Armenian shot in the arm for Irish

Armenia 3 Slovakia 1: The Republic of Ireland can go three points clear at the top of Group B if they beat Russia at the Aviva…

Armenia 3 Slovakia 1:The Republic of Ireland can go three points clear at the top of Group B if they beat Russia at the Aviva Stadium tonight after Armenia caused an upset in Yerevan with a deserved victory over Slovakia.

Slovakia had entered the game equal with Giovanni Trapattoni’s side on six points after a home win against Macedonia and away to Russia in their opening two group clashes.

But they had no answer to Armenia’s pace and finishing at the Republican Stadium this afternoon, with Henrik Mkhitaryan showing just why Shakhtar Donetsk paid €7.5 million for the midfielder with an inspirational performance, capped by his side’s third goal that brings them above Russia in the table ahead of tonight’s game.

Yuri Movsisyan got the ball rolling for the home side after 23 minutes, firing under Slovakia and Everton goalkeeper Jan Mucha for the opening goal after a period of sustained pressure.

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The visitors levelled matter before half-time, when Rangers player Vladimir Weiss taking advantage of some poor defending to fire home from short range.

After the break, it took just three minutes for Armenia to regain their lead through Gevorg Ghazaryan, with Mkhitaryan sealing the points with a minute to go after he was left with enough room to pick a spot and shoot beyond Mucha.