Epl Thread
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fgl
Well-known member
Match Report
Champions League Round 3 Leg 2
Emirates Stadium
Wednesday, August 29, 2007, 8.05pm
Arsenal3Rosicky 7, Fabregas 82, Da Silva 89
Sparta Prague0
By Richard Clarke
Arsenal booked their ticket for another European excursion with a straight-forward 3-0 victory over Sparta Prague at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
Arsène Wenger’s side went into this Champions League third qualifying round second leg tie with a handsome 2-0 lead from the away leg so the competitive edge was all but lost when Tomas Rosicky put the home side head after just seven minutes.
Sparta had their chances after that however Arsenal’s fortunes were always in their own hands this evening.
Just for good measure, substitute Cesc Fabregas and Eduardo added goals in the final eight minutes. But this had been a night when Wenger’s men had one simple aim — qualification for the Champions League group stages. And they achieved it with quiet competence.
The draw takes place on Thursday at 5pm UK time.
Wenger’s side showed five changes from the team that had beaten Manchester City on Saturday. Emmanuel Adebayor, Alex Hleb and Fabregas dropped to the bench for Eduardo, Theo Walcott and Abou Diaby to come in.
Philippe Senderos, who had injured his ankle in the warm-up at the weekend, returned to the team and so Gilberto moved into central midfield to replace Mathieu Flamini. Bacary Sagna had hurt his back in collision with the Frenchman against Manchester City so Justin Hoyte came in at right back for his first game of the season.
There was an air of confidence before kick-off. Arsenal had given themselves a huge chance of qualification by winning in Prague a fortnight ago. You sensed their biggest threat was complacency.
That threat would last precisely seven minutes. That is how long it took Walcott to drop his shoulder, dart to the byline and cut back a low cross for Rosicky to sweep home.
The midfielder barely celebrated the goal. In the build-up to the first game, the former Sparta star had talked of his debt to the Czech champions.
The goal killed off any lingering tension in the tie. Sparta would now need to score four to progress. In any case, the visitors were struggling to get put together a worthy attack while Arsenal were looking increasingly threatening.
On the quarter-hour, Rosicky sent Eduardo clear on the left and his curling cross was met by the stretching Van Persie at the far post. However his contact was poor.
Walcott and Eduardo were lively. The home side had that three-goal comfort zone and these two were clearly enjoying it. When Marek Kulic cracked a deflected effort over the bar in the 25th minute it represented the first real danger on the Arsenal goal.
The threat was all going the other way. On the half-hour, Diaby diverted a back-header just past the far post from Van Persie’s curling free-kick.
In fairness, Sparta had a flurry of chances just after that. Pavel Horvath rifled a shot wide then sent Jan Rezek clear but the midfielder clipped his shot wide when he should have scored.
Just before half time, Van Persie sent over a corner from the right and Eduardo’s effort had to be scooped off the line.
To be honest, at the break the game was threatening to peter out. Arsenal had the tie in a stranglehold and, though they had loosened their grip after tonight’s opener, Sparta were never going to snatch control.
The visitors did raise their game after the interval. Horvath’s corner was inadvertently nodded on by Hoyte at the near post and Almunia had to palm the ball off his own line. Shortly afterwards, the same Sparta player fell under Toure’s challenge in the area but the referee waved play on.
But, just before Wenger brought on Emmanuel Adebayor and Fabregas, Michal Kadlec’s nodded behind from Van Persie’s free-kick. From the corner, Gilberto headed over.
Arsenal had upped the tempo a few notches once more and Sparta could not cope. Eight minutes from time, Eduardo breezed past his marker on the left and cut the ball back for Fabregas to fire home a second from the edge of the area.
On the whistle the Croatian turned in a cross from Denilson to register his first competitive goal since signing from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer.
THAT WAS ....SPARTA.
Champions League Round 3 Leg 2
Emirates Stadium
Wednesday, August 29, 2007, 8.05pm
Arsenal3Rosicky 7, Fabregas 82, Da Silva 89
Sparta Prague0
By Richard Clarke
Arsenal booked their ticket for another European excursion with a straight-forward 3-0 victory over Sparta Prague at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
Arsène Wenger’s side went into this Champions League third qualifying round second leg tie with a handsome 2-0 lead from the away leg so the competitive edge was all but lost when Tomas Rosicky put the home side head after just seven minutes.
