Arsenal went into their first Emirates Cup game today trailing 4 points behind Glasgow Rangers, following the Scottish sides 1-0 win over Paris Saint Germain earlier in the day. In the Emirates Cup each team participating gains 1 point from every goal they score, so there were sure to be goals over the weekend.
Nicklas Bendtner started todays encounter in a strong looking Arsenal side that included the likes of Tomas Rosicky, Robin Van Persie and William Gallas. Nick would start in a unfurmiliar wide left midfield role in a 4-5-1 formation.
Arsenal’s first chance fell too Tomas Rosicky, who showed what Arsenal have been missing over the last 18 months by firing a well placed shot into the roof of the net. But his joy would be turned to despair as the linesman flagged for offside correctly.
Arsenal then had another chance to score, after good work from Van Persie, Eboue cut in from the left and fired a snap-shot which was parried away by the Spanish goalkeeper. It was 0-0 going into the interval, with Arsenal looking the better side in a game of not many chances.
As the second half began, there would be three substitutions made Gael Clichy, Jack Wilshere and Spaniard Fran Merida would get their chance to try and break down the Atletico goal in the second period. Our featured player Nicklas Bendtner would switch flanks, and move to the right hand side.
Bendtner was involved with Arsenal’s first chance of the second half, Wilshere lofted a ball towards the back post, Bendtner then controlled the ball in mid air wonderfully but fired wide from a hard angle. Arsenal introduced 3 new subs Eduardo, Andrey Arshavin and Captain Cesc Fabregas. It was the end of Bendtner’s day as he would make way for Russain playmaker Arshavin.
Atletico looked dangerous on the break, and nearly took a shock lead through Maxi Rodriguez, who had a 30 yard strike spilled wide by Italian rookie Vito Mannone. Arsenal took the lead in the 86th minute, Arshavin volleying in towards the back post after good work from Spanish Captain, Cesc Fabregas.
Arsenal looked then relaxed, and were caught sleeping. Pacecho with a cool finish past Mannone, to make it 1-1 in the Emirates Cup. But then 2 minutes later the drama was not over as Arshavin showed magnificent awarness and pace as he latched onto a mistake and rounded the Atletico keeper before slotting in from a very tight angle.
Bendtner Watch: 7:
Nicklas had a decent game today, he done his job well. He done the simple things well and kept the attacking football going with some nice passes. personally, i think centre forward is Bendtner’s best position alongside another striker. Although he can be very effective from these wide positions proving last season.
Article by Matthew789
