Some of my expectations are among the very young core of the team; the reserves and U-18's. Nacer Baracite and Fran Merida are supposed to take the leap Cesc did when a team plagued with injuries forced the manager to show him off. Of course the development of key players and incoming players are the main reason for every fan but the young side has to be determinate if the silverware next May can show. I hope the team can improve even more despite several "distractions" which any Arsenal fan can identify with no further help.
Two hours earlier Real Madrid imposed 2-1 on a relatively weak Hamburg. The match showed us the magical definition of Zidan. Yes, Zidan. The following game had the particularity of being one of the youngest Arsenal side I have ever seen. The prospects for this match were sixteen-year old Jack Wilshere, Vela, Ramsey and Hoyte; with the hope of self-reediming in this blog.
The match started with a highly mobile Arsenal side, with Ramsey as main midfielder and Denilson controlingthe pace of the game. I was really impressed on the overall performance of the Brazilian player who seems more and more focused every time. The home side made all their initial approaches from this two players. Several attempts were made on the side with Eboué setting up Bendtner in three occassions. The first chance was a long driven cross from Hoyte that ended in a slow volley by Wilshere. The strong opposition denied many attempts, especially shots that went wide by both Eboué and "Robosaur" Bendtner. The match, at 30', began to even in possesion and the game became more calmed just with glimpses by Arsenal's talent. Ramsey showed his ability with an inbox play that was very impressive.
Juventus took the lead at 37'. Vincenzo Iaquinta took a set piece with a fast low shot that was later deviated by Trezeguet. In the first glance it appeared to be an offside but the repetition made it definite: the offside was clear. Nevertheless the team step up the challenge and the remaining minutes of the first half showed the good tactical training the youngsters have had from Neil Banfield in previous years.
The second half saw several inclusions in the first squad with subs like Gallas, Diaby and Adebayor. Chances came from the overlapping sides above all from the left with Gibbs, and Wilshere displaying overwhelming quality. Miguel Simón brought the issue of another essay I am currently writing; the number "10" of William Gallas as a rupture in the tradition. Some substitutions were made after the game turned passive at 60'. Long time have I waited to see the French playmaker wear the red shirt and finally I did. The game for Nasri added even more uncertainty about the quality of his style. In several Arsenal blogs and sites he was pronounced as "unknown" but anybody who extends their sight beyond the isle will see that several top-flight teams have made a bid for his services with Italian giants Inter closing in. The mobility he provided was a key factor to the following steps of the match. He cut through the middle reaching Adebayor's back in three occasions and shooting when required. The final attempt in the match was a fine Adebayor shot that swerved through the post of Gigi Buffon.
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