Match report: Arsenal reserves 5 Derby County 1

Arsenal reserves overcame Derby County with a 5-1 victory at Underhill this evening.

A first-half strike from Nacer Barazite, added to a Rhys Murphy brace and further finishes from Gilles Sunu and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas gave the Gunners the win. Derby scored a penalty through Anthony Robertson, but it was nothing but a mere consolation.

Neil Banfield rotated his squad and included first-teamers Justin Hoyte, Lukasz Fabianski, Johan Djourou and Armand Traore. Denilson also made his much anticipated comeback after picking up an injury against Colorado Rapids last month.

——————–Fabianski—————–

–J.Hoyte—-Nordtveit (c)———-Djourou—–Rodgers

–Ogogo—-Dunne—————Denilson—-Traore

———–Sunu—————-Barazite———

subs: Mannone, Steer, Wilshere, Thomas, Murphy.

Derby:

—————-Hinchcliffe——————

–Keane——Dudley————Johnson—–Beardsley

–Mills——Booth————–Garton——Connolly

————Ojama————-Robertson———-

subs: Severn, Cole, Taylor, Tonks, Wright.

The game got off to a slow and scrappy start, with a couple of reckless challenges being made and Arsenal happy to keep playing the passing game that is synonymous to the club.

The Gunners had a couple of half-chances cleared early on, with Armand Traore having the ball smothered by Derby ‘keeper Ben Hinchcliffe before he could unleash a strike.

Next, Denilson played a lofted through ball to Sunu, but the Frenchman rushed his shot. Nonetheless, the ball went out for a corner, it fell to Hoyte who unleashed a shot but couldn’t hit it past the crowd of Derby players in his way.

It looked like being that kind of night for Arsenal, lots of chances but no goals to show for it. Gilles Sunu came close on 24 minutes but saw his shot deflected wide.

Derby had a couple of chances and forced the Polish stopper into action. However, it was nothing Fabianski couldn’t handle and the Gunners were soon on the front foot again.

Justin Hoyte hit a cross into the box which James Dunne headed over, but moments later the goal finally came.

Dutchman Nacer Barazite skipped past a couple of defenders before slotting the ball past a hapless Hinchcliffe for his 6th reserve goal of the season. The lead was just about deserved.

At this point, with the Gunners 1-0 up, Neil Banfield took the opportunity to withdraw right-back Justin Hoyte, who was clearly exhausted having come on as a substitute against Manchester United yesterday. He was replaced by Jack Wilshere. Finally a chance for the Underhill faithful to see this much talked about prospect in action, and he didn’t dissapoint.

With Wilshere’s arrival, Abu Ogogo switched to right-back, with the Gunners lining up as follows:

————————Fabianski—————–

–Ogogo—-Nordtveit———–Djourou——-Rodgers

–Wilshere–Dunne————–Denilson——Traore

———-Sunu—————Barazite————–

Arsenal had a couple more opportunities before the break, with Paul Rodgers crossing for Denilson who had his shot well saved. Then the Brazilian struck a free-kick, but it was straight at Hinchcliffe who collided with team-mate Jermaine Johnson. Thankfully, they were both fit to continue.

With that, Mr Stewart blew his half-time whistle, with the Gunners a goal to the good. At this point, they were probably dissapointed that they hadn’t scored more.

Half time- Arsenal 1 Derby County 0

In the second half, Arsenal burst out of the traps. Denilson had a free-kick tipped over the bar, then Sunu came close with a darting header which was saved.

Sunu then turned provider for Armand Traore, but the former Monaco man scuffed his shot.

Ten minutes into the second half, Denilson was replaced by Jay Thomas. The Brazilian had put in a decent shift and recieved a round of applause from the Arsenal fans in the main stand.

It was full-on action from here in. First Gilles Sunu was denied a blatant penalty after being pushed in the area, then Jay Thomas blasted a powerful strike over the bar.

At the other end, Abu Ogogo had to be alert to deny Anthony Robertson, and made sure the chance petered out.

Then came the moment we’ve all been waiting for, Gilles Sunu’s first Arsenal goal. The Frenhcman produced a neat turn and finish after good work from his compatriot Traore. There was those who doubted him, but I told you the goals would come sooner rather than later.

There were a couple of other moments of interest, with Traore’s shot hitting off the impressive Wilshere and then Abu Ogogo was booked for a late challenge.

Rhys Murphy was introduced for Barazite on 71 minutes, and it would be a game for the England u-18 international to remember.

The say the last ten minutes were a goal fest would be an understatement.

First, Abu Ogogo handled the ball in the area and conceded a penalty. Up stepped Robertson who hit it straight down the middle, leaving Fabianski helpless after the Pole had opted to dive left.

Just two minutes later, Arsenal restored their two goal advantage. Wilshere played a delightful ball in for Murphy to head home. 3-1 Arsenal and job done.

However, the Gunners continued to press and were determined to put the result beyond doubt. Traore hit a shot just wide, and then Arsenal went 4-1 ahead.

In typical fashion, Jay Thomas went on a rampaging run past the Derby defence before slotting home with ease. He scored a similar goal for the under-18s against MK Dons just over a week ago.

There were three additional minutes and Derby seemed to have given up altogether.

Johan Djourou was allowed the freedom to march into the Rams’ penalty area and had his shot saved, before Murphy fired home to make it five.

James Dunne crashed a shot against the bar in stoppage time, but by then the game was well and truly over.

The scoreline flattered Arsenal a little bit and they can expect a tougher test when West Ham visit Underhill next week for the final home game of the season.

PLAYER RATINGS

Lukasz Fabianski-6- Some decent saves but helpless for the penalty.

Justin Hoyte-5- You could tell that he didn’t really want to be there.

Havard Nordtveit-7- Another composed performance.

Johan Djourou-6- Worked hard and could have scored at the end.

Paul Rodgers-6- Did well in the unusual position of left-back.

Abu Ogogo-6- Some good runs marred by mis-timed tackles.

James Dunne-6- Has to learn to keep his temper in check but worked hard.

Denilson-7- Too good for the reserves but not yet match-fit.

Armand Traore-7- Another decent shift, but needs better end product.

Gilles Sunu-8- Worked his socks off and finally got a goal.

Nacer Barazite-7- Not his usual self but still got on the scoresheet.

SUBS

Jack Wilshere-8- JEORGE BIRD’S MAN OF THE MATCH

It’s not often a substitute wins the man of the match award, but I’ll make an exception here. Jack completely changed the game when he came on, creating chances and showing great technical ability. Still inexperienced, but definitely a player worth looking out for .

Jay Thomas-7- Another sensational display

Rhys Murphy-8- Two goals and he has rediscovered his form from last season.