Arsenal v. Dynamo Kyiv 1-0 25/Nov/08

After the dismal, horrible and humilliating performance of Arsenal FC at Manchester last weekend, the Londoners grabbed a late lead on the boots of Nicklas Bentner. At least a couple of positive points can be drwan from the match against the Ukranian side; Cesc's debut as captain and several young introductions among which Ramsey's and Vela's. Securing home points is vital for the team in order to obtain a good seed in the next UCL round draw.





With Dynamo pushing slowly towards Arsenal's goal, the latter's midfield abused the three-man liberty that the system Wenger was playing. As early as 8' Ramsey was set up by Vela to gain a corner after a deflected shot. The mix between first-team choices and bench-youngsters did not provide any important opportunities towards Dynamo's goal until 20' with a Ramsey header. Arsenal gained more possession of the ball with Ramsey swaying through both right to middle. Again Arsenal permited Kiev several approaches towards their goal. After a far cross by Vela, Ramsey found a wandering ball, again wide, at 29'. If at least the visiting squad could have shown some resilence and technique it might have pulled Almunia at least in two occassions, but instead the Gunners arrived again with a deep Vela cross that van Persie yet again shot wide. With the final minutes of the first half several arrivals from the home side, all non-efective. 39' Bangoura strike, unmarked by Gallas nearly enters the net. The match promised more and more emotions with the dynamic counters by both sides.





Wide opportunities among tough challenges were the first impressions of the second part of the match. I do not know if Denilson was even more confused than Ramsey in his wide mission. He did not provide a cross in the first fifty minutes. Bangoura proved to be far more dangerous thata what the Arsenal defense expected. With several movements by the Kiev midfield many spaces opened as well as with Arsenal's center back. In a long ball Vela nearly scored in his European debut leaving the Ukranian keeper with the ball in corner. As far as 60' the game was open for both sides, with Arsenal slightly finishing more plays than Kiev. Nothing interesting until 70' happened; Bendtner was on with a particular shoe color. The new Mercurial Vapor IV Pink announced by Ribéry were shown in the young Dane feet. I really do not see the problem of wearing that color in the cleats, but if you think it everybody nowadays wears pink Polo shirts.
Milievski nealy scores but Almunia was quite sharp. Van Persie crossed through Bendtner but he missed the spot. The last ten minutes saw a tempestive home side trying to gain the three points; Wilshere attempts and Cesc's deep passes contributed to what would appear to be another European boring draw but Bentner gave Arsenal a late lead at 87', when a long ball by Cesc was received and scored by the Dane. At least Jack Wilshere, the hot prospect, entered to prove some European minutes. Even Though we saw a terribly boring match at least Cesc's debut as captain was a won. Next tie is at Stamford Bridge.