Salzburg 1 - 0 Arsenal

July 25, 2007 on 4:20 pm | In Arsenal FC | posted by Block19er |

Strangely this game only served to remind us of old wounds. Numerous times last season we struggled to break down teams who sat deep against us. Salzburg had prepared well. They did sit back and hurried Arsenal on the ball. In return Arsenal failed to capitalise on small chances, they failed to get the ball wide and deliver decent crosses, and they also failed to shoot from distance early to encourage Salzburg to come out a bit. But let’s not forget guys this is pre-season, it counts for bugger all, it serves as a fitness regime, a get to know you session, and to be honest highlighting these problems is a good thing at this stage of the season, there is time to correct it.

Arsenal bought Lehmann, Gallas, Hleb, and Rosicky into the starting XI to make it look more like the Arsenal First XI on show, Eduardo also got his first start, but it did little to impress Salzburg who had the first attempt at goal, Lehmann saved comfortably. It was a frustrating first half for the Gooners and against the Champions of Austria Arsenal could not take it for granted they’d win this match. Eduardo and Denilson both had first half chances but they did nothing to really test the Austrian Keeper. When Rosicky had to be replaced by Sagna due to injury it was Eboue who pushed forward into midfield. His crossing was shocking, twice he broke forward but failed to deliver. Diaby and Hleb could take positives from the first half, a solo run from Diaby was the highlight.At half time Wenger brought on Fabianski, Hoyte, Flamini, and Bendtner on for Lehmann, Traore, Denilson, and Van Persie. It had little affect on the game. Eduardo had a few chances in the second half but missed them all, the encouraging thing was that he had plenty of energy, and was on the last man all the time. He even headed an effort in the dying moments. It was a good test to see Robin and Eduardo together in the first half but I do not feel it will work as both players favour the left side.

With 15 minutes to go Arsenal conceded. Surprise Surprise it was a shot from outside the area that beat us. It was a great moment for the Austrians as they played at home in front of 31,000 for the first time. They could be a tough test for anyone in the Champions League.

This game highlighted some Arsenal problems and was a very good test. PSG and Inter Milan will be even harder tests this weekend but it is very good preparation for the season ahead.

Arsenal Line Up: Jens Lehmann (Luka Fabianski 46), Manu Eboue, Kolo Toure, William Gallas, Armand Traore (Justin Hoyte 46), Alex Hleb, Abou Diaby (Mark Randall 68), Denilson (Mat Flamini 46), Tomas Rosicky (Bacary Sagna 32), Robin Van Persie (Nik Bendtner 46), Eduardo. Booked - Diaby, Fabianski.