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fgl
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Match Report
Friendly
Pappelstadion
Tuesday, July 25, 2006, 7pm CET
SV Mattersburg1Patocka 68
Arsenal2Aliadiere 5, Hoyte 53
By Richard Clarke in Austria
Tomas Rosicky made his Arsenal debut as Arsène Wenger’s side got their Austrian tour off to a winning start at SV Mattersburg on Tuesday night.
Goals from Jeremie Aliadiere and Justin Hoyte gave the visitors the advantage before Jurgen Patocka replied with 20 minutes of the match remaining.
It was enough to see off a handy side who are looking forward to UEFA Cup football this season. Kolo Toure and the Emmanuels (Eboue and Adebayor) also played their first pre-season games after World Cup duty. But real story of the night revolved around Rosicky.
He did not do that much in his 29 minutes on the field but there were tell-tale signs of the class that saw Wenger prise him from Borussia Dortmund in late May.
The four World Cup players had only one role in the first half, to soak up the sweltering Burgenland sun on the substitute’s bench and watch youngsters like Armand Traore, Mark Randall and Matthew Connolly and Nicklas Bendtner attempt to impress their manager.
Arsenal’s start was perfect. In the fifth minute, Traore sent over a low cross from the left and Aliadiere thumped home on the volley at the near post. The French striker, back after a season of loan spells, might have made it 2-0 seconds later. Alex Hleb broke clear and outpaced the Mattersburg defence to go one-on-one with keeper Thomas Borenitsch. He saved well with his legs and Aliadiere nodded the rebound over the bar with the goal at his mercy.
The home side gradually gathered themselves after a shaky start and in the 17th minute Bernd Kaintz whipped in a low shot that Pascal Cygan cut out for a corner.
Then Goce Sedloski’s free-kick hit the wall and Michael Morz picked up the rebound. The midfielder fired in a cross-shot that Almunia did well to parry. The keeper pulled off an even better save on the half-hour when Morz tried to go around him. The Spaniard thrust out an arm prod the ball away from the midfielder’s feet.
Wenger made only two substitutions at the interval — Mart Poom for Almunia and Arturo Lupoli for Bendtner. But the home side nearly got into the game when the new keeper spilled a high shot from Kaintz.
In the 61st minutes, the changes came: Adebayor, Toure, Eboue and Rosicky for Aliadiere, Cygan, Hoyte, Randall.
The little Czech international immediately took up a position on the left-hand side of midfield. Hleb stayed on the right.
Arsenal had a stronger side, but if anything Mattersburg improved.
In the 70th minute Patocka swung over a free-kick from the left and Patrick Burger sent a stooping header bouncing off the woodwork. Almost immediately Christian Fuchs sent a corner to the far post and Patocka steered in a header home off the woodwork.
However the expected rally from the home side never materialised and Arsenal held on to their victory with ease.
Cygan leads out the team in Austria
Alexander Hleb shields the ball
Aliadiere pounces to score in the 5th minute
Justin Hoyte congratulates Jeremie
Pascal Cygan snuffs out an attack
The Arsenal wall stand firm
Friendly
Pappelstadion
Tuesday, July 25, 2006, 7pm CET
SV Mattersburg1Patocka 68
Arsenal2Aliadiere 5, Hoyte 53
By Richard Clarke in Austria
Tomas Rosicky made his Arsenal debut as Arsène Wenger’s side got their Austrian tour off to a winning start at SV Mattersburg on Tuesday night.
Goals from Jeremie Aliadiere and Justin Hoyte gave the visitors the advantage before Jurgen Patocka replied with 20 minutes of the match remaining.
It was enough to see off a handy side who are looking forward to UEFA Cup football this season. Kolo Toure and the Emmanuels (Eboue and Adebayor) also played their first pre-season games after World Cup duty. But real story of the night revolved around Rosicky.
He did not do that much in his 29 minutes on the field but there were tell-tale signs of the class that saw Wenger prise him from Borussia Dortmund in late May.
The four World Cup players had only one role in the first half, to soak up the sweltering Burgenland sun on the substitute’s bench and watch youngsters like Armand Traore, Mark Randall and Matthew Connolly and Nicklas Bendtner attempt to impress their manager.
Arsenal’s start was perfect. In the fifth minute, Traore sent over a low cross from the left and Aliadiere thumped home on the volley at the near post. The French striker, back after a season of loan spells, might have made it 2-0 seconds later. Alex Hleb broke clear and outpaced the Mattersburg defence to go one-on-one with keeper Thomas Borenitsch. He saved well with his legs and Aliadiere nodded the rebound over the bar with the goal at his mercy.
The home side gradually gathered themselves after a shaky start and in the 17th minute Bernd Kaintz whipped in a low shot that Pascal Cygan cut out for a corner.
