West Ham 0 - 1 Arsenal
September 30, 2007 on 3:12 pm | In Arsenal FC, Matches Reviews 2007/2008 | posted by Jack | 1 Comment
It certainly wasn’t the comfy win Ben asked for on Friday, but it was very satisfying nonetheless. Upton Park hasn’t been the easiest place for us to come recently, so overlooking the performance, 3 points is very good.
We started, as you’d expect, with our strongest 11 available at the time. Hleb was passed fit, and looked promising before a nasty challenge taking his standing leg ended his game. The latest news seems to be that there is nothing broken, but his leg is very badly bruised. He certainly won’t be playing on Tuesday night in the Champions League. The only goal came in the 13th minute, van Persie meeting Hleb’s cross, and heading into the corner. The rest of an injury interrupted first half was fairly uneventful, van Persie hammering a free kick straight at Green from a tight angle, and Lucas Neill firing over the bar.
West Ham started brightly in the second half, but failed to create anything clear cut. The first major chance of the half fell instead to van Persie, who, arguably having his best game of this season so far, sidestepped a defender, and planted a shot against the post with his weaker right foot. Replays showed Green made a vital touch to push the shot onto the post. Ashton looked dangerous, and perhaps should’ve done better with several headers he had - van Persie clearing one off the line. It was Freddie though, who went closest for West Ham, having an effort ruled out for offside. Replays show that it was very tight - I think he was marginally onside. Sometimes you need that kind of luck to win these kinds of games. Adebayor went close for us, played in well by van Persie, but Green saved smartly to his left. Clichy also had a shot from the edge of the area smartly saved by Green. Finally, there was a strong shout for a penalty on Fabregas. I haven’t seen a replay of this incident, so I won’t pass judgement - but from behind the goal I was pretty damn convinced it was a penalty - still - the referee had a far better vantage point than me.
There weren’t a lot of great performances, but a few players stood out. Sagna was very solid at right back, looking more and more like an excellent signing every time I see him play. He made vital interceptions and tackles. Flamini, as has been the story so far this season, looked impressive in midfield, and as always, gave 100%. Cesc fell a little short of his high standards - but it’s all relative - he was still one of the better players on the pitch. van Persie, as I mentioned early, had arguably his best performance of the season so far, and I’m sure the goal and overall game will have done him a world of good. Finally, on a negative note, Eboue looked quite dreadful. I’m not sure if he is fully fit yet, but when he came on for Hleb, he looked lazy, and very ineffective. I can’t remember him tracking back and making himself useful in defense at all, and I was frequently wondering what the hell he was doing.
It certainly wasn’t vintage, beautiful Arsenal football like we saw against Derby last weekend, but it was just as gratifying. This is the sort of game we may well have lost last season. There is a nice party atmosphere following Arsenal at the moment, and it certainly wasn’t dampened by the less exciting performance. “We are top of the league, say we are top of the league!”
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Senderos, Clichy, Hleb (Eboue 31), Fabregas, Flamini, Diaby, Adebayor (Silva 79), Van Persie (Bendtner 88). Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Denilson.
Goals: van Persie 13.
Attendance: 34,966. They’ve got more fans than Chelsea!
Arsenal 5 v 0 Derby
September 22, 2007 on 8:10 pm | In Arsenal FC, Matches Reviews 2007/2008 | posted by Block19er | No Comments
Arsenal spanked Derby, let’s face it, they are poor, but we are bloody good. Today we fizzled the ball about, we made amazing passes, and we scored great goals. Arsenal were creating chances from the first few minutes. Clichy sprinted with the ball up the left and fizzed the ball to Adebayor but it was under his feet and he couldn’t turn it home. The first goal came on 10 minutes.
Cesc rolled the ball to Diaby out on the left, he took a few touches with his right foot to bring it inside and crashed it into the top corner of the net. A breath taking shot from over 20 yards. Another early goal to send floods of confidence amongst the players and fans at Ashburton Grove.
Soon after Diaby was shaping to come inside and crash a shot in, the keeper managed to parry it away, Adebayor was out on the right to cross the ball back in, Walcott’s shot went wide.
Then Theo got away, his pace was amazing, the Derby defender pushed him to the floor just outside the box. No free-kick was given, perhaps Walcott was a little lightweight under the challenge. Theo again shaped a run in from the right and put the ball to Eduardo, it was over hit and Eduardo had no chance. Theo certainly wanted it but the final ball was not there.
Arsenals second goal came on 25 minutes. Cesc chipped the ball over the top of an advancing defence for Adebayor to run on to, he took two touches to pass the keeper, and tap the ball home. It was one of those typical quick Arsenal breaks of 2004, Cesc and Ade seem to have an amazing understanding, and Ade has the pace to chase down these balls.
Arsenal had masses of attacking possession as the first half wore on, the best of the chances came in the 46thminute. Cesc curled in a lovely corner and Eduardo rose to meet it, the header was perfect but the save matched it. Derby’s keeper lifted it up and over the bar. Theo also had a chance a few minutes before, Cesc put him in and with his pace he beat the defence his shot was powerful enough for the keeper to drop it but it was right at him.
It didn’t take long in the second half for Arsenal to make it three. Good work down the left and the ball came loose to let Eduardo in, as he swivel to shoot his shirt was tugged, he went down and the penalty was given. Adebayor took a deep breath ran up to the ball and cracked it with his right foot beyond the Derby keepers left hand.
Arsenal were stepping up and down the gears, with masses of possession and ripping them apart with passes and pacey runs. Derby were poor and Arsenal were bang on it. On 70 minutes it was 4-nil. Cesc grabbed another goal, that’s a goal in each of the last six matches. It was a belter. Eduardo passed him the ball and Cesc whipped it in with his right foot from 25 yards. The keeper got a hand to it, but only enough to raise it into the back of the net.
9 minutes later Adebayor completed a deserved hat-trick to make it 5-nil. This guy works so hard for the team, he is constantly moving, he has great pace, and now he has the confidence he has scored 6 goals in the last 3 league games. Denilson chipped a lovely ball from the half way line, Ade jumped and controlled the ball on the edge of the box with his chest to bring it down and side foot it home. It was an amazing ball and a brilliant goal.
Gooners are buzzing, goals, amazing football, and a player in Cesc who is looking like he will replace Thierry as the best player in World Football. It’s impossible to remember that this guy is 20. His vision, his passing, his shooting, and the will to get back to defend is unbelievable. It is hard to find words to some up the recent performances of Cesc. He is amazing and so are Arsenal at the moment. We all know this is early season, things will change, we’ll go through low points, the wheels may all come off again in February but let’s all enjoy this moment. The football is as amazing as we’ve all known we can produce and it’s just a joy being part of it, and being able to watch it first hand every week.
I was pleased Theo got 71 minutes today, hopefully he was withdrawn with Tuesday in mind. A full 90 in that game and I’m sure he’ll be right up to the challenge. His pace is such a threat it unlocks doors that would not always be there. You can moan about his final ball but he’s had no football, I think Adebayor highlights this, his confidence was low and he was in and out of the team. You wouldn’t think he could hit a barn door, with his confidence up, and a goal under his belt, Ade is flying, I think Theo will be the same. I am 100% behind Theo as you’ve read before here and I hope this is the beginning of his chance to shine.
Lassana made his Premier League debut for 20 minutes in his preferred central midfield role. Enough time to put in a couple of tough challenges, the strength in this squad now at central midfield is unreal. Eduardo also worked hard all game and is a great asset to the team, hopefully he also gets another chance to play against Newcastle in mid-week.
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Senderos, Clichy, Walcott (Diarra 72), Fabregas (Denilson 71), Flamini (Song 77), Diaby, Eduardo, Adebayor.
Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Van Persie.
Booked: Eduardo.
