HSV 1 – 2 Arsenal: Rosicky Rocket Blows Hamburg Away
58 comments September 14th, 2006
After failing to win in three Premiership games this season, this Champions League victory away to arguably our toughest opponents in the group was very welcome indeed. It may not have been particularly impressive, but with the prospect of Old Trafford looming, a morale-boosting victory was vital.
The line-up saw an attacking 4-4-2 formation deploying Rosicky and Hleb on the wings, with a promising partnership of Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor up-front. The young strikers combined with just eleven minutes gone to provide Arsenal with an opportunity to take the lead. Adebayor burst away down the left and squared for van Persie, just a few yards for goal. The Dutchman should have just blasted home, as he is more than capable of doing, but instead dummied to round the goalkeeper. As he shimmied past the onrushing Sascha Kirschstein, events took a dramatic turn. Realising he had narrowed the angle on his weaker right foot, he allowed his leg to trail and tumbled to the floor. The ref gave a penalty, and Kirschstein was sent off. Arguably, it was game over.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m delighted we got the penalty. I’m also pleased we were able to play against ten men in a week where we have three tough games. What’s more, I think that a penalty was probably a correct decision. But two things about it bother me. Firstly, it was clear that van Persie played for the foul. In a situation where it would almost have been easier to stay on his feet and score, he threw himself to the ground – and it must have been in the back of his mind that the ‘keeper was likely to see red. Personally, I’d like to see our players be more honest than that.
Secondly, the sending off: although the rules are the rules, surely a penalty would be sufficient punishment. Arsene and Jens have both supported Hamburg’s case, the latter of course being on the recieving end in the Champions League final. Jens said:
“I find it unbelievable. The rule has to be changed. I think Van Persie was fouled but the fact that the keeper was sent off ruined the whole match.”
I couldn’t agree more. Anyway, a penalty it was, and captain for the night Gilberto stepped up to tuck away the spot-kick. It was the start of a hugely dominant performance from the Brazilian, who rose to the challenge of wearing the armband magnificently.
Having scored, Arsenal’s players became increasingly confident. However, it took until the 53rd minute to add a second goal, and what a goal it was, as Tomas Rosicky cut in from the left-hand side to launch a thirty-yard missile into the top corner. It was a fantastic goal, and one worthy of winning any game. It was also a brilliant way for Rosicky to open his account for Arsenal. With the departure of Robert Pires and the decline of Freddie Ljungberg, the Czech’s goals from midfield could be critical.
As the game wore on, a degree of sloppiness crept into our game, and it was no surprise when Boubacar Sanogo halved the deficit in stoppage time. The first Champions League goal Jens Lehmann has conceded in over 850 minutes was one of two negative points for Arsenal last night, the second being a hip injury to Kolo Toure which must make him doubtful for the weekend.
Yesterday was an excellent start to our Champions League campaign, and now we need to get our Premiership season back on track. What better way to start than with a 4-0 win at Old Trafford? Come on Thierry, make it happen.
Finally, it has been announced that The Queen will officially open the Emirates Stadium. If she isn’t going to be kicking a giant inflatable ball into a giant inflatable goal, then I’m not interested.