Then Goce Sedloski’s free-kick hit the wall and Michael Morz picked up the rebound. The midfielder fired in a cross-shot that Almunia did well to parry. The keeper pulled off an even better save on the half-hour when Morz tried to go around him. The Spaniard thrust out an arm prod the ball away from the midfielder’s feet.
Wenger made only two substitutions at the interval — Mart Poom for Almunia and Arturo Lupoli for Bendtner. But the home side nearly got into the game when the new keeper spilled a high shot from Kaintz.
In the 61st minutes, the changes came: Adebayor, Toure, Eboue and Rosicky for Aliadiere, Cygan, Hoyte, Randall.
The little Czech international immediately took up a position on the left-hand side of midfield. Hleb stayed on the right.
Arsenal had a stronger side, but if anything Mattersburg improved.
In the 70th minute Patocka swung over a free-kick from the left and Patrick Burger sent a stooping header bouncing off the woodwork. Almost immediately Christian Fuchs sent a corner to the far post and Patocka steered in a header home off the woodwork.
However the expected rally from the home side never materialised and Arsenal held on to their victory with ease.
Cygan leads out the team in Austria
Alexander Hleb shields the ball
Aliadiere pounces to score in the 5th minute
Justin Hoyte congratulates Jeremie
Pascal Cygan snuffs out an attack
The Arsenal wall stand firm
fgl
Well-known member
Match Report
Friendly
Sportzentrum
Monday, July 31, 2006, 5.10pm CET
Schwadorf1Labaska 86
Arsenal8Van Persie 6, 47, Djourou 15, Adebayor 39, 45, Toure 53, Bendtner 74, Hleb 84
By Richard Clarke in Schwadorf
Jose Antonio Reyes, Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie and Gilberto all made their first appearances of the season as Arsenal completed their Austrian trip with a 8-1 win at Schwadorf on Monday night.
Goals from Emmanuel Adebayor (2), Van Persie (2), Johan Djourou, Kolo Toure, Nicklas Bendtner and Alex Hleb were enough to see off the Third Division side with something to spare. Still this will act as a good workout for Arsène Wenger’s side.
The manager knows he must ‘fast-track’ his side back to match fitness, particularly the World Cup players, with a Champions League qualifier little more than a week away. This game was a start for some of the squad, expect a further step forward against AZ Alkmaar on Friday.
Kick-off was delayed by 10 minutes due to traffic congestion outside the small Sportzentrum ground at Schwadorf. It was no surprise as there was a festival atmosphere in this small town just west of Vienna. As spectators entered the ground, there were various stalls, promotional events and even a live band playing behind one goal. However the carnival tone ended at kick-off as Arsenal started at a blistering pace.
In the fourth minute, Gilberto planted a header against the bar from a corner by Jose Antonio Reyes. Two minutes later, Van Persie burst through on the edge of the area and had the relatively simple job of rounding the keeper and tucking the ball into the empty net.
In the 10th minute, Toure met another Reyes corner with a floated header to the far post and Thomas Reitprecht had to nod the ball off the line.
In the 14th minute, Schwadorf keeper Uli Meusburger pushed a low shot from Reyes around the post, Once again the Spaniard took the corner and this time Djourou scored with a powerful downward header.
The home side came back into the game after that. Stefan Nestl went on an overlapping down the right and whipped in a cross to the far post. Christian Schandl rose to nod the ball back across goal but wide of the post. The same player then lifted the ball over Manuel Almunia’s bar and, in seven minutes from the break, the keeper had to dive full length to tip Oliver Lederer’s shot around the post.
However normal service was resumed almost immediately when Adebayor raced into Van Persie’s clever ball through and slipped the ball past the onrushing keeper. The Togolese striker grabbed his second, Arsenal’s fourth, with the final kick off the first half. Van Persie’s deep free-kick was nodded back into the area by Djourou. Kolo Toure touched the ball against the post and Adebayor stabbed the ball home from close range.
Wenger made seven changes at the break and within two minutes the lead had been extended. Hleb and Song, combined for Van Persie to whip the ball home on the half-volley.
Four minutes later only the sliding Thomas Zingler stopped Aliadiere squeezing the ball home at the far post. The respite would be short. In the 53rd minute, Toure’s free-kick was deflected past the unfortunate Meusburger.
However Arsenal would be lucky in the minutes that followed. First Mart Poom’s had to backtrack urgently and turn the ball aside from Martin Labaska. The corner fell to Karol Schulz who hammered the ball against the inside of the post.
On the hour, Wenger substituted the remaining four players from the first half — Gilberto, Van Persie, Toure and Justin Hoyte. One of the new arrivals, Nicklas Bendtner rolled in a shot from close range having been set up by Hleb.
With 12 minutes left, Pascal Cygan nearly got a rare goal but his scrambled effort was cleared off the line. In the 84th minute, excellent work from Nicklas Bentdner set up Hleb to score.
