PL2 Report: Arsenal 1-2 Saints

Arsenal broke the deadlock against the run of play after just 11 minutes; Ben Cottrell making the most of a deflection before slotting the ball past Harry Lewis.

Saints continued to dominate proceedings and got their reward soon after the break; Josh Sims converting a dangerous Callum Slattery cross at the back post.

The visitors took a hit to their momentum just four minutes later, with Kayne Ramsay sent off for a second bookable offence.

But it didn’t dampen their spirits, half-time substitute Kegs Chauke rounding off a neat Saints move on 64 minutes to complete the comeback.

Saints started the game with intent, pressing Arsenal back from the off and nearly reaping their rewards early on; Dan N’Lundulu testing Matt Macey from close range on five minutes.

But despite the strong start, a quick Gunners breakaway led to the first goal of the afternoon after 11 minutes; Cottrell capitalising from a fortunate ricochet to slot home from close range.

Despite Arsenal’s early breakthrough Saints continued to see the lion’s share of possession, pressing their hosts at any given opportunity. 

Sims’ pace through midfield proved especially difficult for the hosts to handle as the half wore on; the Saints number ten notably winning a free kick after 40 minutes which Tom O’Connor hit just wide.

Slattery was next to test the Arsenal keeper, firing his effort from range which was eventually an easy collect for Macey between the sticks.

Despite their dominance in terms of possession, Saints went in at the break a goal behind. 

The second half saw more of the same territorial ascendency from the visitors, only this time it took just three minutes for Saints to make it count.

Slattery’s dangerous whipped cross was destined for the far corner, before Sims made sure of it at the back post by bundling the ball in from close range. 

Amongst the crowd following in were N’Lundulu, Kazeem Olaigbe and half-time substitute Chauke, but it was Sims who got the decisive touch.

With Saints enjoying their momentum it was suddenly brought to a halt just four minutes following the goal; Ramsay being sent off for a second yellow card on 52 minutes.

But it didn’t appear to affect the pattern of the play long term, with Saints grabbing a second just shy of 65 minutes.

Will Ferry produced an inch perfect cross from the left flank into the path of the onrushing Chauke, who fired home the second of the afternoon for the visitors.

The remaining of the game saw Arsenal come more into the forefront in terms of the action, with Saints having to withstand the waves of pressure coming their way.

Despite the Gunners’ possession, Harry Lewis remained relatively untroubled in the Saints net, thanks in part to the work of the ten men in front of him.

Saints continued to block Arsenal out for the entire of the six minutes stoppage time, before their deserved win was confirmed.

Head to Head Stats

• Possession (%)
  58

  42
• Shots
  4

  10
• Shots on target
  2

  5
• Corners
  3

  6
• Passes Complete
  353

  218