Genclerbirligi 0 - 3 Arsenal

July 19, 2007 on 6:51 pm | In Matches Reviews 2007/2008 | posted by Block19er |

Arsenal were in shock within the first minute as Genclerirligi brought the best out of Almunia. It was a great save. The next chance also fell to the Turkish side this time it was the post that saved Arsenal. As the game wore on Arsenal took control.

Arsenal did manage to break the deadlock before half time and it was a fine goal. Walcott broke and delivered a brilliant ball for Van Persie to finish. Arsenal then took total control of the game and really impressed in the second half. Despite the mass substitutions Arsenal had great rythymn, I know this is only a friendly but it’s hard not to get excited about.

Walcott got his goal on 51. Adebayor was playing really well at this point and combined with Denilson and then Walcott. Theo struck across the keeper for 2-nil. Adebayor again set up Van Persie for the third goal. It was a typical Arsenal break with the Dutch man finishing well.

Fabianski made equally good saves in the second half and this could be a really good battle between him and Almunia for the number 2 GK spot. Sagna made a solid debut and Adebayor was in really good form although his finishing was something I’d rather forget. He really needs to sharpen his instinct for goal because his general play is fantastic.

There was a bit of niggle in the game, Song was spared a red card, because the ref missed him elbow a Genclerbirligi player at a corner. He did book Eboue late in the second half for a tough challenge, a booking was harsh. Traore also had a tustle with their 24 but I guess as a team who finished sixth in Turkey last season they were frustrated how controlling Arsenal were. I’m not sure what Wenger will say to Alex Song though after his elbow!

The real highlight for me was Eduardo’s 21 minute debut. He played really well. He linked up well with Freddie. First of all Eduardo flew down the right flank and set Freddie up. Freddie flung a header back across goal but he failed to challenge the keeper. Eduardo then twice made runs down the left side, he definatley favoured this side of the pitch, and looked comfortable crossing to Freddie.

Overall a very good performance showing much promise with solid debuts for Bacary and Eduardo.

Arsenal Line Up: Manuel Almunia (Luka Fabianski 46), Bacary Sagna (Manu Eboue 46), Kolo Toure (Phil Senderos 69), Alex Song (Johan Djourou 69), Gael Clichy (Armand Traore 46), Theo Walcott (Alex Hleb 69), Matty Flamini (Abou Diaby 69), Denilson (Cesc Fabregas 69), Mark Randall (Tomas Rosicky 46, Freddie Ljungberg 69), Robin Van Persie (Eduardo 69), Manu Adebayor (Nik Bendtner 69).