All it needed now was for the home side to get the goal they deserved. Labaska provided it with a close range finish three minutes from time.
Reyes bursts forwards
Robin van Persie takes on his man
Johan Djourou celebrates his goal
Jose Antonio Reyes in full flow
A full house greets the Gunners
Wenger and the bench look on
To buy official Arsenal pictures visit www.ArsenalPics.com.
Friendly
Sportzentrum
Monday, July 31, 2006, 5.10pm CET
Schwadorf1Labaska 86
Arsenal8Van Persie 6, 47, Djourou 15, Adebayor 39, 45, Toure 53, Bendtner 74, Hleb 84
By Richard Clarke in Schwadorf
Jose Antonio Reyes, Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie and Gilberto all made their first appearances of the season as Arsenal completed their Austrian trip with a 8-1 win at Schwadorf on Monday night.
Goals from Emmanuel Adebayor (2), Van Persie (2), Johan Djourou, Kolo Toure, Nicklas Bendtner and Alex Hleb were enough to see off the Third Division side with something to spare. Still this will act as a good workout for Arsène Wenger’s side.
The manager knows he must ‘fast-track’ his side back to match fitness, particularly the World Cup players, with a Champions League qualifier little more than a week away. This game was a start for some of the squad, expect a further step forward against AZ Alkmaar on Friday.
Kick-off was delayed by 10 minutes due to traffic congestion outside the small Sportzentrum ground at Schwadorf. It was no surprise as there was a festival atmosphere in this small town just west of Vienna. As spectators entered the ground, there were various stalls, promotional events and even a live band playing behind one goal. However the carnival tone ended at kick-off as Arsenal started at a blistering pace.
In the fourth minute, Gilberto planted a header against the bar from a corner by Jose Antonio Reyes. Two minutes later, Van Persie burst through on the edge of the area and had the relatively simple job of rounding the keeper and tucking the ball into the empty net.
In the 10th minute, Toure met another Reyes corner with a floated header to the far post and Thomas Reitprecht had to nod the ball off the line.
In the 14th minute, Schwadorf keeper Uli Meusburger pushed a low shot from Reyes around the post, Once again the Spaniard took the corner and this time Djourou scored with a powerful downward header.
The home side came back into the game after that. Stefan Nestl went on an overlapping down the right and whipped in a cross to the far post. Christian Schandl rose to nod the ball back across goal but wide of the post. The same player then lifted the ball over Manuel Almunia’s bar and, in seven minutes from the break, the keeper had to dive full length to tip Oliver Lederer’s shot around the post.
However normal service was resumed almost immediately when Adebayor raced into Van Persie’s clever ball through and slipped the ball past the onrushing keeper. The Togolese striker grabbed his second, Arsenal’s fourth, with the final kick off the first half. Van Persie’s deep free-kick was nodded back into the area by Djourou. Kolo Toure touched the ball against the post and Adebayor stabbed the ball home from close range.
Wenger made seven changes at the break and within two minutes the lead had been extended. Hleb and Song, combined for Van Persie to whip the ball home on the half-volley.
Four minutes later only the sliding Thomas Zingler stopped Aliadiere squeezing the ball home at the far post. The respite would be short. In the 53rd minute, Toure’s free-kick was deflected past the unfortunate Meusburger.
However Arsenal would be lucky in the minutes that followed. First Mart Poom’s had to backtrack urgently and turn the ball aside from Martin Labaska. The corner fell to Karol Schulz who hammered the ball against the inside of the post.
On the hour, Wenger substituted the remaining four players from the first half — Gilberto, Van Persie, Toure and Justin Hoyte. One of the new arrivals, Nicklas Bendtner rolled in a shot from close range having been set up by Hleb.
With 12 minutes left, Pascal Cygan nearly got a rare goal but his scrambled effort was cleared off the line. In the 84th minute, excellent work from Nicklas Bentdner set up Hleb to score.
All it needed now was for the home side to get the goal they deserved. Labaska provided it with a close range finish three minutes from time.
Reyes bursts forwards
Robin van Persie takes on his man
Johan Djourou celebrates his goal
Jose Antonio Reyes in full flow
A full house greets the Gunners
Wenger and the bench look on
To buy official Arsenal pictures visit www.ArsenalPics.com.
fgl
Well-known member
Match Report
Community Shield
Gresty Road
Wednesday, August 02, 2006, 8.05pm
Everton0
Arsenal Ladies3Smith 23, Chapman 31, Davison 90
By Chris Harris
Arsenal Ladies started the new season as they finished the last - with silverware in their hands. The Double winners reasserted their domestic superiority with a comfortable Community Shield win over Everton at Gresty Road.
Last term's runners-up showed plenty of guts and no little guile, but they were no match for Vic Akers' impressive side. Kelly Smith opened the scoring with a delicious chip before new signings Karen Carney and Katie Chapman linked up for the latter to bundle home a second.
