Ajax 0 v 1 Arsenal - Amsterdam Tournament

August 4, 2007 on 10:15 pm | In Arsenal FC | posted by Block19er |

The perfect Saturday, plenty of sport for all, starting nice and early with some 20/20 cricket. The Sun is out for Finals day (which Kent won) and it was perfect weather for a beer and a barbecue in the garden. The Amsterdam Tournament coincided with the final of the cricket as Atletico Madrid beat Lazio 3-1 and go top of the group for the Amsterdam Tournament with 6 points. Arsenal and Ajax started on five points. 

Cesc is ill, must have been a dodgy kebab after a trip to the Red Lights last night, so Flamini came into the Midfield for him. Denilson also played with Gilberto still being on holiday and it looks as though one of those players will start the season against Fulham. Wenger started with the formation that took Arsenal to the Champions League Final in 2005/2006. Arsenal had to win and this would be a good test for the ‘European Formation’ and the ‘European Kit’.

Hleb was first to attack, his quick feet, saw an Ajax defender haul him down but the free-kick came to nothing. Hleb certain has an impact on games when he takes this position, he was fouled again on the other side of the pitch moments later. Van Persie whipped the free-kick in but to no avail. Arsenal certainly dominated the opening stages but free-kicks would dominate this tough ‘non-friendly’.

A Rosicky free-kick saw the keeper fumble on 11 minutes but nothing came from it. Again on 19 the Ajax keeper could not hold onto a free-kick. Van Persie looped the ball into Toure who volleyed straight at the keeper. He jumped up and down in frustration. Ajax made a sub after just 25 minutes they were so far behind Arsenal, but the man coming on managed to get their first shot (Dennis Rommendahl). Soon after Eboue was booked for arguing with the ref, come on Eboue, stop moaning all the time. He showed his positive side of his game a moment later with a lovely cross that Denilson couldn’t get on the end of. Van Persie was booked for a late challenge, the ref must be on a bonus for bookings the way things were going.

Captain Gallas was also booked and the resulting free-kick bough the best out of Lehmann who had to make another save a minute later. The ref was breaking up the game and Ajax were coming back into it. At half time it was 0-0 and Atletico Madrid were still top of the table.

Heart in mouth time as Gallas went down holding his calf twice inside the first few minutes. Of all things in these pre-season matches the main thing is that everyone stays fit, he would not be the last person to go down worryingly tonight.

Clichy was the first Gooner to have a shot in the second half he raced down the left and smashed a shot goal-wards as he entered the box, the keeper had to turn it away for a corner. Clichy is looking like the best left back in the league and in this form will catch many headlines this season. He has added to his game and his fitness and pace will mean he is always involved in the game.

Gooners got another glimpse of Eduardo as he replaced Rosicky on 62. He had an edge to keep the ball and showed great hunger. I’m really excited to see him play in the Premiership.

All the challenges and booking culminated for me in an awful tackle by Colin on Clichy in the 68^th minute. It was fucking awful and I hope we meet Ajax in a proper game during the season and someone can get the little prick back!!

Arsenal had three chances in he 74^th minutes, firstly with a thundering shot from Van Persie but the Ajax keep proved his worth. Eboue and Hleb couldn’t finish the move off either.

Arsenal were certainly getting in the positions but weren’t able to convert the chances in similar fashion to last season. Eduardo showed brilliant strength to get in n 80 but was held back and Van Persie could not get on the end of the rebound. Ajax could have won it on 85 if it was not for a big arm for Mad Jens. 

But to dispel our fears of last seasons misses, Van Persie scored, 87 minutes in saw an unbelievable run from Gael Clichy. He roared up the left and inside the box, Van Persie controlled it with he left foot and slapped it past the Ajax keeper with his right. There was still time for Ajax to force another save from Lehmann. But Ajax got what they wanted to injure and Arsenal player. I don’t know what their problem is but yet another foul saw Van Persie stretchered off.

The final whistle came as Robin was on his way down the tunnel. Arsenal had though won the Tournament for the second time in three years. The biggest smile was bought to my face to see Van Persie back on the field and jumping up and down with the lads as the trophy was presented to The Arsenal.

In my opinion the Arsenal lads are hungry to prove they are a top side and these lads are ready to roar out of the traps against Fulham. With pace and free-flowing football and with Eduardo and Van Persie Arsenal can cause damage this season. We are ready for the Premiership and I can’t wait!

Arsenal: Lehmann, Sagna (Hoyte 86), Gallas, Toure, Clichy, Eboue, Denilson, Flamini, Rosicky (Eduardo 62), Hleb, Van Persie (Traore 90), Subs: Fabianski, Senderos, Song, Bendtner.

In other Arsenal news today, Carlos Vela will spend his second season on loan in Spain, this year at Osasuna. The Mexican Under-20 signed for Arsenal in 2005 but still can’t play due to Work Permit restrictions. He scored 8 goals while on loan at Salamanca last season in the Spanish second division.

Arsenal also announced their squad for the Champions Youth Cup played in Malaysia. It will be a great experience for these lads as they take on Milan, Ajax, and Flamengo in the group stages.

More news tomorrow I’m sure, probably made up by The News of the World!