Sparta had their chances after that however Arsenal’s fortunes were always in their own hands this evening.
Just for good measure, substitute Cesc Fabregas and Eduardo added goals in the final eight minutes. But this had been a night when Wenger’s men had one simple aim — qualification for the Champions League group stages. And they achieved it with quiet competence.
The draw takes place on Thursday at 5pm UK time.
Wenger’s side showed five changes from the team that had beaten Manchester City on Saturday. Emmanuel Adebayor, Alex Hleb and Fabregas dropped to the bench for Eduardo, Theo Walcott and Abou Diaby to come in.
Philippe Senderos, who had injured his ankle in the warm-up at the weekend, returned to the team and so Gilberto moved into central midfield to replace Mathieu Flamini. Bacary Sagna had hurt his back in collision with the Frenchman against Manchester City so Justin Hoyte came in at right back for his first game of the season.
There was an air of confidence before kick-off. Arsenal had given themselves a huge chance of qualification by winning in Prague a fortnight ago. You sensed their biggest threat was complacency.
That threat would last precisely seven minutes. That is how long it took Walcott to drop his shoulder, dart to the byline and cut back a low cross for Rosicky to sweep home.
The midfielder barely celebrated the goal. In the build-up to the first game, the former Sparta star had talked of his debt to the Czech champions.
The goal killed off any lingering tension in the tie. Sparta would now need to score four to progress. In any case, the visitors were struggling to get put together a worthy attack while Arsenal were looking increasingly threatening.
On the quarter-hour, Rosicky sent Eduardo clear on the left and his curling cross was met by the stretching Van Persie at the far post. However his contact was poor.
Walcott and Eduardo were lively. The home side had that three-goal comfort zone and these two were clearly enjoying it. When Marek Kulic cracked a deflected effort over the bar in the 25th minute it represented the first real danger on the Arsenal goal.
The threat was all going the other way. On the half-hour, Diaby diverted a back-header just past the far post from Van Persie’s curling free-kick.
In fairness, Sparta had a flurry of chances just after that. Pavel Horvath rifled a shot wide then sent Jan Rezek clear but the midfielder clipped his shot wide when he should have scored.
Just before half time, Van Persie sent over a corner from the right and Eduardo’s effort had to be scooped off the line.
To be honest, at the break the game was threatening to peter out. Arsenal had the tie in a stranglehold and, though they had loosened their grip after tonight’s opener, Sparta were never going to snatch control.
The visitors did raise their game after the interval. Horvath’s corner was inadvertently nodded on by Hoyte at the near post and Almunia had to palm the ball off his own line. Shortly afterwards, the same Sparta player fell under Toure’s challenge in the area but the referee waved play on.
But, just before Wenger brought on Emmanuel Adebayor and Fabregas, Michal Kadlec’s nodded behind from Van Persie’s free-kick. From the corner, Gilberto headed over.
Arsenal had upped the tempo a few notches once more and Sparta could not cope. Eight minutes from time, Eduardo breezed past his marker on the left and cut the ball back for Fabregas to fire home a second from the edge of the area.
On the whistle the Croatian turned in a cross from Denilson to register his first competitive goal since signing from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer.
THAT WAS ....SPARTA.
loldude333
New member
U mentioned 3rd team in FRENCH league if i remember right. Well, i happen to know that this same team beat Sparta 4-0 in a pre-season friendly. ARSEnal having to GRIND out a 3-0 result against them with not 1 but 2 super-tyco last minute goals makes them even luckier than Pool don'cha think?
fgl
Well-known member
Champions League Draw
• The draw took place on August 30, 2007.