Rachel Yankey and Jayne Ludlow were both denied by the woodwork - inside the same minute - but there was one final goal to put the icing on Arsenal's cake, Gemma Davison turning the ball home in stoppage time after Danielle Hill had fumbled Lianne Sanderson's cross.
For Akers, there was no shortage of good news before the serious stuff starts later this month. His new signings wasted no time in settling in, Anita Asante filled the defensive void left by Faye White's long-term injury, Ludlow was a commanding stand-in captain and Smith - well, Smith was just as good as ever.
On the evidence of the recent heatwave, you might have expected a warm, balmy night in Crewe. Not a bit of it. The players emerged into a chilly wind and drizzle under slate grey skies.
Fortunately, the football was much brighter. Smith was straight back into her usual high-class groove with a dipping volley which flew just wide and then a curling effort which was touched past the post by Hill.
Ludlow also went close. She soared highest to meet Rachel Yankey's early corner but could not divert the ball goalwards. Then the captain saw a first-time effort dribble wide after Hill scuffed a clearance straight at the Wales midfielder.
Everton also had their moments. Ludlow had to race back to block Jill Scott's cross after the midfielder had found acres of space in the Arsenal box. Then Jodie Handley fired Becky Easton's cross just over the bar.
A goal looked on the cards and it duly arrived in style after 23 minutes. Smith, once again the outstanding player on show, looked up and launched a perfect chip over Hill and into the net from 30 yards. It was a real touch of class.
Everton were fortunate not to go two goals down two minutes later. Yankey lashed a shot against the far post and Ludlow, following up smartly, found the same upright with her shot.
No matter. With this Arsenal side, another goalscoring chance is never far away and so it proved just after the half-hour mark. Carney lifted the ball towards the far post and Chapman bundled the ball in after her first effort was blocked.
The writing was on the wall for Everton but they refused to buckle. Indeed, Kelly McDougall should have reduced the deficit a minute later but she squandered a gilt-edged chance in front of goal from Handley's pinpoint cross. The same player then fired just wide as Arsenal were temporarily forced on the back foot.
A goal then would have kept the game bubbling under but, with Akers' side in command, the second half was a less frenetic affair. Alex Scott had the first decent chance after the restart, racing onto Yankey's lofted pass before prodding the ball wide of the target.
Handley continued to make life difficult for Mary Phillip but Everton struggled to really threaten Emma Byrne in the Arsenal goal. Substitute Fara Williams got plenty of power behind one long-range effort, but not enough direction.
At the other end, Yankey continued to flicker on the flank. One jinking run on 63 minutes left two defenders trailing in her wake but Arsenal's MBE shot straight at Hill.
After a promising debut, off came Chapman and on came Ciara Grant. The personnel had changed but the game's pattern didn't deviate. Yankey went close again, firing onto the roof of the net, and Fern Whelan made a sliding challenge to deny Smith as she prepared to shoot.
There was one final flourish as Davison, on as a substitute, capitalised on Hills' handling error to score a third with the final kick of the game.
Before long, Ludlow had her hands on the season's first piece of silverware. You sense that there will be more to come by the time the 2006/07 campaign draws to a close.
Community Shield
Gresty Road
Wednesday, August 02, 2006, 8.05pm
Everton0
Arsenal Ladies3Smith 23, Chapman 31, Davison 90
By Chris Harris
Arsenal Ladies started the new season as they finished the last - with silverware in their hands. The Double winners reasserted their domestic superiority with a comfortable Community Shield win over Everton at Gresty Road.
Last term's runners-up showed plenty of guts and no little guile, but they were no match for Vic Akers' impressive side. Kelly Smith opened the scoring with a delicious chip before new signings Karen Carney and Katie Chapman linked up for the latter to bundle home a second.
Rachel Yankey and Jayne Ludlow were both denied by the woodwork - inside the same minute - but there was one final goal to put the icing on Arsenal's cake, Gemma Davison turning the ball home in stoppage time after Danielle Hill had fumbled Lianne Sanderson's cross.
For Akers, there was no shortage of good news before the serious stuff starts later this month. His new signings wasted no time in settling in, Anita Asante filled the defensive void left by Faye White's long-term injury, Ludlow was a commanding stand-in captain and Smith - well, Smith was just as good as ever.
On the evidence of the recent heatwave, you might have expected a warm, balmy night in Crewe. Not a bit of it. The players emerged into a chilly wind and drizzle under slate grey skies.
Fortunately, the football was much brighter. Smith was straight back into her usual high-class groove with a dipping volley which flew just wide and then a curling effort which was touched past the post by Hill.
Ludlow also went close. She soared highest to meet Rachel Yankey's early corner but could not divert the ball goalwards. Then the captain saw a first-time effort dribble wide after Hill scuffed a clearance straight at the Wales midfielder.
