Barnet 0 - 2 Arsenal

July 14, 2007 on 11:04 pm | In Matches Reviews 2007/2008 | posted by Block19er |

The only disappointment of the day came when I go my first glimpse of Eduardo. He walked past me and onto the field wearing Jeans an Orange T-Shirt. I was hoping to see him in action today but will settle for a wave for now!!

Arsenal started with a very strong first XI and as expected totally controlled the first half. The only interruption was the constant fouling from Barnet Midfielder Jason Puncheon, a very poor player even for Barnet, Walcott was rampaging down the right but was fouled three of four times early on. Arsenal struck from a Van Persie Corner on 18 minutes. The Corner was short to Walcott who delivered a brilliant ball which came across Toure and Adebayor hit a lovely half volley into the back of the net.

It was not long before Walcott was banging in the next cross. Adebayor again with a chance but this time screwed wide. Van Persie also missed with a Volley and hit the cross bar with a lovely header.

Toure showed great control at the back and Flamini had a great first half showing good energy. At half time Wenger made 6 subs and gave Arsenal a more youthful look giving Havard Nordtveit and Luka Fabianski their debuts for the club. Making these subs always upsets the balance of the team. Left Back Armand Traore came on wearing the 14 shirt and there is no better person in the squad to take on Henry’s number. He is totally cool and calm on the ball and a massive prospect for the future. Henri Lansbury was introduced when Barnet’s worst player again made a dreadful foul. This time Jason Puncheon has what he wanted. Denilson was injured, the frustration of Walcott embarrassing him time and time again had clearly go to him. Denilson had to be stretchered off. In his post match interview with arsenal.com Wenger said Denilson would only be out of training for a couple of days.

Lansbury played well from the right of midfield. Half time sub Nacer Barazite scored. Nacer played in Arsenal’s youth cup run and really cracked in his shot from the right side of the box. After the game Wenger likened him to a Dennis Bergkamp style player. High praise indeed. This lead to three further subs Fran Merida, Rui Fonte, and Paul Rodgers were introduced. It was now a totally different XI and the game was winding down. Barnet even bought on a guy who’d played £10K to appear in the team.

In Arsene’s post match interview he spoke about Reyes and said ‘I think he will go, and we will help him to go to Spain’ he also said ‘Despite global warming it is not warm enough in England for him’ Now that made me laugh our loud. Of his own contract he said he has always ‘shown commitment in the past and I have never cared to much about the weather - I will come out in the right moment, maybe when you don’t ask me the question’.

Arsenal Line-Up:- Manuel Almunia (Luka Fabianksi, 46), Kolo Toure (Paul Rodgers, 66), Kerrea Gilbert (Havard Nordtveit, 46), Gael Clichy (Armand Traore, 46), Matty Flamini, Alex Song (Gavin Hoyte, 46), Mark Randall (Kieran Gibbs, 46), Denilson (Henri Lansbury, 56), Theo Walcott (Fran Merida, 66), Manu Adebayor (Rui Fonte, 66), Robin Van Persie (Nacer Barazite, 46).

Not much else to talk about on a game day so thats all from me . . . God I’m glad football is back.