Arsenals under 23s were back in action on Thursday night against West Brom under 23s. The host went into this game top of the premier league two, but had to turn their attention to the cup this evening. Giving them a chance to rotate their squad. Their visitors drew their last fixture with Nottingham Forrest. First teamer Kenneth Zohore helping them along the way, scoring one of the goals.
When play got underway it was West Brom who took the lead. Fellows the goalscoring man, only five minutes in. Deep in the host half they found a simple pass, which was slotted low into the net. Home fans stunned. Looking energised from a fantastic opening period the guest pressed for another, with arsenal shocked at the intensity their opposition was showing. Definitely have a game on their hands this evening. As expected, the score line doubled in the midland sides favour. Mistake at the back for the Gunners handed the baggies a second. Picking up the ball with little room to miss, well finished by Cleary ten minutes in. Tensions rising on the home sides bench. Arsenals first chance of the game finally came fourteen minutes in. Edwards found the side netting with his attempt, describing the reds effort overall. Tulloch was next to inflict pain on the North London outfit, scoring West Broms third goal in only nineteenth minute. Worked from the back, passed across the box at the other end. Calm finished to end the move. Hopeless host so far.
Disappointing Arsenal performance at the break. West Brom well ahead, big improvement needed from the home side. Game looks over after one half. Things went from bad to worse for Arsenal in the fifty fourth minute, when Clearly got his second of the game. West broms fourth. Sizeable gap between the sides, leaving fans doubtful of a revival. To create this opportunity a corner was delivered into the box, keeper Mitchell stopped it initially but failed to block the second attempt. Header into the congested netting. Poor marking defensively costing the Borehamwood tenants. In the dying minute of the match Arsenal pulled one back. Undeserved reward after a horrendous game. Error from the visitor’s keeper lets it roll in. Khayons first goal for the club.
In conclusion West Brom easily won this fixture. Never in doubt. Surprising to see Arsenal lose, more so by this much. Wakeup call applied harshly after a great start to the season. Not the usual standard you expect to see from London’s premium club, at any level of football. Maybe should have kept Wenger after all…
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