Arsenal v. FC Twente 4-0 27/Aug/08

The important thing about the match yesterday clearly was not either the result or the individual performance but the Friday draw, which actually brought us to a "difficult" group, a tradition in the Arsenal UCL history. Neither FC Porto nor Dynamo Kiev will result easy. We know that from previous experiences. What actually enrages me is that FC Barcelona got the most easiest of groups in the history of the tournament! This is not a coincidence but I will not enter a discussion against the myriad of "fanatics" that the Barca attracts.

Most importantly Cesc's return brought calm and thought to the troubled team. Again the switch from 4-2 to 3-3 was relied on the back of Cesc who beared the weight of the Grove, thankfully, once again. The Dutch side could not got even far from the midfield due to the lack of creative football. Bendtner support and Cesc notice were evident in the first minutes, as well as the lack of fitness by the Dutchman van Persie. The touching became much more practical when the home side arrived to the box.
The lead came on 28' after a fine Nasri play in the box. One of Nasri's many talents is cutting through the middle to either widen the pitch to open space or shot. Denilson tried the goal as well as van Persie, when failed to score in a very good position at 37'. Cesc failed his second pass of the season, with another in pre-season.




The second goal came after a rampage from Gallas deflected by a Bendtner' previous shot. Bendtner had an outstanding performance, accepting his role as supportive striker. Meanwhile the Dutch side earned their only opposition through a Jansen free-kick. At 66' something strange happened. Theo Walcott scored a beautiful goal from the left side with a world class finishing. Thierry Henry scored a beautiful goal from the left side with a world class finishing. No! But what did I just wrote? Yes indeed was the Englishman but the awkward remembrance of such a finishing brought to my mind many goals from that exact position, with that exact foot, with that exact resilience, even with that same pair of boots (same brand, new model).




Time passed as the Gunners assured a fine win against no opposition. As the game reached the end I was wondering on the strange technique of Bendtner. He seems to have a uncomfort with the left side. This is pictured mainly on his way of receiving the ball. He does not make that movement naturally as Cesc or Zidane but he does it forced. And this way was that the definition of the fourth goal ended when the "Robosaur" finished with the help of the defender against a bad exit from the keeper.

The tie against a Portuguese side always brings troubles to English teams and in this way this will not be an exception. Groups ended like this: