Arsenal Defeats Real Madrid 1-0
August 5th 2008 19:20
After losing against Juventus on a linesman's mistake, Arsenal put up a better front against La Liga champions, Real Madrid, denying them the space and time needed to be effective while bombarding Jerzy Dudek's goal. Despite all their efforts, it was a penalty-kick that gave the winning goal to the Gunners when defender Michele Salgado fouled Robin Van Persie inside the box. The ensuing kick was converted by striker Emmanuel Adebayor at the 49th minute. Here are a couple observations on the match.
There was an interesting battle on Arsenal's right flank as both Robinho and Walcott looked to have some influence in the game. When Robinho had possession, Walcott would often race back to help out his teammates in defense. This resulted in several altercations that left Robinho smiling at the young winger's intensity. When Robinho was substituted at the hour-mark, Robben took the Brazilian place on the wing. In response, Wenger replaced Walcott by Emmanuel Eboue in order to completely lock down the right flank.
In a real tactical chess game between the two coaches, Wenger then decided to replace Samir Nasri by Jack Wilshere at the 75th minute on the left wing. The move would prove useful as Wilshere's runs gave a lot of trouble to Salgado. Unable to attack properly on either wings, the Meringues were effectively shut down, and were forced to attack through the middle.
This kind of pressure is what led to Abou Diaby's ugly tackle on Welsey Sneijder. Since Madrid were blocked on the wings, the Dutch playmaker became the key player to mark. There has been several nasty tackles throughout this pre-season, so it was only a matter of time before a player would get injured. It's too bad that it had to be Sneijder who will be out for three months.
Arsenal's line-up: Manuel Almunia; Philippe Senderos, Gael Clichy, William Gallas (Johan Djourou, 89th), Bacary Sagna; Samir Nasri (Jack Wilshere, 75th), Denilson, Abou Diaby (Aaron Ramsey, 75th), Theo Walcott (Emmanuel Eboue, 66th); Robin Van Persie (Carlos Vela, 66th), Emmanuel Adebayor (Nicklas Bendtner, 75th).
Real Madrid's line-up: Jerzy Dudek; Michele Salgado, Gabriel Heinze, Javi Garcia, Miguel Torres; Mahamadou Diarra (Ruben de La Red, 78th), Guti, Juanmi Callejon, (Wesley Sneijder, h-t (Parejo, 60th)), Julio Baptista (Arjen Robben, h-t), Robinho (Saviola, 60th); Raul (Ruud van Nistelrooy, h-t).
There was an interesting battle on Arsenal's right flank as both Robinho and Walcott looked to have some influence in the game. When Robinho had possession, Walcott would often race back to help out his teammates in defense. This resulted in several altercations that left Robinho smiling at the young winger's intensity. When Robinho was substituted at the hour-mark, Robben took the Brazilian place on the wing. In response, Wenger replaced Walcott by Emmanuel Eboue in order to completely lock down the right flank.
In a real tactical chess game between the two coaches, Wenger then decided to replace Samir Nasri by Jack Wilshere at the 75th minute on the left wing. The move would prove useful as Wilshere's runs gave a lot of trouble to Salgado. Unable to attack properly on either wings, the Meringues were effectively shut down, and were forced to attack through the middle.
This kind of pressure is what led to Abou Diaby's ugly tackle on Welsey Sneijder. Since Madrid were blocked on the wings, the Dutch playmaker became the key player to mark. There has been several nasty tackles throughout this pre-season, so it was only a matter of time before a player would get injured. It's too bad that it had to be Sneijder who will be out for three months.
Arsenal's line-up: Manuel Almunia; Philippe Senderos, Gael Clichy, William Gallas (Johan Djourou, 89th), Bacary Sagna; Samir Nasri (Jack Wilshere, 75th), Denilson, Abou Diaby (Aaron Ramsey, 75th), Theo Walcott (Emmanuel Eboue, 66th); Robin Van Persie (Carlos Vela, 66th), Emmanuel Adebayor (Nicklas Bendtner, 75th).
Real Madrid's line-up: Jerzy Dudek; Michele Salgado, Gabriel Heinze, Javi Garcia, Miguel Torres; Mahamadou Diarra (Ruben de La Red, 78th), Guti, Juanmi Callejon, (Wesley Sneijder, h-t (Parejo, 60th)), Julio Baptista (Arjen Robben, h-t), Robinho (Saviola, 60th); Raul (Ruud van Nistelrooy, h-t).
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