Goals: Diaby 10, Adebayor 25, 50 pen, Fabregas 70, Adebayor 79.
Att: 60,122
Ref: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire).
Arsenal 3 - 0 Sevilla
September 20, 2007 on 8:09 am | In Arsenal FC, Matches Reviews 2007/2008 | posted by Block19er | No Comments
What a night, a great win against one of Europe’s top sides, 3 goalscorers, a clean sheet, and Mourinho has fucked off!! We’ve been asking him to for 3 years and finally he has listened!! Arsenal took a massive bound towards the knockout phase of the Champions League with a win against our toughest group opponents. Slavia beat Bucharest in Prague 2-1.
Arsenal won the game in the early stages as they came out with good tempo. Arsenal would not let Sevilla get a sniff of the ball, Arsenal cracked a few sighters at goal before Cesc landed one on target, well sort of it hit a defender on the way in, when I say hit, basically it was an own goal. But well done to Cesc for having a shot another thing we didn’t do last year.
TOM CELEBRATES THE GOONER WIN
The Gooners were right behind their team and Arsenal continued to control the second half replicating their domestic form, one thing Wenger will try and do it keep the lads feet on the ground, so far it has been a dream start to the season. I think I may have been dreaming when I read ‘There was plenty of vocal support from the home crowd’, I don’t think I’ve heard that said about us before!
The low point of the evening came at the start of the second half when Rosicky limped off and was replaced by Diaby? Rosicky could now miss matches against Derby, Newcastle, West Ham, Bucharest, and Sunderland with a Hamstring injury. Let’s hope it is Walcott that replaces him against Derby, Diaby is a young talented player learning hit trade in the centre of midfield, surely we have a better option on the left?
Sevilla are a quality side and at one-nil there was a danger they’d come back into the game, Van Persie calmed the nerves just before the hour. Cesc curled in the ball from a free kick near the North West corner, Sagna flicked it on for Robin to stab it home high into the roof of the net, ‘Jump up for the Arsenal’.
Arsenal did let Sevilla back into the game but they never created the chances they needed to grab a goal, Kanoute was always a threat, King Toure was first to every ball that came the way of the former Scummer. Arsenal were able to get break away chances as Sevilla tried to get back into the game. Arsenal finished them off at the death, Cesc unselfishly let Eduardo tuck the ball away from 8 yards after a flowing move. Eduardo ran to the bench to celebrate the strike.
3-nil and a clean sheet things can’t be bad!! In modest fashion Wenger said, “we lost as well balls we shouldn’t have lost, we were one or two times defensively not clean enough, so we can improve in all areas - but there is a real spirit in the team and that’s fantastic to see.” hoping to keep the lads feet on the ground ahead of the testing matches to come. Wenger also said, “overall we didn’t concede and we looked more mature tactically for ninety minutes than one year ago.” Arsenal now have four winnable games against Bucharest and Slavia Prague that could see us qualify for the knockout stages before we play Sevilla again.
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Senderos, Clichy, Hleb, Fabregas, Flamini, Rosicky (Diaby 50), Adebayor (Eduardo 83), Van Persie (Diarra 88). Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Denilson, Silva, Walcott.
Booked: Adebayor.
Goals:Escude 28 (OG), Van Persie 59, Eduardo 90.
Att: 59,000+ (What was Chelski’s)
Ref:Peter Frojdfeldt (Sweden).
Arsenal 3 - 0 Sparta Prague
August 30, 2007 on 7:57 am | In Arsenal FC, Matches Reviews 2007/2008 | posted by Block19er | No CommentsArsenal eased in the Champions League proper last night with a very comfortable display against Sparta Prague. Confidence amongst the Gooner faithful was high after the 2-nil away win. I had imagined Sparta would bring a lot of passionate fans to the game, the draw of London, normally brings them in. They actually had the fewest fans any club has ever bought to London, I’d say only 100 - 200. Made it interesting atmosphere wise, we had nobody for a bit of banter, but getting to the CL Group stages was enough for most Gooners.
