The Armenia National Team went into the penultimate match of the UEFA Nations League with an extremely thin squad, made thinner due to several COVID positive results. Armenia were without Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Khoren Bayramyan, Edgar Babayan, Norberto Briasco Balekian, Aghvan Papikyan, and the two reserve goalkeepers, but were boosted with the news that Sargis Adamyan was back, fit, and in-form. Manager Joaquin Caparros deployed a 4-4-2 with two holding midfielders, seeing Karapetian and Adamyan partner up top for the first time.

Yurchenko (GK) 4.5/5 – David Yurchenko made an incredible double save in the first half to deny Georgia an equalizer. The Armenian goalkeeper is still in the hunt for his second clean sheet of the campaign as Georgia converted from the spot. Yurchenko single handedly kept us in this game. His leadership and presence has made a noticeable difference and his command in the box is second to none. 

A. Hovhannisyan (LB) 3.5/5 – Through no fault of his own Arman was seen as the culprit of the foul that led to Georgia’s penalty spot equalizer. Replay shows that Arman was in fact the player getting fouled but the UEFA Nations League does not have VAR so the call could not be reviewed. Penalty aside, Hovhannisyan had a difficult time stopping the supply line of crosses coming into the wing and was beaten on a couple occasions 1 on 1. Not the best performance he has had in the National Team.

Calisir (CB) 4.25/5 – Andre Calisir was instrumental in keeping the Georgian side at bay, his performance included a couple of recovery tackles and countless clearances from Georgian crosses coming into the box from wide positions, especially in the final 10 minutes of the match. The Gothenburg captain has become a mainstay in our back line and has added greatly to our defensive stability.

Haroyan (CB) 4.25/5 – Another solid performance from the vice-captian Haroyan, who like his center-back partner snuffed out any danger that would come his way. Haroyan won the ball several times in key areas and springboarded counter attacks with his accurate passing from the back. His chemistry with Calisir is really starting to show and the defensive stability we have been waiting for may finally be here. 

Hambardzumyan (RB) 4/5 – Our fullback Hambardzumyan had a 100% tackle success rate last night versus Georgia, 5 recoveries and 3 clearances. In addition to his defensive performance, Hovhannes helped dispatch Barseghyan on the right wing on several occasions and has really began to create a strong partnership on the right side of the pitch. His maturity has really shown throughout this campaign.

Grigoryan (DMF) 4/5 – Artak Grigoryan made an unprecedented 7 recoveries throughout the match. The defensive midfielder has been a mainstay since Caparros took charge of the team and he has shown his quality thus far. Although he is not the quickest, nor the most agile on the ball, he had one of the higher pass completion percentages in the squad. Grigoryan played his role well. 

Udo (DMF) 4.25/5 – Solomon Udo earned his first start for the National Team after playing backup to Wbeymar. Udo showed his quality today recovering the ball on 6 occasions and making a key pass during the match. Udo’s special awareness and communication with Adamyan throughout the match ensured that Georgia was unable to have any freedom to play in the midfield. 

Ghazaryan (LW) 4.5/5 – Captain Ghazaryan showed why experience is sometimes better than talent with his tremendous, and vintage, display over Georgia. The veteran scored his 14^thinternational goal for Armenia in the first half to top off an excellent counterattack. Ghazaryan had a chance to make it 2-0 almost immediately off the back of some good pressure but was only able to hit the post. GG10 as he is known was the vocal leader Armenia needed in a gritty match like this and he was Caparros’ eyes, ears and mouth on the pitch. 

Barseghyan (RW) 5/5 MAN OF THE MATCH – Tigran Barseghyan has been unreal. The FC Astana winger has not only been in incredible club form, but he has really taken his play to the next level in the National Team. When Tigran puts the shirt on, you know he feels the responsibility. Barseghyan provided 2 assists in today’s match taking total number of assists in the UEFA Nations League to 4, making him the competition’s leader. Tigran was at the heart of every attack today, including a superb dribble passed 4 players and an excellent through pass to find Adamyan for the game winning goal. Next time you’re having dinner, make a genats to our man Tiko.

Karapetian (ST) 3.75/5 – Not the best performance in an Armenian shirt by Karapetian but it did not need to be. The big bearded striker was tasked with holding up the ball and making sure he and Adamyan play off of eachother while pushing the ball forward. Karapetian had some difficult times today and was swarmed by Georgian defenders on several occassions. He had an opportunity off of a low driven cross, but his poor connection bundled the ball into the Georgian goalkeepers hands. 

Adamyan (CF) 4/75/5 – Sargis Adamyan is the most in-form player right now. Adamyan scored 3 goals off the bench in 90 total minutes of play for his club side prior to joining up with the National Team, and added another to his season tally today with a calm, cool, and collective finish to give Armenia all three points. Sako spent much of the match pressuring the defense, and his hard work led to the creation of several goalscoring opportunities. His ball control skills were on display and his dribbling talent proved to be crucial and he became the outlet to hold possession. He is without a doubt one of our most talented players and it is evident why he plays at the highest level. This was only Sako’s 2^nd goal for the national team in 20 appearances, but I can guarantee you there will be many more to come.

Joaquín Caparrós (Manager) 5/5 – Caparrós got his tactics very right in this match. His defense first mentality has brought stability to this Armenian side and he has given us a shot at proving how the team has grown over this campaign. A win Wednesday would be unprecedented from the Don, but even if Armenia do not top the group, he has demonstrated what professional coaching and years of experience can bring to a team. The team over individual mentality he has instilled into the squad is only making us better every game. His tactical approach to the match, including not allowing the Georgians any space in the center of the park and orchestrated counter attacks brought out a great Armenia side despite so many missing names and almost no depth.

Subs:

Serob Grigoiryan (LB) N/A – Calming presence when he came on for Hovhannisyan. Played high percentage passes and ensured defensive stability.

Muradyan (DMF) N/A – Young midfielder getting a taste of action, played well and, like Grigoryan, played safe.

Koryan (CAM) N/A – Brought in to assist Admayan in pressuring the defense up top and drawing attention away.

Bichakhchyan (LW) N/A – Still awaiting his first start and had a free kick steer not too far from goal. Drew attention from the defense and helped create space.