Everton also had their moments. Ludlow had to race back to block Jill Scott's cross after the midfielder had found acres of space in the Arsenal box. Then Jodie Handley fired Becky Easton's cross just over the bar.
A goal looked on the cards and it duly arrived in style after 23 minutes. Smith, once again the outstanding player on show, looked up and launched a perfect chip over Hill and into the net from 30 yards. It was a real touch of class.
Everton were fortunate not to go two goals down two minutes later. Yankey lashed a shot against the far post and Ludlow, following up smartly, found the same upright with her shot.
No matter. With this Arsenal side, another goalscoring chance is never far away and so it proved just after the half-hour mark. Carney lifted the ball towards the far post and Chapman bundled the ball in after her first effort was blocked.
The writing was on the wall for Everton but they refused to buckle. Indeed, Kelly McDougall should have reduced the deficit a minute later but she squandered a gilt-edged chance in front of goal from Handley's pinpoint cross. The same player then fired just wide as Arsenal were temporarily forced on the back foot.
A goal then would have kept the game bubbling under but, with Akers' side in command, the second half was a less frenetic affair. Alex Scott had the first decent chance after the restart, racing onto Yankey's lofted pass before prodding the ball wide of the target.
Handley continued to make life difficult for Mary Phillip but Everton struggled to really threaten Emma Byrne in the Arsenal goal. Substitute Fara Williams got plenty of power behind one long-range effort, but not enough direction.
At the other end, Yankey continued to flicker on the flank. One jinking run on 63 minutes left two defenders trailing in her wake but Arsenal's MBE shot straight at Hill.
After a promising debut, off came Chapman and on came Ciara Grant. The personnel had changed but the game's pattern didn't deviate. Yankey went close again, firing onto the roof of the net, and Fern Whelan made a sliding challenge to deny Smith as she prepared to shoot.
There was one final flourish as Davison, on as a substitute, capitalised on Hills' handling error to score a third with the final kick of the game.
Before long, Ludlow had her hands on the season's first piece of silverware. You sense that there will be more to come by the time the 2006/07 campaign draws to a close.
fgl
Well-known member
Match Report
Friendly
DSB Stadion
Friday, August 04, 2006, 7pm CET
AZ Alkmaar0
Arsenal3Gilberto 36, Adebayor 52, Van Persie 74 (pen)
By Richard Clarke in Alkmaar
Arsenal warmed up for their crucial Champions League qualifying tie at Dinamo Zagreb next week with a comfortable 3-0 win against AZ Alkmaar on Friday night.
Goals from Gilberto, Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie saw Arsène Wenger’s side complete their pre-season in fine style.
This game officially opened AZ’s new DSB Stadion. Having raised the curtain on the Emirates Stadium only a few weeks ago, Arsenal fans know the importance of these occasions. However there was no room for sentiment from the visitors this evening.
Wenger had said this game would be a dress rehearsal for the European qualifying round first leg in Zagreb on Tuesday and there is every possibility his starting line-up tonight is the one he’ll use in Croatia.
The manager is almost certainly without Thierry Henry for that game so it was interesting to see him pair Van Persie and Adebayor up front tonight. It was heartening to see both hit the net.
Jens Lehmann is suspended in midweek and has only just returned to training so it is highly probable that, like tonight, Manuel Almunia will deputise.
In defence, Johan Djourou was preferred to Pascal Cygan while Mathieu Flamini took the left back role in the first half and Justin Hoyte in the second. For the record, Tomas Rosicky was absent with a slight groin problem while Theo Walcott was still working his way back to fitness after being sick in Austria.
It was party night in Alkmaar this evening. The DSB Stadion seemed a neat, compact arena with a decent pitch. The Dutch crowd celebrated their new home with booming music before kick-off, drummers, releasing hundred of balloons, stilt-walkers and Mexican waves.
The visitors seemed determined to poop the party in the opening stages as both Djourou and Cesc Fabregas burst through but keeper Joey Didulica rushed out to block.
AZ responded in the 11th minute when David Mendes da Silva collected a corner and drilled a ball across the face of goal. The tumbling Kew Jaliens failed to convert at the far post.
It was an open, fast-paced game with both sides creating chances. Van Persie appeared on the left-side of the area and his low drive was snaffled by Didulica at the second opportunity. Danny Koevermans sent a rising, rasping shot over the bar and, after 28 minutes, Reyes saw a deflected effort travel likewise.
Just past the half-hour mark, Van Persie and Adebayor linked up wonderfully well for the Togolese striker to slide a shot towards the far post.
A couple of minutes later the goal that Arsenal had been threatening finally arrived. Reyes swung a high free-kick to the far post and Gilberto met the ball with a firm downward header. The keeper half-saved the ball and it barely crossed the line. However it was definitely a goal.
Almost immediately, Reyes’s shot stung the hands of Didulica at the near post.