Group A
Team P W D L F A Pts
Liverpool - Eng 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Porto - Por 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Marseille - Fra 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Besiktas - Tur 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Full group fixtures
Group B
Team P W D L F A Pts
Chelsea - Eng 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Valencia - Spa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Schalke - Ger 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Rosenborg - Nor 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Full group fixtures
Group C
Team P W D L F A Pts
Real Madrid - Spa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Werder Bremen - Ger 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lazio - Ita 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Olympiakos - Gre 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Full group fixtures
Group D
Team P W D L F A Pts
AC Milan - Ita 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Benfica - Por 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Celtic - Sco 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Shakhtar Donetsk - Ukr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Full group fixtures
Group E
Team P W D L F A Pts
Barcelona - Spa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lyon - Fra 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Stuttgart - Ger 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Rangers - Sco 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Full group fixtures
Group F
Team P W D L F A Pts
Manchester United - Eng 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Roma - Ita 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sporting Lisbon - Por 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Dynamo Kiev - Ukr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Full group fixtures
Group G
Team P W D L F A Pts
Inter Milan - Ita 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
PSV Eindhoven - Hol 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
CSKA Moscow - Rus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Fenerbahce - Tur 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Full group fixtures
Group H
Team P W D L F A Pts
Arsenal - Eng 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sevilla or AEK Athens* - Spa/Gre 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Steaua Bucharest - Rom 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Slavia Prague - Cze 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Full group fixtures
• The draw took place on August 30, 2007.
Group A
Team P W D L F A Pts
Liverpool - Eng 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Porto - Por 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Marseille - Fra 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Besiktas - Tur 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Full group fixtures
Group B
Team P W D L F A Pts
Chelsea - Eng 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Valencia - Spa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Schalke - Ger 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Rosenborg - Nor 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Full group fixtures
Group C
Team P W D L F A Pts
Real Madrid - Spa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Werder Bremen - Ger 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lazio - Ita 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Olympiakos - Gre 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Full group fixtures
Group D
Team P W D L F A Pts
AC Milan - Ita 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Benfica - Por 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Celtic - Sco 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Shakhtar Donetsk - Ukr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Full group fixtures
Group E
Team P W D L F A Pts
Barcelona - Spa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lyon - Fra 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Stuttgart - Ger 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Rangers - Sco 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Full group fixtures
Group F
Team P W D L F A Pts
Manchester United - Eng 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Roma - Ita 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sporting Lisbon - Por 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Dynamo Kiev - Ukr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Full group fixtures
Group G
Team P W D L F A Pts
Inter Milan - Ita 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
PSV Eindhoven - Hol 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
CSKA Moscow - Rus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Fenerbahce - Tur 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Full group fixtures
Group H
Team P W D L F A Pts
Arsenal - Eng 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sevilla or AEK Athens* - Spa/Gre 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Steaua Bucharest - Rom 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Slavia Prague - Cze 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Full group fixtures
snuffleupagus
New member
ah, if im not wrong, the 2 leaders of Arsenal's Group H will play with the 2 leaders of Group E as according to last year's format.
Which means that there is a high chance of Arsenal Vs Barcelona in the next round.
Van Persie Vs My beloved Thierry Henry 8O
On a funny note, now I know the real reason why Alumnia is allowed to play as the 1st goalkeeper.
Check out the video.(for Arsenal Fans only)
http://www.caughtoffside.com/2007/08/30/arsenal-players-have-awful-technique/2832.html
Which means that there is a high chance of Arsenal Vs Barcelona in the next round.
Van Persie Vs My beloved Thierry Henry 8O
On a funny note, now I know the real reason why Alumnia is allowed to play as the 1st goalkeeper.
Check out the video.(for Arsenal Fans only)
http://www.caughtoffside.com/2007/08/30/arsenal-players-have-awful-technique/2832.html
fgl
Well-known member
Club Statement - Arsenal Sign Lassana Diarra
Arsenal Football Club is pleased to confirm that Lassana Diarra has signed for the Club from Premier League side Chelsea, on a long term contract for an undisclosed fee.
Diarra (22) who is comfortable playing in midfield or defence, has spent the last two seasons with Chelsea, where he collected a Carling Cup winner’s medal in February this year after playing in the final against the Gunners.
Awarded individual accolades of Young Player of the Year by both former clubs, Le Havre (2004) and Chelsea (2006), Diarra has gone on to play for France in their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.
Lassana Diarra said: “I have great respect for the manager Arsène Wenger and am attracted by the style of football that the team plays. Of course I am excited by what the future holds and keen to play my part in helping Arsenal fight for trophies this season and for years to come.”
Arsène Wenger said: “Lassana is a multi-functional player, making him a great addition to our squad. Not only is he hard working, he has a creative edge and is comfortable playing in the middle of the pitch or at right back.”
