Ajax 0 – 1 Arsenal: Van Persie grabs another trophy
147 comments August 5th, 2007
Alright, so it’s only pre-season, but a win is a win is a win is a win. After Robin van Persie’s late strike denied Jose Antonio Reyes the chance to lift the Amsterdam Trophy, Arsene was quick to praise a nigh-“perfect” pre-season.
The performance itself was solid if not spectacular. The new-look back four were strong, with Bacary Sagna putting in a couple of particularly meaty challenges. Up-front, Robin van Persie led the line superbly, ably supported by Aleksandr Hleb.
Tomas Rosicky looked a little rusty on the left, but behind him, Gael Clichy was at his outstanding best. His late burst to set-up Van Persie was particularly impressive.
When Van Persie recieved the ball in the area, I knew he’d score. Deflection or no deflection, I knew he’d win the game for us. That says plenty about his ability and current form (not, as it might sound, my predilection for prediction).
Arsene spoke afterwards about the possibility of incoming transfers:
I am not sleeping. However … the pre-season tells you that we have a big squad.
I’m glad he’s not sleeping, otherwise I would’ve had to have thrown a proverbial literal glass of water in his face and wake him up.
Two transfer stories from Spain: Carlos Vela has joined Osasuna on loan, and we’ve reportedly rejected a £10m bid from Valencia for Gilberto. Both good news – Vela will gain some vital top-flight experience, whilst it’s essential that we retain Gilberto’s experience.
I’m going to the Community Shield today. I’m not sure what to do. I suspect I’ll just cheer whenever anyone gets injured.