SPERTSYAN SPECIAL LEAVES IRISH
THIS was no smash and grab by Armenia as they ended the Republic of Ireland’s eight-game unbeaten run in clinical fashion.
Eduard Spertsyan lashed home a sensational long-range shot off the post which left Caoimhin Kelleher sprawling in the 74th minute.
They then retreated into a well-drilled defensive shape to leave Stephen Kenny’s side frustrated and, more worryingly, incapable of mustering a reaction to even earn a valuable point on the road.
It is a torrid beginning to a Nations League campaign which the Boys in Green boss is already on record as saying he is aiming to win with a group of players he has been moulding for the last 18 months.
Now into the third edition of the Nations League since it was first established, Ireland still haven’t won a game and, in truth, after missing a couple of glaring chances in the first half they never looked capable of breaking that duck.
Instead the hosts only grew in confidence, led by the exceptional Varazdat Haroyan at the heart of the defence, and were worthy winners.
Chiedozie Ogbene missed Ireland’s best chance from Josh Cullen’s dangerous free-kick just before the interval when his header in the centre of goal sailed over the crossbar.
The Rotherham man had been a constant threat and, not long before his own opportunity went begging, teed up Callum Robinson whose effort was cleared off the line in Yerevan.
“Football taught us a big lesson here,” said Ogbene. “It can be a cruel game. I feel like we created a lot of chances. They had one good chance and they took it well.
“At this level this is what it takes. I felt like we weren’t clinical enou and unfortunately we
Reflecting on his deadlock, Ogbene he the players still bel topping a group th Ukraine – both of w next week.
“I was very disapp the target, especially b
“When you create put them away and, if difficult game.
“They were difficul like we had enough ch
gh with the chances we got e were punished.” own chance to break the eld his hands up but insists lieve they are capable of hat includes Scotland and whom Ireland face over the
pointed in myself not to hit being that close,” he said. those chances, you have to f not, you feel like this after a
lt conditions for us but I felt hances to get something out of the game. We have to learn from this and review it. They took their chance and fair play to them.
“We were just unfortunate. I think we need to review it, ways to create chances in different ways. It’s one of those days.
“I’m very disappointed with the result, we all are, and we have to review it to rectify it for the next game.
“I want to win the league, the players want to win the league, not just the manager. This is just the way football is. It’s a learning curve. Sometimes you dominate possession and don’t get the result. We have to rectify it so we can make sure we get the result.”
What feels like a body blow for Ireland now could turn into a knockout one if those lessons aren’t learned for the visit of Ukraine to Dublin on Wednesday.