Lassana Diarra will wear the number 8 shirt.
Arsenal Football Club is pleased to confirm that Lassana Diarra has signed for the Club from Premier League side Chelsea, on a long term contract for an undisclosed fee.
Diarra (22) who is comfortable playing in midfield or defence, has spent the last two seasons with Chelsea, where he collected a Carling Cup winner’s medal in February this year after playing in the final against the Gunners.
Awarded individual accolades of Young Player of the Year by both former clubs, Le Havre (2004) and Chelsea (2006), Diarra has gone on to play for France in their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.
Lassana Diarra said: “I have great respect for the manager Arsène Wenger and am attracted by the style of football that the team plays. Of course I am excited by what the future holds and keen to play my part in helping Arsenal fight for trophies this season and for years to come.”
Arsène Wenger said: “Lassana is a multi-functional player, making him a great addition to our squad. Not only is he hard working, he has a creative edge and is comfortable playing in the middle of the pitch or at right back.”
Lassana Diarra will wear the number 8 shirt.
snuffleupagus
New member
WTH!
fgl
Well-known member
Match Report
Barclays Premier League
Emirates Stadium
Sunday, September 02, 2007, 1.30pm
Arsenal
3
Adebayor 8 (pen), Fabregas 35, Rosicky 59
Portsmouth
1
Kanu 60
By Richard Clarke
Ten-man Arsenal made it four home wins out of four with a 3-1 victory over Portsmouth at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
First-half goals from Emmanuel Adebayor and Cesc Fabregas gave Arsène Wenger’s side a thoroughly deserved two-goal lead at the break. To that point, they had bossed Harry Redknapp’s in-form outfit and looked set for a high-scoring, straight-forward win.
However four minutes after the interval Philippe Senderos was sent off for a hauling back Kanu as he raced through. The Nigerian then gave Portsmouth a lifeline a minute after Tomas Rosicky had fired home a nerve-calming third for the hosts.
The visitors piled forward late on but Arsenal held them at bay effectively. At the final whistle they were in second, level with leaders Liverpool on 10 points.
That’s a satisfying start to the season and this game had proved, once again, that Wenger’s youngsters have character to match their talent.
The manager named three changes from Wednesday’s win over Sparta Prague. Alex Hleb recovered from illness to regain his place, Theo Walcott made way. Mathieu Flamini began at right back in place of Justin Hoyte, Van Persie came back for Eduardo. Kolo Toure captained the side on his 250th game for Arsenal.
Portsmouth had ex-Arsenal players Kanu and Lauren on show but Sol Campbell failed a late fitness test.
The home side took the lead in the eighth minute with the first meaningful attack of the match. Van Persie raced clear and was sent sprawling by David James as he tried to skip past. Adebayor sent the England keeper the wrong way from the spot.
Sulley Muntari fired a long-range response at Almunia but, even in the opening stages, this game was shaping up as Arsenal’s for the taking.
Fabregas offered an effort from similar distance. Minutes later the Spaniard won the ball in midfield and spread it wide to Hleb. The Belarus midfielder sent a low ball across the face of goal and the sliding Adebayor missed it by inches.
Then Gael Clichy fled forward down the left and crossed to the near post. Noe Pamarot diverted the ball dangerously close to his own goal and behind for a corner.
Arsenal’s football was as bright and breezy as this pleasant September day. They played the ball around with confidence and cleanliness. This was Wenger’s side at their efficient best and Portsmouth were struggling to keep up.
Ten minutes from half-time, a trademark Arsenal move led to a corner on the left. Rosicky swung it to the near post and Gilberto nodded goalwards. A combination of Sean Davis and Fabregas blocked it on the line. The 20-year-old recovered the quicker to turn the ball home from close range.
It was Fabregas’ fifth game of the season and his fourth goal. That equalled his tally from last term.
Arsenal continued to dominated until the break. Portsmouth’s only chance of note was when John Utaka robbed Flamini and turned a shot into the sidenetting. It was a poor effort and superceded by numerous attacks by the home side. But it was the best they could muster.
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp was stung sufficiently to make two changes at the break. It did little to change the balance of play. With three minutes slack defending from a corner allowed Senderos acres of space to plant a header towards the corner. James made a desperate save.
