We finally got to see the kind of line up Arsenal will be using for this season, well, almost. Almunia in goal, Gallas, Djourou, Clichy and Sagna at the back, Eboue, Nasri (Debut), Walcott and Denilson in Midfield and RVP and Ade25 upfront. This will pretty much be our 1st team for next season barring a few changes, like Cesc in the middle of the park and probably Djourou being replaced by Toure at the back. Arsenal wore the new Yellow and Blue kit which is almost a replica of the Arsenal Title Winning kit 20 years ago, most of us will remember that wonderful night when Thomas sealed the title win up at Anfield. If your too young to remember, I’m sure you’ve seen the DVD.
This game was the first played in honour of the official re-naming of the stadium, The Mercedes-Benz Arena. Stuttgart were fielding ex-Arsenal keeper’ Lehmann in goal who received a cheer from the home crowd every time he touched the ball. He made some good saves in the first half but not so many in the second.
The first half saw quite a few chances for both sides but both keepers saved or shots were blazed over or wide. Van Persie tried a cheeky little chip over Lehmann midway through the first half but Jens was equal to it and made an easy looking save.
Arsenal’s defence gave way early in the second half and let Basturk in and he took his chance really well. He ran on to a through ball, the Arsenal defence backed off and Basturk unleashed a shot that went past substitute keeper Fabianski. The Gunners replied quickly, Bendtner passed a delightful ball to Vela who went round the keeper and sent the ball into the net. A few minutes later, Bendtner played a 1-2 with Vela, Nicklas controlled the ball with his head to take it away from the defender and smashed the ball past Lehmann.
Bendtner and Vela link up again.
Jack Wilshere came on for Samir Nasri and scored the decisive goal to kill the game off. Clichy weaved some magic on the left wing, crossed the ball into Wilshere who was unmarked so he smashed the ball past Lehmann with his left foot.
Before the game Arsenal announced the signing of French born Portuguese U-21 midfielder Amuary Bishoff from Werder Bremen. Not sure what he’s like, I hope it’s another ‘Wenger Unknown’ who sets the world alight but we’ll see.
