Pires Spot On: Ajax 1 – 2 Arsenal
10 comments September 28th, 2005
Coming into the game, Robert Pires was described by Arsene Wenger as being only “50-50” to play. On reflection, it’s a good job that he did, for it was his 69th minute penalty that eventually proved decisive.
Freddie Ljungberg and Jose Reyes were the unlikely striking duo, and when the Spaniard played in Fred in just the second minute, he finished with the sort of deft flick we have become used to. It was a brilliant start, and helped settle the young midfield of Fabregas and Flamini – the latter particularly impressing with his enthusiasm and guts.
It was a controlled, professional performance from our makeshift side, and a breakaway attack late on led to a second goal: Cesc sliding in Reyes, who rounded the goalie only to be dragged to the ground. Yellow card; penalty. Pires duly did his duty, tucking the ball into the corner of the net.
They always say you’re most vulnerable when you’ve just conceded: this was a perfect example. We had tended to sit back a little, allowing them shots at goal from range. However, no-one expected their holding midfielder, Galasek, to unleash a shot with the velocity and swerve that his effort took on. A brilliant save from Almunia tipped the ball onto the post, but it rebounded kindly for substitute Rosenberg to tap in.
However, despite a couple of scary moments, we held on for a very welcome 3 points. There ought to be a special mention for the defence, particularly Sol Campbell. He’s been absolutely superb since his return, and has shown us all that it’ll be some time before Philippe Senderos can truly call himself the first choice centre-half. And so it should be. Also, in the absence of Thierry Henry, Sol has emerged as real leader, and a very able deputy to the skipper.
It’s good to have him back.
