Valencia v. Arsenal 2-0 9/Aug/09

[Photo: Nuevo Estadio]



In one of those games in which each halve seems radically different, the Gunners lost today in Valencia against Los Che, in the final match of their animated preseason. Taking into account the match resulted quite interesting for the visitors in the first half - due to the change of lineups and men, as well as the form of the team. It is obvious that the starting eleven is what will resemble the one against the Everton but this performance raises more questions instead of bringing answers to the table.
Are really Arsenal strong enough to challenge physically the likes of Aston Villa, Bolton or Everton, let alone the remaining teams of the "Top Four"? Is there any way in which the Gunners could raise such higher expectations as the ones from last season? Apparently, and with this match, there is no way to think about that since the performance of the team was below par against a fit and sharp Spanish squad. Evidently we should never judge the current form of the team concerning ONE PRESEASON GAME AS VISITORS.
This type of games are the ones that really count in a pre-tournament level. Rather than getting physically able to compete- as with the daft and almost burocratical matches as Barnets and Hannovers, the Gunners deserved the loss and from that, against a 'top' Spanish side (whence Valencia fell from grace last season due to a clear bad management), Arsene can ponder the situation to face English teams in the league, and Europe.




[Photo: Sport.es]



Quite lively were the first options Arsenal had with Robin van Persie's shot just wide, at 6th. The game went on with Valencia forwarding each of their lines. The Londoners looked frail and weak in a pretty packed midfield, in which the line of three player converts to a five, when Bendtner and Arshavin helped in defence. The sole fact that the Spanish side could create opportunities at will was not encouraging enough as the Gunners approached again on goal. Diaby had the best of chances in the 21st minute, in which he approached the goal with ball in play just to be outclassed by the Che keeper.
With shots from Cesc and the previously mentioned Dutchman, the Gunners relied in the counterattack possibility against a home team that based their game in one-touch passes. Half whistle nearly on, the match turned quite rispid and the manager looked forward in making as many replacements as allowed.








Eight players came in, Wilshere and Ramsey as the hot prospects as well as Eduardo. The Croatian headed a poor ball in the 49th minute while Cesc provided chances for Theo Walcott and Ramsey. It was clear that the stamina and speed the newly comers posed, impressed them as the English side looked more sharp and accurate to head towards goal. A few crosses by Traore, particularly the one at 68th, were among the main weapons of the Londoners and a defensive mistake by who else but Silvestre gave Valencia a kick from the spot.
Villa failed as Fabianski saved, the Gunners were all square. From then on the performance of the Gunners plummeted when following attempts came from Fabianski's goal. Wilshere, quiet for the moment, did not had the opportunities as the last match at the Emirates - mainly because of the lack of possession by the Gunners.
It was not until the final ten minutes that the Englishman had several opportunities creating at least some danger to scare the home defence. The pathetic display was rounded when David Villa scored after Joaquin set him after a dazzling move that paralysed the defence. Again Silvestre's mistake gave the forward the chance to extend the lead and finish the game for today.