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Camden New Journal - by TOM FOOT
Published: 18 September 2008

Arsenal struggle in the east again

Gallas hits late equaliser for Gunners

Champions League:
Dinamo Kiev 1
Arsenal 1

ARSENAL failed to break their east European hoodoo last night (Wednesday) despite rescuing a point late on against Dinamo Kiev.
William Gallas bundled home an equaliser on 88 minutes after the Ukrainian outfit had taken the lead through a dubious penalty.
It was only the second point Arsenal have won in eight Champions League away days to teams from the former Soviet Union.
Ten years ago, Wenger’s double-winning side were overrun by a Kiev team led by Andriy Shevchenko and Sergei Rebrov and in 2004 they were humbled 2-0.
But the Dinamo they faced last night has not won a Champions League game for four years, and it showed early on as Robin Van Persie was given time and space to shoot in the box after just three minutes.
The Dutchman shot straight at the keeper and minutes later striker Emmanuel Adebayor was gifted another chance to put the Gunners ahead.
A deflected clearance sent the Togan clear on goal but with just the keeper to beat, and all the time in the world, he spooned his shot five feet wide of the post.
Wenger started the match with what seemed like a straight-forward 4-4-2. But Van Persie played most of the game anchored to left midfield with Denilson overlapping on the wing. Theo Walcott was given a roaming brief, while Fabregas sat deep in midfield spraying passes.
The plan appeared to be working but on 62 minutes the match was turned upside-down when full-back Bacary Sagna brought down Ognjen Vukojevic in the box. It appeared a harsh decision but Ismael Bangoura stepped up and slotted home.
Wenger threw on Niklas Bendtner and Carlos Vela as the Gunners pushed for an equaliser.
Kiev caved in after some neat play in midfield sent Walcott down the wing and his cross picked out Gallas.
Arsenal face two more tricky away days against Porto and Fenebahce in the competition’s remaining away fixtures.

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