Arsenal v. Real Madrid 1-0 3/Aug/08

Today's match was sufficient enough to see the Gunners beat a diminished Madrid side 1-0. Hamburg went with the "highly rated and desired" Emirates Cup. But the true concern, besides the good show the home side imposed, was Wesley Sneijder injury extent. I had the hope to see the two best midfielders in Europe, according to the awards but one was resting while the other exit the pitch on a stretcher. Many Madrid players like Arjen Robben suffered immediately. This reminded me the face of Cesc after seeing Eduardo's leg. Many blogs have take this injury without concern but in this space we care extremely about talented players who had suffered injuries, especially in the knee, which I understand.



Regarding the match itself the naming of Jack Wilshere in the bench was one of the most outstanding news. The quality this little lad has proven is irrefutable, and that is why the Youth Development Programs at the Grove are amongst world's finest. The initial starting XI was conformed by the usual preseason youngsters but Theo's naming and the new centerback couple were among the news.

The game started with the good disposition of the London side, with good dynamism and above all a wide perception of the pitch, especially by the two central midfielders. The Madrid side was reluctant in some chances to fight for the ball although in the few chances players like Diaby fought the ball several time too harsh. "Too harsh" is because this encounter was friendly and no one was supposed to get injured. Clichy proved the goal several times going wide and the talent displayed by Samir in several plays was a reminder of my previous hails. By the 30' the pace was obviously slowed with Madrid midfielder Guti having all the work. This may be one of the last matches for Robinho due to the current bid undergoing in London as we speak. Nasri plays are what Rosicky's are not. He has brought the expected balance that Fires did in previous years and when he "disappeared" from the pitch so the game for Arsenal. A couple of headers and shots were the remaining Gunner effort in the first half.



Immediately after the second period started Michel Salgado bumped Robin van Persie in the box. Eventually Emmanuel Adebayor took the lead with a fine definition. Following the spot take, the match itself did not had the previous emotions. The North London team performed particularly calmed using wide open spaces making a still game rather than a moving one. Then at 59' the previously strong Diaby tackles made the horror day. The French international struggled the ball against Wesley and the clash between legs produced a strange entanglement. This horrid scene saw Wesley Sneijder leave the pitch in the worst way a player can. Oh Baby, What have you done??

The concern the remaining minutes was any injury news on the cultured Dutch midfielder. The subs apparition changed the face of the team especially with the youngster Wilshere. His pace and crossing were excellent, and in cases even more helpful than Eboué's. After the injury both sides took care and reaching the ninety-minute mark Denilson still fought for every loose ball, a reminiscence of Gilberto's talent (obviously the former Arsenal captain tutored him).