box in stoppage time, but Havard Nordtveit was cool under pressure and made an excellent tackle.
Three minutes of extra-time were played and then Mr.Halliday blew his whistle. The Underhill crowd of 1,928 had witnessed an interesting game, not exactly easy on the eye, but some good football played nonetheless.
Full time- Arsenal 1 Tottenham Hotspur 1
Banfield’s side face Derby at home next week and have now stretched their unbeaten run to four games.
PLAYER RATINGS
Lukasz Fabianski-7- Some crucial saves but took some chances with his footwork.
Paul Rodgers-6- Solid in the tackle.
Havard Nordtveit-6-Turned a few times but there when needed.
Johan Djourou-6- Calm and composed as ever.
Gavin Hoyte-6- Adapted well to his new position.
Nacer Barazite-6- Flashes of brilliance but not much end product.
James Dunne-5- Nowhere near as good as he was against Chelsea
Abu Ogogo-5- A quiet game, but neat and tidy display.
Armand Traore-8- JEORGE BIRD’S MAN OF THE MATCH
Arsenal’s most direct player, made darting runs and capped it all off with a stunning strike.
Rui Fonte-5- Should have done better with some of his chances.
Gilles Sunu-5- Worked hard but lack of opportunities.
SUBS
Thomas Cruise-5- Good tackling and decent passing
Sanchez Watt-5-Couldn’t influence the game
Rene Steer-4- Poor display
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