Within five minutes of the restart the lead had been doubled. Reyes threaded the ball through to the unmarked Gilberto on the edge of the area. His shot was parried by substitute keeper Khalid Sinouh, but only as far as Adebayor who slotted the ball into the unguarded net.
The goal seemed to spur on the home team rather than the visitors. Former Rangers striker Shota Arveladze had two chances to get his side back into the game. First he slid an effort past Almunia — but also the post. Then he shot over the bar. A minute later Simon Cziommer thumped an effort straight into the chest of Almunia when he might have done better.
However the rally did not last and Arsenal regained control of the game after that. Seventeen minutes from time, Sinouh felled Van Persie in the six-yard box and the Dutchman got up to fire home a confident penalty from the spot.
Friendly
DSB Stadion
Friday, August 04, 2006, 7pm CET
AZ Alkmaar0
Arsenal3Gilberto 36, Adebayor 52, Van Persie 74 (pen)
By Richard Clarke in Alkmaar
Arsenal warmed up for their crucial Champions League qualifying tie at Dinamo Zagreb next week with a comfortable 3-0 win against AZ Alkmaar on Friday night.
Goals from Gilberto, Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie saw Arsène Wenger’s side complete their pre-season in fine style.
This game officially opened AZ’s new DSB Stadion. Having raised the curtain on the Emirates Stadium only a few weeks ago, Arsenal fans know the importance of these occasions. However there was no room for sentiment from the visitors this evening.
Wenger had said this game would be a dress rehearsal for the European qualifying round first leg in Zagreb on Tuesday and there is every possibility his starting line-up tonight is the one he’ll use in Croatia.
The manager is almost certainly without Thierry Henry for that game so it was interesting to see him pair Van Persie and Adebayor up front tonight. It was heartening to see both hit the net.
Jens Lehmann is suspended in midweek and has only just returned to training so it is highly probable that, like tonight, Manuel Almunia will deputise.
In defence, Johan Djourou was preferred to Pascal Cygan while Mathieu Flamini took the left back role in the first half and Justin Hoyte in the second. For the record, Tomas Rosicky was absent with a slight groin problem while Theo Walcott was still working his way back to fitness after being sick in Austria.
It was party night in Alkmaar this evening. The DSB Stadion seemed a neat, compact arena with a decent pitch. The Dutch crowd celebrated their new home with booming music before kick-off, drummers, releasing hundred of balloons, stilt-walkers and Mexican waves.
The visitors seemed determined to poop the party in the opening stages as both Djourou and Cesc Fabregas burst through but keeper Joey Didulica rushed out to block.
AZ responded in the 11th minute when David Mendes da Silva collected a corner and drilled a ball across the face of goal. The tumbling Kew Jaliens failed to convert at the far post.
It was an open, fast-paced game with both sides creating chances. Van Persie appeared on the left-side of the area and his low drive was snaffled by Didulica at the second opportunity. Danny Koevermans sent a rising, rasping shot over the bar and, after 28 minutes, Reyes saw a deflected effort travel likewise.
Just past the half-hour mark, Van Persie and Adebayor linked up wonderfully well for the Togolese striker to slide a shot towards the far post.
A couple of minutes later the goal that Arsenal had been threatening finally arrived. Reyes swung a high free-kick to the far post and Gilberto met the ball with a firm downward header. The keeper half-saved the ball and it barely crossed the line. However it was definitely a goal.
Almost immediately, Reyes’s shot stung the hands of Didulica at the near post.
Within five minutes of the restart the lead had been doubled. Reyes threaded the ball through to the unmarked Gilberto on the edge of the area. His shot was parried by substitute keeper Khalid Sinouh, but only as far as Adebayor who slotted the ball into the unguarded net.
The goal seemed to spur on the home team rather than the visitors. Former Rangers striker Shota Arveladze had two chances to get his side back into the game. First he slid an effort past Almunia — but also the post. Then he shot over the bar. A minute later Simon Cziommer thumped an effort straight into the chest of Almunia when he might have done better.
However the rally did not last and Arsenal regained control of the game after that. Seventeen minutes from time, Sinouh felled Van Persie in the six-yard box and the Dutchman got up to fire home a confident penalty from the spot.
fgl
Well-known member
Rosicky returns as Wenger announces squad
Dinamo Zagreb v Arsenal
Champions League Leg 1
Maksimir Stadium
Tue, Aug 8, 2006, 8.05pm
By Chris Harris
There were no surprises when Arsène Wenger announced his squad for Tuesday's Champions League qualifier against Dinamo Zagreb.
As expected, Tomas Rosicky has been passed fit for the first leg and replaces Mark Randall. Otherwise, the same squad which made the trip to Alkmaar on Friday will travel to Croatia.
Wenger confirmed the list of absentees before boarding a flight for Zagreb on Monday afternoon.
"The players not involved are Jens Lehmann, Freddie Ljungberg, Thierry Henry, Ashley Cole, Gael Clichy, Philippe Senderos, Abou Diaby and Theo Walcott," said Wenger.
