Perfect Ten Suffer Cruel Cut From Blades


Champs

By Boris Mellor
February 25 2005

Arsenal played against the Blades for more than half the match with ten men. And as usual played better with ten than with eleven. In the first half Sheffield United had the best chances, and a disallowed goal. Clearly Arsenal will have to play a far stronger team for the replay.

Nonetheless the Gunners were far better in the second half, and probably should have scored more if their shooting had been more accurate. The replacement of Van Persie by Pires saw Arsenal step up a gear. Immediately Arsenal became more dangerous. It was the ten men that looked more likely to score, Reyes did a mazy run on the wing beating several defenders passing the ball to Flamini. The Sheffield keeper failed to hold Flamini's shot and Pires was there to tap it in. Almunia had hardly a save to make in the whole of the half.

Arsenal continued to attack, but with five minutes to go Arsene, probably with one eye on Bayern, decided to shut up shop, and took Reyes off for Cygan. The men in orange pushed forward and a ball in the penalty area was handled by Senderos. Unfortunately it was right in front of the referee. The cruellest cut was just about to be delivered.

Andy Gray made no mistake from the spot. It's probably not a bad result for ten men, but another game is the last thing Arsenal need. But if Arsene wants to stay in this competition he will have to put out a stronger team for the replay.

( For teams and first half comments click on links below)

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