Silverware at last
Clearly the midfield would have been stronger with Cesc, but Denilson played very well, Diaby less so, but this was his first full match back since last season's injury. Nasri looked promising as the most likely replacement for Hleb, meanwhile Walcott had a solid enough game, but the player who really shone was Adebayor.
This was not a game played at high tempo; indeed by the second half both teams seemed heavy legged. The few chances that each side had were, for the most part, either missed, or saved by very good keeping.
Ade keeps his nerve
RvP, who is yet to reach full sharpness, forced the Madrid defence into bringing him down on 50 minutes. Although the defeat against Juve was meaningless the press had a field day gloating on its imagined meaning and consequences. Therefore failure to beat Madrid could have made Wenger's life, if not a misery, somewhat awkward. Therefore there was quite a bit riding on the penalty.
I couldn't help thinking as I watched Ade step up that this was quite a gamble, miss and the ensuing boos would be the media story. The man was coolness personified and took an excellent penalty. Even though the keeper went the right way he had no chance. Having won his gamble he preceded to celebrate in front of the singing section. There were no boos, but there were no songs either, just a general cheering of the fact that the team was 1-0 up. The badge kissing was ridiculous, but you have to admire his nerve.
Not much of any importance happened after Adebayor scored. The crowd enjoyed tormenting Ruud van Nistelerooy, but the clock ran down to an inevitable 1-0 victory.
Martin Joll's Hamburg, worthy winners of the Emirates Cup, half heartedly collected their trophy to a now almost empty stadium. Clearly Arsenal fans were in no mood to celebrate any trophy win by their old enemy.
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True.
Good article though Padre
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