The RedSection guys had all been given scarves from the club and it made a great visual affect from the other end, especially when we cracked in our first goal after just 7 minutes. It was great to see Tomas put the ball home against his old club for his first goal of the season. Walcott in from the start delivered a great cross for Rosicky to finish. Arsenal were finding it very comfortable and despite a couple of attacks from Prague the defence had a comfy night. Walcott and Eduardo were playing well as you’d expect from players trying to force their way into the first team.The second half start as the first finished with Arsenal in control without doing anything fantastic. On 68 Cesc and Adebayor came on and it changed the tempo of the game. Arsenal started to knock the ball about with a bit of flair and it was ‘Ole football’ from then on. With 8 minutes to go it was Cesc who grabbed number 2 on the night and Eduardo made it 3 with his first Emirates goal for Arsenal in the 89th minute. 5-nil on aggregate. It was good to see Eduardo involved in the second goal setting Cesc up and then scoring from a Denilsons cross. This should give him a massive boost of confidence.
Arsenal team: Almunia, Hoyte, Toure, Senderos, Clichy, Walcott, Diaby (Fabregas 68), Gilberto, Rosicky (Denilson 73), Eduardo, Van Persie (Adebayor 68). Subs not used: Fabianski, Hleb, Flamini, Bendtner.
Goals: Rosicky 7, Cesc 82, Eduardo 89.
Cards: Theo Walcott.
Att: 58,462
Onto the draw today, it should take place around 5pm this afternoon, Arsenal are seeded in the draw, and will play a team from Pot 2, Pot 3, and Pot 4 with the first match just 3 weeks away.
POT 2: Valencia, Lyon, Porto, Sevilla or Athens, PSV, Roma, Benfica, Weder Bremen.
POT 3: Celtic, Shalke, Stuttgart, Steaua Bucharest, CSKA Moscow, Sporting, Lazio, Marseille.
POT 4: Rangers, Shaktah Donesk, Besiktas, Olympiacos, Dynamo Kyiv, Fenebache, Slavia Prague, Rosenborg.
Anyone for Prague?
Arsenal 1 - 0 Man City
August 26, 2007 on 11:33 am | In Arsenal FC, Matches Reviews 2007/2008 | posted by Block19er | No Comments7 points out of 9 not a bad start at all. Arsenal certainly have much more resilience this season. It was a tough match today and Richard Dunne showed great strength at the back for City. Arsenal dominated the game but City always looked dangerous on the break.
Senderos was injured during the warm-up and it gave Wenger a decision to make with Gallas also missing he made the right choice putting Gilberto in at the back, he was assured, and controlled. Personally I would stick with The Brazilian in the absence of Gallas or Toure. He settled back into the team with ease, Adebayor also came straight into the team for this game, he made some good chances, but was slightly off the pace. Ade lasted 75 minutes and it should stand him in good stead for the Pompey game.
In the first half Clichy put in some tempting crosses that put Schmeichel under pressure. He flapped at a lot of the crosses but they weren’t in the right area’s for Arsenal players to attack. Other sides will take advantage of this but Arsenal didn’t and the lads thoughts were not on crossing once Eduardo came on. Van Persie and Rosicky tested the City keeper in the first half and in the second half Arsenal cranked up the pressure.
A real chance presented itself on 65 minutes when Hleb once again made a break into the box but was pulled down. It was the right decision. Van Persie’s penalty was saved by the legs of Schmeichel who was 2 yards off his line as Robin struck the ball. The ref ignored the linesmans’ flag and played on. Soon Van Persie was in again. I can’t understand why the penalty was not re-taken it’s clear in the rules that keepers should stay on their line, shouldn’t these refs take pride in their work and stop this blatant rule breaking. I’d like to ask The FA how they consider the ref giving a penalty in the Liverpool Chelsea game last week worse than referee Chris Foy just ignoring the rules.
