Defiant Kenny defends team after 'crazy' Armenia clash

Stephen Kenny was defiant in defence of his side's performance after securing a slender 3-2 victory over Armenia, despite "a few minutes of absolute madness", that almost proved costly at the Aviva Stadium.

The manager felt that his side were "exceptional at times" throughout the UEFA Nations League encounter, and maintained that they were comfortably in control of proceedings and deserved to win the game.

Ireland went ahead in the 18th minute as John Egan headed home a Robbie Brady corner, and while Kenny's side were dominant in possession, the chances were not forthcoming.

It took 34 further minutes for an Irish player to finally work an attempt on goal, and it proved decisive as Michael Obafemi struck an unstoppable shot from distance to double the tally early in the second half.

Ireland maintained their attacking intent but then bizarrely allowed Armenia back into the game with two goals in two minutes in a period when the manager admitted that the side lost their shape, searching for a third goal, instead of defending the lead.

The victory was eventually secured in injury time as Robbie Brady calmly slotted home a penalty that was awarded as a result of a handball VAR check.

"It was a crazy game really," said Kenny, speaking at the post-match press conference.

"I thought we played well overall. That’s the identity of the Irish team now, dominate possession, a side certainly capable of stringing 20 or 30 passes, no problems.

"It was important to get the third goal, and we got it. We thoroughly deserved it and were convincing winners. It should never have been anywhere near 2-2, but that can happen."

The manager admitted that he would have liked to see his side turn the possession into real goalscoring opportunities, however,