"Ashley Cole is not fit to play and I've known for a long time he would not be available for this game. He came back [from the World Cup] late and then he was sick. We do not play with players who are not at a certain level of preparation and Cole is at the moment at the level of Thierry Henry, maybe just a bit behind, so I would not play him.
"Tomas Rosicky will be on the bench. He has not played games so maybe I will play him for 30 minutes coming off the bench. He is physically fit but has not played games."
Lehmann is suspended for Tuesday's game after his red card in the Champions League Final against Barcelona. Manuel Almunia is expected to deputise.
The travelling squad is as follows:
Cesc Fabregas
Kolo Toure
Tomas Rosicky
Jose Antonio Reyes
Robin van Persie
Alexander Hleb
Mathieu Flamini
Alex Song
Pascal Cygan
Gilberto
Johan Djourou
Mart Poom
Manuel Almunia
Emmanuel Adebayor
Emmanuel Eboue
Jeremie Aliadiere
Justin Hoyte
Armand Traore
Dinamo Zagreb v Arsenal
Champions League Leg 1
Maksimir Stadium
Tue, Aug 8, 2006, 8.05pm
By Chris Harris
There were no surprises when Arsène Wenger announced his squad for Tuesday's Champions League qualifier against Dinamo Zagreb.
As expected, Tomas Rosicky has been passed fit for the first leg and replaces Mark Randall. Otherwise, the same squad which made the trip to Alkmaar on Friday will travel to Croatia.
Wenger confirmed the list of absentees before boarding a flight for Zagreb on Monday afternoon.
"The players not involved are Jens Lehmann, Freddie Ljungberg, Thierry Henry, Ashley Cole, Gael Clichy, Philippe Senderos, Abou Diaby and Theo Walcott," said Wenger.
"Ashley Cole is not fit to play and I've known for a long time he would not be available for this game. He came back [from the World Cup] late and then he was sick. We do not play with players who are not at a certain level of preparation and Cole is at the moment at the level of Thierry Henry, maybe just a bit behind, so I would not play him.
"Tomas Rosicky will be on the bench. He has not played games so maybe I will play him for 30 minutes coming off the bench. He is physically fit but has not played games."
Lehmann is suspended for Tuesday's game after his red card in the Champions League Final against Barcelona. Manuel Almunia is expected to deputise.
The travelling squad is as follows:
Cesc Fabregas
Kolo Toure
Tomas Rosicky
Jose Antonio Reyes
Robin van Persie
Alexander Hleb
Mathieu Flamini
Alex Song
Pascal Cygan
Gilberto
Johan Djourou
Mart Poom
Manuel Almunia
Emmanuel Adebayor
Emmanuel Eboue
Jeremie Aliadiere
Justin Hoyte
Armand Traore
Indigo_blues
New member
OleOleOle season starting soon!
snuffleupagus
New member
serious ah ?no live coverage?
U checked the info index for the starhub cable yet?
U checked the info index for the starhub cable yet?
fgl
Well-known member
Wenger's View
Arsene Wenger
Dinamo Zagreb 0-3 Arsenal - Match report
Gilberto - We still can’t afford to relax in the second leg
TV Online: Adebayor and Djourou on the win in Zagreb'There was a lot at stake and we dealt with it'
Dinamo Zagreb 0-3 Arsenal
Champions League Leg 1
Maksimir Stadium
Tue, Aug 8, 2006, 8.05pm
on the result
"It is a big step for qualification, but we want to finish the job at home. We mastered well our passing and physically were quite sharp. Our main problem was mental. We had not to get frustrated and keep passing and wait for opportunity to score - that is what we did. I expected to suffer in the second half but the work we did in the first half paid off."
on Dinamo’s tactics
"They surprised me because they played with five defenders, four midfielders and one striker and tried to catch us on the break. We had to adapt. It nearly worked in the first half because they were dangerous. For us it was a question not to be frustrated. We had a lot of possession without really being dangerous. They defended very intelligently. It was a question of do we make the fatal mistake or are we patient enough to find our chances and stick to our game? That was the poker game tonight. It went for us because we mastered our collective and our team play."
on the youth of the side
"We had a very young team out and that shows this team is full of promise because they are not scared to play. You take the average of our team tonight and you can only say it is amazing how these guys master the technical, tactical side but the stressful side of these games. There was a lot at stake and nerves-wise we dealt well with the problems we faced."
on Cesc Fabregas
"He is only 19 and just looks like he has grown again. He is already a hell of a midfielder but if he starts scoring goals... when he was a young boy he was scoring goals. When you are between 17 and 19 it is a bit more difficult but you know he has that in the locker. When he adds physical strength to the rest of his game then you know he will score goals."