In the end it didn’t matter and Arsenal won the game with a goal in the 80th minute. Cesc passed it out to Hleb on the right side of the box, Hleb rolled it back to Cesc who had enough space 10 yards from goal to smash the ball into the roof of the net. It was a wonderful finish and Cesc ran to the North Bank to slide and kiss the Arsenal badge.
Eduardo could have doubled the lead but Arsenal will be happy with these well earned three points. On the downside it would seem like we have lost another two defenders for the game against Prague. Senderos and Sagna will both be out for at least that game.
After the game Wenger said, “We look solid and strong and mentally very focussed and they are good signs.”
Arsenal team: Almunia, Sagna (Denilson 19), Silva, Toure, Clichy, Hleb, Fabregas, Flamini, Rosicky, Adebayor (Eduardo 75), Van Persie (Song 87).
Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Bendtner.
Goals: Fabregas 80.
Att: 60,114.
Ref: C Foy (England).
Blckburn 1 - 1 Arsenal
August 20, 2007 on 7:56 am | In Arsenal FC, Matches Reviews 2007/2008 | posted by Block19er | No CommentsI am sick and tired of football matches being ruined by teams like Blackburn and Bolton under Alladyce, they make no attempt to get the ball down and play the beautiful game. Blackburns sole purpose today was to lay into our players and grab a 0-0 draw at home. I could not support a team like that, and even with reduced tickets prices, that is why Blackburn will not fill their ground this season.
From minute one tackles were flying in and Robbie Savage was at the refs’ ear. I would love to see the stats on Savage from this game but I honestly can’t imagine he played more than 2 passes and successfully won the ball in a tackle. He made one run which he made a terrible dive from as he got to the edge of the box. I’m not sure why the ref put up with him in constant contact and also let some many things go when he sent off a Rovers player with 5 minutes to go, he’d only made 3 or 4 fouls compared to Savage’s 10 or 12.
Blackburn is dull on most days, but with the drizzle, and lack of atmosphere from the home fans it looked very grey inside the ground until Van Persie put the ball in the back of the net after a scramble inside the box. It lit up the game for a moment. As a football match this was ruined though, and Arsenal took the baight and fought back. Flamini was booked for the first Arsenal foul of the game but Alan Wiley (aka shit ref) let Rovers get away with 5 or 6. It seemed to me that he knew Rovers would play like this and let them get away with it whereas he expects more from Arsenal. The frustrations you feel as a fan are unbelievable and I wouldn’t be surprised if a player on the Arsenal side Laid out the ref.
Wenger said after the game,
“I felt there was a desire for violence more than commitment in some of the challenges.”
Rovers got what they wanted when Gallas was forced off with injury and the Arsenal players were starting to put in poor challenges in frustration, when will the authorities stop games like this happening, I am all for a tough match. You can challenge with force but not constant tripping and pushing. Some of the tackles were over the top and inevitably Robin put in a dodgy tackle from behind which saw him booked, the same punishment Savage received for loads of them, it makes no sense. This game was played in a poor spirit which we now accept from Rovers, but why do we have to? Perhaps all team should adopt this style of playing to create a level playing field, perhaps the people running football would like to see more empty ground like Ewood Park? Maybe they’ll catch on the Arsenal, Manure, and Scouse fill their grounds because football matches are played there, not the dross that Mark Hughes and Robbie Savage like the churn out in Blackburn. Wenger was clearly annoyed by the game too,
“We were very resilient against a team that was over-physical. We dealt well with the problem we had.”
“My team showed the correct attitude and we are frustrated because we should be going home with the three points.”
Rovers did have a spell of attacking and in that spell they shot at goal. It was such a shock to Lehmann that he let the ball slip and squirm over his shoulder. It will lead to a lot of Gooners calling for his head. That’s two mistakes in two matches and Arsenal do have back up in the squad. On a more positive note the right side of Arsenal looked good. Sagna has settled well and Walcott was full of invention, if Theo can get a run in the team he showed today he will be a dangerous player and has the pace to beat defences. Twice in the first half Rovers players had to take Walcott out because the could not get the ball from him.There’s no excuses here, Arsenal did not play well in the second half, and Lehmann made a cock up, but my argument is that this game of football was ruined from the outset by constant fouling and the ref letting Rovers players make his decisions. The football we all went to see was not allowed to be produced. They did not bully us but we took the bait, in frustration, and fear of injury.
