A 90th minute penalty from Robbie Brady ensured that Ireland avoided relegation to League C of the Nations League with a 3-2 win over Armenia.
After defeat to Scotland on Saturday, Stephen Kenny’s side were looking for a convincing response at home to Armenia.
In a first half when they were relatively comfortable, John Egan scored his second goal in two games in the 18th minute to give Ireland a lead.
Despite dominating possession, Ireland couldn’t create opportunities for a second goal as they went in at half time with a slender lead.
In the second half, Michael Obafemi continued his trend of screamers in the Aviva Stadium with a powerful strike into the bottom corner from 25 yards out.
GOAL Rep of Ireland 2-0 Armenia
52’ Michael Obafemi with a brilliant strike from distance to give Ireland a two-goal cushion
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At this point, Ireland looked comfortable, and should have been attempting to add to their lead. However, as Ireland lost their concentration, Armenia found a spark to get themselves back into the game.
After a good save from Gavin Bazunu, Artak Dashyan reacted quickest to get Armenia back into the game.
Then moments later, Armenia were level after a sloppy pass from Conor Hourihane was intercepted by Eduard Spertsyan and he curled an effort beyond Bazunu to draw them level.
GOAL Rep of Ireland 2-2 Armenia
73' Disaster for Ireland as Armenia pick off a second goal in as many minutes, Spertsyan with the smart finish
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Ireland were rattled, seemingly falling apart despite being comfortable for so long.
Then in the 90th minute, chaos descended as Ireland were awarded a penalty as Dara O’Shea’s effort was blacked by Dashyan’s hand, which saw him sent off, along with his teammate Hovhannes Hambartsumyan.
Robbie Brady converted the penalty to give Ireland a much needed win and ease some pressure on Stephen Kenny.
READ HERE: Brian Kerr Questions Stephen Kenny's Selections In Loss Against Scotland
While a win is a win, the manner in which Ireland seemingly collapsed after the 70th minute will be a cause for concern. This seemed to be the type of fixture to get Ireland back on track, with Armenia providing little to no threat.
Speaking to Virgin Media after the game, Damien Delaney continued to question Kenny’s position as manager, claiming Ireland can make progress without him
🗣 "Stephen Kenny doesn't hold a patent on an Irish team playing football!"
🗣 "Seems to be a theory that if we get rid of Kenny, we're going to get someone like Sam Allardyce. There are other managers who could get Ireland playing football!"
- Damien Delaney#IRLARM | #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/9TkVTGnXjt— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) September 27, 2022
“This is a team that have three wins in 20 competitive games. They are in the box seat, and discipline, concentration went out the window.
Stephen Kenny doesn’t hold the patent on an Irish team playing football. There seems to be a theory out there that if you get rid of Stephen Kenny, we’re going to get a Sam Allardyce, and just think we had a go at this, we can't go any further.
There are other managers that can come in and get Ireland playing good football. There is nothing to be celebrated tonight.”
Strong remarks from the former Crystal Palace centre back, who has been a strong critic of Kenny’s approach through the campaign.
SEE ALSO: Martin O'Neill Had A Cutting Dig At Matt Doherty After Saturday's Game
