Lazio 1 v 2 Arsenal - Amsterdam Tournament

August 2, 2007 on 4:56 pm | In Arsenal FC | posted by Block19er |

Arsenal got the perfect pre-match news as Arsene Wenger was present in London to see Eduardo granted a work permit and allow him to play against Lazio. Arsenal were slightly shaky during the opening stages of the first half. Senderos was looking rocky without the support of Gallas or Toure at the back.

It wasn’t long before Arsenal started to control the game and first Eduardo forced a corner from a deep Traore cross and then Walcott’s lofted ball failed to find Eduardo or Bendtner. Pressure was starting to build.

Senderos atoned for his error, a through ball to Lazio’s Pandev saw him beat Almunia, Senderos was back to tackle and clear the ball for a corner. It was great defending by Big Phil.

Arsenal then took the lead. Troare attacked the left flank and squared it to Cesc, Cesc tried a shot which deflected off a Lazio defender into the path of Bendtner. Nicklas stepped to the right and rounded the keeper before finishing from 6 yards. Arsenal were one-up, it shows that goals can come from deflected shots, take note guys, shoooooooooooooot!

Soon after Eduardo put two headers over from corners. Then Bendtner combined with Eduardo, Eduardo’s shot was deflected away. But 5 minutes before half time Lazio equalised again showing defensive frailties. Lazio had a corner headed away by Walcott but Eduardo slipped. It allowed Pandev to swivel and shoot low past Almunia. Senderos and Hoyte were far too slow to react.

There was time for Eduardo and Bendtner to combine again before half time, they forged a good partnership in the first half. At half time Flamini and Rosicky came on for Cesc and Clichy. Straight away Bendtner had the ball in the back of the net but the referee bought play back for a foul on Eduardo. Rosicky stepped up but failed to get his free-kick on target. Walcott was then fouled on the edge of the box but Eduardo again went over with a free-kick.

Eduardo got his goal on 55, again rising to win a header and firmly place it past the keeper at the back post, it was an excellent delivery from Rosicky. Both Tomas and Eduardo were controlling the play and Arsenal were attacking with style.

Arsenal still looked like they could concede at the back and last ditch tackles from Djourou and the introduction of Toure saved Arsenal. Van Persie came on to a great reception, his status has risen so much that it was a far cry from the last appearance here when he was just a returning Feyenord player and not the national star he is now. Van Persie was bringing out the tricks and him and Eduardo were running the show up top.

Van Persie turned defenders in and out and was only denied a goal by the keeper arse. His short performance deserved a goal. On full time Arsenal lead the table with 5 points, edging towards another pre-season trophy. It was a fantastic pre-season attacking display but it was a good job this was our second choice back four, these players need experience with them to help them shine. Arsenal could do well this season but the defence must be stronger and more organised.

Arsenal - Almunia, Hoyte, Djourou, Senderos, Traore, Walcott (Eboue 64), Fabregas (Flamini 46), Song (Toure 72), Clichy (Rosicky 46), Eduardo, Bendtner (Van Persie 64). Subs not used - Hleb, Fabianski.