As we left the car park one of the cars had it’s windows caved in, and then as we turned the corner some local kids were lobbing missiles at cars, nice town Blackburn!! No wonder some people do actually bother to turn up to see their team, it suits the town. Congratulations on getting a point in your Cup Final.
Arsenal: Lehmann, Sagna, Toure, Gallas (Senderos 24), Clichy, Walcott (Bendtner 73), Flamini, Fabregas, Hleb, Eduardo (Denilson 65), Van Persie. Subs Not Used: Almunia, Song.
Booked: Flamini, Eduardo, Clichy, Van Persie.
Goals: Van Persie 18.
Att: 24,917.
Sparta Praha 0 - 2 Arsenal
August 15, 2007 on 10:13 pm | In Arsenal FC, Matches Reviews 2007/2008 | posted by Block19er | No CommentsArsenal took a brilliant lead away from this tough away Champions League Qualifier. It was clear from the first minute that it was going to be a physically tough night and Sparta were diving in with dodgy tackles from the outset.
Two Czech midfielders went into the book within the opening minutes, and how Repka (former West Ham) didn’t I don’t know. It totally upset the balance of play and Arsenal could not find a rhythm. It was Sparta who came up with the first chance and hit the post on nine minutes. Still more tackles flew in but the referee started to book Arsenal player for soft challenges. Flamini and Cesc were first into the book and Van Persie followed. The tackle Cesc was booked for was a 50/50 with Repka, who royally pissed me off, I am not sure who he thinks he is, Repka came off the worst in the tackle and had to be taken off minutes later. As he went off Repka threatened Cesc, I’m sure he was quaking in his boots, the old man has lost it!!
Cesc and Van Persie were the only two Gooners to have shots at goal in the first half, and they were weak, the second half was better from Arsenal.
A bit more patience in attack carved out chances, Rosicky put a lovely ball in to Van Persie, who swivelled but nobody could get on the end of his shot. As with Arsenal’s match on Sunday it was a defender who turned the game. Clichy this time picked the ball up and ran at the defence, he skipped around two Sparta players on 72 minutes, and slid the ball to Cesc who coolly chipped it into the net past the keeper. It was a deserved lead.
Again Arsenal scored in the 90th minute with a goal from Hleb. It was Sagna who sprinted up the wing and cut in, he had ran so fast, and was so tired, he could barely lift his leg to pass, but he did, into the path of Hleb who finished. 2-nil was a great result on the night and Sparta gave no signals that they could challenge the Arsenal, but this is the Champions League, and anything could happen.
Arsenal are just doing enough to win matches. That will do for now, confidence will build with results like this, the performances can wait. The positive is out midfielders are scoring goals.
ARSENAL: Lehmann, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Eboue, Flamini, Cesc, Rosicky (Song 80), Hleb, Van Persie. Subs not used: Almunia, Senderos, Traore, Hoyte, Walcott, Bendtner.
GOALS: Cesc 72, Hleb 90
Yellow Cards: Cesc, Flamini, Van Persie
ATT: 19,586
Arsenal v Sparta Praha
August 7, 2007 on 11:58 am | In Matches Reviews 2007/2008 | posted by Block19er | 1 Comment
Genclerbirligi 0 - 3 Arsenal
July 19, 2007 on 6:51 pm | In Matches Reviews 2007/2008 | posted by Block19er | 7 Comments
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).
Barnet 0 - 2 Arsenal
July 14, 2007 on 11:04 pm | In Matches Reviews 2007/2008 | posted by Block19er | No CommentsThe 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.
