camden-sport-arse2

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Camden New Journal - by STEVE BARNETT
Published: 4 October 2007

Van Persie strikes late to earn away win
for Arsenal

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP H
STEAUA BUCHAREST 0 ARSENAL 1

THE Gunners were by far the superior team but, despite seeing more of the ball, they looked to be heading for a goalless draw as chances arrived few and far between.
With just 14 minutes left on the clock, van Persie fired home Emmanuel Adebayor’s pass to silence the home fans and earn Arsenal a rare victory in eastern Europe.
The north Londoners survived an early scare when Valentin Badea scored after just six minutes, but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside.
The Gunners responded within seconds and should have taken the lead when Cesc Fabregas fired over the top from close range.
Arsene Wenger’s side almost took the lead in fortuitous fashion just before the interval, but Steaua keeper Robinson Zapata did well to grab Gael Clichy’s deflected cross.
There was another scare on the hour mark, Kolo Toure showing defensive awareness to clear off the goal-line after Almunia’s clearance was returned with interest by Nicolae Dica.
It was a moment that appeared to shake Arsenal out of their stride, and Steaua went on to enjoy their best spell of the game before Adebayor turned creator as he pulled the ball back for van Persie to net his second consecutive winner.

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment: