Arsenal Draws 1-1 Against Sevilla
August 11th 2008 05:16
It was a case of attack against defense Saturday night in Amsterdam as Arsenal found themselves forced to play under pressure for a little less than 90 minutes after taking the lead early on in the match.
The goal came at the 4th minute when Carlos Vela stole the ball from Sevilla's right-back and beat the goalkeeper with a shot to the far post. After that, Arsenal were forced to hold on and pray for the best because they were completely unable to string along more than three passes before losing possession.
One thing you have to understand is that this wasn't Arsenal's first team like the night before. Most, if not all, senior players were given a rest to prepare for the champions League qualifier coming this week. So, against an experienced Sevilla team determined to get more than a goal after their 0-0 against Inter Milan, Arsenal's youngsters looked a bit lost and disconnected at times. Ramsey looked poor on that night, unable to cope with the opposing midfielders' pressure and didn't quite know how to support his defense. Jack Wilshere was completely invisible, and so was Bendtner. The best player on the field for the Gunners was goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski. He was simply incredible stopping everything that came his way, it was too bad that Sevilla managed to score at the 79th minute. Fabianski was left to himself when a low-cross managed to get through two defenders before finding Chevanton who fired a close-range rocket that left no chance to the goalkeeper. Still, Sevilla are also a bit to blame for not getting their three points. Their attacks in the first half lacked a finishing touch as several shots/headers went wide or too high. If they were any better, they could have slaughtered Arsenal (thankfully, they didn't).
With that draw combined to their win against Ajax Friday, Arsenal won the 2008 Amsterdam tournament. I'm guessing their reserves are fully fit by now, and their first team should be too. After all, Robin Van Persie and Fabregas' season was extended by the 2008 Euro, and Adebayor has played a certain number of pre-season games already. We'll see how they fare for their qualifier on Wednesday.
Arsenal's line-up: Lukasz Fabianksi; Philippe Senderos, Justin Hoyte, Johan Djourou (Bacary Sagna, 68th), Kieran Gibbs; Jack Wilshere (Theo Walcott, 79th), Mark Randall, Aaron Ramsey, Jay Emmanuel-Tomas (Denilson, 68th); Nicklas Bendtner, Carlos Vela.
The goal came at the 4th minute when Carlos Vela stole the ball from Sevilla's right-back and beat the goalkeeper with a shot to the far post. After that, Arsenal were forced to hold on and pray for the best because they were completely unable to string along more than three passes before losing possession.
One thing you have to understand is that this wasn't Arsenal's first team like the night before. Most, if not all, senior players were given a rest to prepare for the champions League qualifier coming this week. So, against an experienced Sevilla team determined to get more than a goal after their 0-0 against Inter Milan, Arsenal's youngsters looked a bit lost and disconnected at times. Ramsey looked poor on that night, unable to cope with the opposing midfielders' pressure and didn't quite know how to support his defense. Jack Wilshere was completely invisible, and so was Bendtner. The best player on the field for the Gunners was goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski. He was simply incredible stopping everything that came his way, it was too bad that Sevilla managed to score at the 79th minute. Fabianski was left to himself when a low-cross managed to get through two defenders before finding Chevanton who fired a close-range rocket that left no chance to the goalkeeper. Still, Sevilla are also a bit to blame for not getting their three points. Their attacks in the first half lacked a finishing touch as several shots/headers went wide or too high. If they were any better, they could have slaughtered Arsenal (thankfully, they didn't).
Arsenal - Sevilla Highlights
Arsenal's line-up: Lukasz Fabianksi; Philippe Senderos, Justin Hoyte, Johan Djourou (Bacary Sagna, 68th), Kieran Gibbs; Jack Wilshere (Theo Walcott, 79th), Mark Randall, Aaron Ramsey, Jay Emmanuel-Tomas (Denilson, 68th); Nicklas Bendtner, Carlos Vela.
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