It would be the Swiss defender’s last contribution to the match. In the 49th minute he tangled with Kanu after the Nigerian had been sent clear. Referee Mark Halsey deemed it a foul and a red card. The only mitigation for Senderos was that Toure was racing to cover. Whether he was the ‘covering defender’ required was open to debate.
The free-kick was whipped by Utaka into the centre of the goal. Almunia palmed out and Davis slid the ball over, this time with Toure in very close attendance.
The dismissal served to add life to a game that could have died a death given Arsenal’s control. The minutes that followed with spiky and purposeful before a bit of quick thinking brought the home side a third goal in the 59th minute.
With the Portsmouth defence daydreaming, Fabregas tapped a free-kick from the byline to Rosicky on the corner of the six-yard area. The Czech midfielder fired an angled effort through the legs of Glen Johnson and into the far corner.
Another poor goal from a Portsmouth perspective but Emirates Stadium sighed with relief.
However within a minute they were holding their breathe again.
Utaka roared down the right and crossed for the twisting Kanu to backflick the ball into the far corner beyond Almunia’s outstretched hand. It was reminiscent of a famous goal he had scored for Arsenal up at Middlesbrough a few years ago.
By now, Redknapp had brought on David Nugent and had switched to 4-2-4. It was obvious that the Arsenal defence, with Gilberto filling in at centre back, would be tested to the limit in the final 25 minutes. Rarely had a side that had played so well and deservedly taken a two-goal played in front of such a nervous crowd. But it was understandable. The hosts had enjoyed utter control before the sending off and the fans knew knew Arsenal’s title bid had been undermined by dropping disappointing points at Emirates Stadium in games like this last season.
Wenger toughened his side for the fight by bringing on Denilson and Abou Diaby in place of Van Persie and Hleb. Diaby could have killed the game with 17 minutes left when Clichy’s gift of cross floated on to his unmarked head eight yards. Inexplicably he steered it wide.
A couple of minutes later Johnson’s rocket shot from 25 yards force a flying save from Almunia.
After that Arsenal effectively smothered the probing Portsmouth attack. Five minutes from time, Toure deflected Nugent’s effort high over the bar but in injury time Diaby nearly atoned for his early error from long range.
Barclays Premier League
Emirates Stadium
Sunday, September 02, 2007, 1.30pm
Arsenal
3
Adebayor 8 (pen), Fabregas 35, Rosicky 59
Portsmouth
1
Kanu 60
By Richard Clarke
Ten-man Arsenal made it four home wins out of four with a 3-1 victory over Portsmouth at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
First-half goals from Emmanuel Adebayor and Cesc Fabregas gave Arsène Wenger’s side a thoroughly deserved two-goal lead at the break. To that point, they had bossed Harry Redknapp’s in-form outfit and looked set for a high-scoring, straight-forward win.
However four minutes after the interval Philippe Senderos was sent off for a hauling back Kanu as he raced through. The Nigerian then gave Portsmouth a lifeline a minute after Tomas Rosicky had fired home a nerve-calming third for the hosts.
The visitors piled forward late on but Arsenal held them at bay effectively. At the final whistle they were in second, level with leaders Liverpool on 10 points.
That’s a satisfying start to the season and this game had proved, once again, that Wenger’s youngsters have character to match their talent.
The manager named three changes from Wednesday’s win over Sparta Prague. Alex Hleb recovered from illness to regain his place, Theo Walcott made way. Mathieu Flamini began at right back in place of Justin Hoyte, Van Persie came back for Eduardo. Kolo Toure captained the side on his 250th game for Arsenal.
Portsmouth had ex-Arsenal players Kanu and Lauren on show but Sol Campbell failed a late fitness test.
The home side took the lead in the eighth minute with the first meaningful attack of the match. Van Persie raced clear and was sent sprawling by David James as he tried to skip past. Adebayor sent the England keeper the wrong way from the spot.
Sulley Muntari fired a long-range response at Almunia but, even in the opening stages, this game was shaping up as Arsenal’s for the taking.
Fabregas offered an effort from similar distance. Minutes later the Spaniard won the ball in midfield and spread it wide to Hleb. The Belarus midfielder sent a low ball across the face of goal and the sliding Adebayor missed it by inches.
Then Gael Clichy fled forward down the left and crossed to the near post. Noe Pamarot diverted the ball dangerously close to his own goal and behind for a corner.
