Ajax 0 - 1 Arsenal
Arsenal's first win in the tournament. Ajax's first defeat for 5 years? Until 80th minute it seemed like we were heading for 0-0 draw. Arturo Lupoli came in and I thought let's see some of his touches.
I've seen a huge talent in Ajax's 18 years old forward Ryan Babel. And Caristheas who came on in the second half is an effective striker. Our forwards have been lacking in ideas. Henry wasn't giving his 100% and Bergkamp's touch still need some polishing. Reyes continues his bravado play which is good. Pires, as I expected, has been ineffective in the center of the park. Flamini was only as good as Edu defensively although he worked hard to be fair. I always think Flamini is most interesting when he make forward runs. He almost scored a goal but for his generousity to pass it to Freddie.
Freddie had several great chances which his blown away. That's alright as long as he is trying.
I was eager to see Hleb and Bentley play. And I got my wish. As soon as Hleb came on, Arsenal's attack on the left flank became more fluid (yes he played on the left today). And as soon as Bentley came on the replace Freddie, suddenly our attacking became dangerous.
So what of Lupoli? He didn't do much actually. His only contribution was to receive a great short pass by Hleb at the edge of the area and put the ball into the net with a typical striker's shot. How I wish all the other forwards, including our new captain, could do such simple thing. This kid can be our fox in the box.
Defensively we did okay. Senderos was shaky and bettered by Cygan who came on for him. Kolo, Lauren and Cole was their usual selves while Jens made a brave save. Eboeue came on for Lauren and apart from being tricked by Mitea once, was pacey and useful in attacking.
I talked about Heitinga being a talented centerback and seeing him tonight, I think Wenger should really consider him, and Maduro. Hatem Trabelsi who was once linked with us but for salary problem was playing really well, quick and skillful. He occasionally joined the attack too. Another attempt to lure him to Highbury would be welcomed.
Of course if Wenger is sincere with his goalkeeper search, he should try everything to sign Marteen S (okay I forgot how to spell his surname). I knew all along that he is a talented goalie. I knew it even before he was playing for Ajax's first team. But even now I bet some people would still be clueless about his quality.
By the way Hleb didn't disappoint. Indeed he can be the classic no 10.
I've seen a huge talent in Ajax's 18 years old forward Ryan Babel. And Caristheas who came on in the second half is an effective striker. Our forwards have been lacking in ideas. Henry wasn't giving his 100% and Bergkamp's touch still need some polishing. Reyes continues his bravado play which is good. Pires, as I expected, has been ineffective in the center of the park. Flamini was only as good as Edu defensively although he worked hard to be fair. I always think Flamini is most interesting when he make forward runs. He almost scored a goal but for his generousity to pass it to Freddie.
Freddie had several great chances which his blown away. That's alright as long as he is trying.
I was eager to see Hleb and Bentley play. And I got my wish. As soon as Hleb came on, Arsenal's attack on the left flank became more fluid (yes he played on the left today). And as soon as Bentley came on the replace Freddie, suddenly our attacking became dangerous.
So what of Lupoli? He didn't do much actually. His only contribution was to receive a great short pass by Hleb at the edge of the area and put the ball into the net with a typical striker's shot. How I wish all the other forwards, including our new captain, could do such simple thing. This kid can be our fox in the box.
Defensively we did okay. Senderos was shaky and bettered by Cygan who came on for him. Kolo, Lauren and Cole was their usual selves while Jens made a brave save. Eboeue came on for Lauren and apart from being tricked by Mitea once, was pacey and useful in attacking.
I talked about Heitinga being a talented centerback and seeing him tonight, I think Wenger should really consider him, and Maduro. Hatem Trabelsi who was once linked with us but for salary problem was playing really well, quick and skillful. He occasionally joined the attack too. Another attempt to lure him to Highbury would be welcomed.
Of course if Wenger is sincere with his goalkeeper search, he should try everything to sign Marteen S (okay I forgot how to spell his surname). I knew all along that he is a talented goalie. I knew it even before he was playing for Ajax's first team. But even now I bet some people would still be clueless about his quality.
By the way Hleb didn't disappoint. Indeed he can be the classic no 10.
posted by phoenix chix at 5:09 AM
2 Comments:
haha... it should be marteen stekelenburg.
Oww yeahh !! stekelenburg... always had hard time spelling that ^^
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