However, the situation on the battlefield soon changed. Genoese Crossbowmen, who had climbed the city walls at some unknown point, let loose their arrows, and their targets were the very Norman Knights led by William.
The surprise attack quickly broke the Norman Knights' charge against the Genoese Crossbowmen and Flemish Spear Soldiers blocking the gate.
Of course, arrows have no eyes; they cannot distinguish between friend and foe. The Genoese Crossbowmen and Flemish Spear Soldiers blocking the gate suffered heavy casualties as well.
Nevertheless, it had the desired effect. Under the hail of arrows, the Norman Knights were forced to retreat.
Belem led his Knights in a decisive charge against the King's Knights, who were retreating in disarray. Several King's Knights failed to react in time and were knocked from their warhorses. One Knight's ankle got tangled in his stirrup; dragged by his panicked warhorse, his neck soon snapped.
