Arsenal win on penalties
- September 26, 2013, 6:55 pm
- Sports News
- 72 Views
London Sept 26 (Online): Arsenal's young guns held their nerve to win 4-3 on penalties after 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion.
Denmark forward Nicklas Bendtner returned to the Arsenal team for the first time in more than two years as manager Arsene Wenger made nine changes, giving game-time to a host of youngsters.
Wenger's side took the lead when Bendtner's defence-splitting pass gave Thomas Eisfeld a clean run on goal and the German youngster slotted home in the 61st minute.
But Burundi-born England Under-21 striker Saido Berahino rose to head the equaliser from Steven Reid's cross 10 minutes later.
In the shoot-out, Arsenal's German teenager Serge Gnabry saw his spot-kick saved by Luke Daniels, but Craig Dawson and Morgan Amalfitano both missed the target for Albion and Nacho Monreal drove in the winner. "I am proud. We played with many young players and they showed they are not only good footballers but that they can fight as well," Wenger said. "I decided to go for young players with the penalties and they coped well with the pressure."