Arsene Wenger
Dinamo Zagreb 0-3 Arsenal - Match report
Gilberto - We still can’t afford to relax in the second leg
TV Online: Adebayor and Djourou on the win in Zagreb'There was a lot at stake and we dealt with it'
Dinamo Zagreb 0-3 Arsenal
Champions League Leg 1
Maksimir Stadium
Tue, Aug 8, 2006, 8.05pm
on the result
"It is a big step for qualification, but we want to finish the job at home. We mastered well our passing and physically were quite sharp. Our main problem was mental. We had not to get frustrated and keep passing and wait for opportunity to score - that is what we did. I expected to suffer in the second half but the work we did in the first half paid off."
on Dinamo’s tactics
"They surprised me because they played with five defenders, four midfielders and one striker and tried to catch us on the break. We had to adapt. It nearly worked in the first half because they were dangerous. For us it was a question not to be frustrated. We had a lot of possession without really being dangerous. They defended very intelligently. It was a question of do we make the fatal mistake or are we patient enough to find our chances and stick to our game? That was the poker game tonight. It went for us because we mastered our collective and our team play."
on the youth of the side
"We had a very young team out and that shows this team is full of promise because they are not scared to play. You take the average of our team tonight and you can only say it is amazing how these guys master the technical, tactical side but the stressful side of these games. There was a lot at stake and nerves-wise we dealt well with the problems we faced."
on Cesc Fabregas
"He is only 19 and just looks like he has grown again. He is already a hell of a midfielder but if he starts scoring goals... when he was a young boy he was scoring goals. When you are between 17 and 19 it is a bit more difficult but you know he has that in the locker. When he adds physical strength to the rest of his game then you know he will score goals."
Tribalcast
New member
Just scrolling around and found this.
http://www.the-english-football-archive.com/records/domestic_competitions.htm
http://www.the-english-football-archive.com/records/domestic_competitions.htm
fgl
Well-known member
Fabregas - There is no better club for me to grow up at
By Chris Harris
There would be no shortage of suitors for Cesc Fabregas if he ever became available. Happily for anyone of an Arsenal persuasion, the teenage midfielder is more than content plying his trade in the famous red and white.
The 19-year-old's stock has soared this year after his precocious performances in the Champions League and World Cup. Newspaper speculation linked Fabregas with a return to Spain but he dismissed it out of hand. As the new season approaches, Fabregas explained why his loyalties lie at Emirates Stadium.
"Sometimes people don't realise but it's like a family here and I am so happy," he said. "At my age there is no better club to grow up at and I want to learn from Arsène Wenger. I know I'm in a big club, in a big team with great players, some great friends and a great manager."
It is only a few years since Fabregas was struggling for recognition at Barcelona. The young Catalan headed to Highbury and, within six weeks, was given an opportunity in Arsenal's first team. It is Wenger's willingness to blood youngsters which makes Arsenal such an attractive place for teenage talent.
"It is true," says Fabregas. "He gives kids the opportunities in the Carling Cup, the FA Cup and, if someone is injured then the Premiership. It is small things like this. If you play just 15 minutes and you do well, he has got you in the locker and if he needs you again he will put you in.
"He is not scared of giving you opportunities and then of course it is up to us to take the chance. If you look at any club in Europe you will not see seven Under-21 players playing in a Premier League game against a team like Charlton for example."
[ Friday, August 11, 2006]
By Chris Harris
There would be no shortage of suitors for Cesc Fabregas if he ever became available. Happily for anyone of an Arsenal persuasion, the teenage midfielder is more than content plying his trade in the famous red and white.
The 19-year-old's stock has soared this year after his precocious performances in the Champions League and World Cup. Newspaper speculation linked Fabregas with a return to Spain but he dismissed it out of hand. As the new season approaches, Fabregas explained why his loyalties lie at Emirates Stadium.
"Sometimes people don't realise but it's like a family here and I am so happy," he said. "At my age there is no better club to grow up at and I want to learn from Arsène Wenger. I know I'm in a big club, in a big team with great players, some great friends and a great manager."
It is only a few years since Fabregas was struggling for recognition at Barcelona. The young Catalan headed to Highbury and, within six weeks, was given an opportunity in Arsenal's first team. It is Wenger's willingness to blood youngsters which makes Arsenal such an attractive place for teenage talent.
"It is true," says Fabregas. "He gives kids the opportunities in the Carling Cup, the FA Cup and, if someone is injured then the Premiership. It is small things like this. If you play just 15 minutes and you do well, he has got you in the locker and if he needs you again he will put you in.
"He is not scared of giving you opportunities and then of course it is up to us to take the chance. If you look at any club in Europe you will not see seven Under-21 players playing in a Premier League game against a team like Charlton for example."
[ Friday, August 11, 2006]
BeAuTiFuLNoiSe
New member
fgl said:
steady lah FGL....
BeAuTiFuLNoiSe
New member
fgl said:
u dun have to....
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