Arsenal’s football was as bright and breezy as this pleasant September day. They played the ball around with confidence and cleanliness. This was Wenger’s side at their efficient best and Portsmouth were struggling to keep up.
Ten minutes from half-time, a trademark Arsenal move led to a corner on the left. Rosicky swung it to the near post and Gilberto nodded goalwards. A combination of Sean Davis and Fabregas blocked it on the line. The 20-year-old recovered the quicker to turn the ball home from close range.
It was Fabregas’ fifth game of the season and his fourth goal. That equalled his tally from last term.
Arsenal continued to dominated until the break. Portsmouth’s only chance of note was when John Utaka robbed Flamini and turned a shot into the sidenetting. It was a poor effort and superceded by numerous attacks by the home side. But it was the best they could muster.
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp was stung sufficiently to make two changes at the break. It did little to change the balance of play. With three minutes slack defending from a corner allowed Senderos acres of space to plant a header towards the corner. James made a desperate save.
It would be the Swiss defender’s last contribution to the match. In the 49th minute he tangled with Kanu after the Nigerian had been sent clear. Referee Mark Halsey deemed it a foul and a red card. The only mitigation for Senderos was that Toure was racing to cover. Whether he was the ‘covering defender’ required was open to debate.
The free-kick was whipped by Utaka into the centre of the goal. Almunia palmed out and Davis slid the ball over, this time with Toure in very close attendance.
The dismissal served to add life to a game that could have died a death given Arsenal’s control. The minutes that followed with spiky and purposeful before a bit of quick thinking brought the home side a third goal in the 59th minute.
With the Portsmouth defence daydreaming, Fabregas tapped a free-kick from the byline to Rosicky on the corner of the six-yard area. The Czech midfielder fired an angled effort through the legs of Glen Johnson and into the far corner.
Another poor goal from a Portsmouth perspective but Emirates Stadium sighed with relief.
However within a minute they were holding their breathe again.
Utaka roared down the right and crossed for the twisting Kanu to backflick the ball into the far corner beyond Almunia’s outstretched hand. It was reminiscent of a famous goal he had scored for Arsenal up at Middlesbrough a few years ago.
By now, Redknapp had brought on David Nugent and had switched to 4-2-4. It was obvious that the Arsenal defence, with Gilberto filling in at centre back, would be tested to the limit in the final 25 minutes. Rarely had a side that had played so well and deservedly taken a two-goal played in front of such a nervous crowd. But it was understandable. The hosts had enjoyed utter control before the sending off and the fans knew knew Arsenal’s title bid had been undermined by dropping disappointing points at Emirates Stadium in games like this last season.
Wenger toughened his side for the fight by bringing on Denilson and Abou Diaby in place of Van Persie and Hleb. Diaby could have killed the game with 17 minutes left when Clichy’s gift of cross floated on to his unmarked head eight yards. Inexplicably he steered it wide.
A couple of minutes later Johnson’s rocket shot from 25 yards force a flying save from Almunia.
After that Arsenal effectively smothered the probing Portsmouth attack. Five minutes from time, Toure deflected Nugent’s effort high over the bar but in injury time Diaby nearly atoned for his early error from long range.
GrimRiffer
New member
It must be tabloid junk again
marcdadrummer
New member
apparantly this is not junk.. - i tink...
anderson had a party, highly paid escorts (polite term of well trained whores), flew from leeds (probably ferdinands recommendations) and they all had *&%!$@&$#@ at the pool.. group orgies and shit.. damn!
worst part of it all, they didn't tip them escorts... damn!!!
y'all can read it at
http://soccerlens.com/forum/topic/ronaldo-anderson-nani-and-hookers
120,000 pounds a week can get their image tainted just by paying 150 pounds an hour... how sad...
anderson had a party, highly paid escorts (polite term of well trained whores), flew from leeds (probably ferdinands recommendations) and they all had *&%!$@&$#@ at the pool.. group orgies and shit.. damn!
worst part of it all, they didn't tip them escorts... damn!!!
y'all can read it at
http://soccerlens.com/forum/topic/ronaldo-anderson-nani-and-hookers
120,000 pounds a week can get their image tainted just by paying 150 pounds an hour... how sad...
- Status
