Arsenal 2 Flamini Bendtner
PSG 1 Luyindula
It was my first live telecast of the Gunners in action for this pre-season. The expectations for the match were somewhat low, not because of the absence of Thierry Henry but due to the fact that it was still part of pre-season.
Manuel Almunia started in goal though I was hoping to see Lukasz Fabianski in live action for the first time. There were Bakary Sagna and Niklas Bendtner though.
The first half showed a few glimpses of the old Arsenal, quick passes around the flank with Gael Clichy the main protagonist. Cesc Fabregas tried a few through ball in the middle, though none of these attacks really threaten Mikael Landreau in the PSG goal.
Then, there were also a number of high balls pumped towards the opposition half in an apparent attempt to use Bendtner's height to our advantage. There were a few occassions that Arsenal resorted to this tactics last season but I think they would be used frequently as Arsene Wenger would try to bring more variety to his game-plan.
It seemed the tactic would work when Matthieu Flamini coming from midfield finished a chested down ball by the big Dane in the last minute of the first half to give Arsenal the lead going into the break.
A number of changes were introduced by Wenger at the break with Justin Hoyte, Manu Eboue, Alex Hleb, William Gallas and Armand Traore coming on for Sagna, Robin van Persie, Fabregas, Kolo Toure and Flamini.
Still, no Fabianski.
The second half saw Arsenal played with more purpose and created several openings but none of them really looked dangerous. Bendtner was presented with a golden chance when he was put through by a wonderful Abou Diaby pass.
It was a foregone conclusion with Henry but the youngster put too much slice on the ball as he attempted to find the far post.
However, the home side increased their lead further in a way alien to the more recent Arsenal fans (those older ones would certainly cast their mind back to the George Graham era) . A Denilson corner was attacked by Bendtner and the big Dane beat the goalkeeper to the ball. He reacted quickest to the loose ball and tapped it in. Arsenal 2-0.
Then moments later, Arsenal defence switched off and allowed a PSG player to sneak in on the left and the low cross was duly turned past Almunia by Peguy Leyindula to reduce the deficit.
Hleb displayed his silky skills today, often took a number of players before delivering the killer pass, though most of the time he was out-numbered by the opponents. However, one of his runs produced a penalty for Arsenal when he was tripped inside the box.
Bendtner took the responsiblity but his kick was saved by one of France most reliable spot-kick stopper. In the end Arsenal managed to hold on for the win and five points from the win and the two goals scored.
I was hoping for Bendtner to be able to polish up his game and settle in quickly for the coming season as he would be an asset to Arsene's Army.
Also I am hoping to see Fabianski in action at some stage against Inter Milan in the next match.
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