Eduardo suffers minor setback as Reserves beat Porstmouth 2-0

Croatian striker Eduardo played his first competitive game for 10 months as Arsenal Reserves beat their Portsmouth counterparts 2-0 at Underhill last night thanks to second-half goals from Mark Randall and Kieran Gibbs.

Eduardo was named in the starting line-up for this clash but there was some initial fear when the Croatian didn’t step off the team bus with his colleagues. However, when he eventually did emerge on to the pitch he received a rousing reception from a large Underhill crowd.

Banfield also drafted in three other first-teamers in Lukasz Fabianski, Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey, the latter making his Reserve debut.

——————————————Fabianski——————————————

—-Coquelin———Hoyte (c)—————————–Rodgers———Gibbs—–

—-Wilshere———Ramsey——————————-Randall———-Merida–

————————Simpson——————————Eduardo——————–

subs: Mannone, E.-Thomas, Fonte, Lansbury, Bischoff.

With the Gunners naming what would pass as a Carling Cup side, the general consensus was that the youngsters would demolish a Porstmouth side who possessed Ben Sahar as their star asset.

However, it proved to be a difficult task and chances were few and far between in a dire first-half. Other than a tame effort from Eduardo and a shot from Ramsey the first period was forgettable fodder. However, the Croatian forward came close with a stinging effort to warm the hearts of the Arsenal crowd.

The second-half saw Eduardo, who had tweaked his hamstring, replaced by Amaury Bischoff. With the Gunners attacking the end where I was sitting it proved to be an interesting affair, but Arsenal still struggled to break down the stubborn back line. Fonte came on for Simpson and Wilshere had a couple of good moments but it seemed as if it was going to end goalless. However, with ten minutes left on the theoretical clock, Merida slipped a pass through to Randall who finished emphatically. Kieran Gibbs grabbed another late on with a thunderous strike and it was the least that Arsenal deserved.

I have to say that it was the best atmosphere at a Reserve match for a long time last night, it certainly beats the Emirates!

Player ratings:

Lukasz Fabianski-6-Didn’t have much to do but was alert when needed

Francis Coquelin-7-MOTM-Played at RB, but used his power and skill well

Gavin Hoyte-6-Alert

Paul Rodgers-6- Recovered well after shaky start

Kieran Gibbs-7-Deserved his goal and looked lively

Jack Wilshere-7- Worked hard but couldn’t find an opening

Aaron Ramsey-7- Some decent passes but you could tell he didn’t want to be there

Mark Randall-7-Solid performance and good strike

Fran Merida-7-Impressed with trickery and set up Randall’s goal

Jay Simpson-5- Largely ineffective

Eduardo-6- Great to see him back and came close to scoring

SUBS:

Amaury Bischoff-6- Didn’t sign my autograph!

Rui Fonte-6-Worked hard

Henri Lansbury-6-Slotted in well

Eduardo’s hamstring problem is likely to keep him out for two weeks but he should be okay to play after that.