Arsenal’s young starlets were finally beaten this afternoon, as a dubious David Trezeguet tap in saw the Gunners lose the opening fixture of the 2009 Emirates Cup, proving to be their first defeat to a foreign side at the Emirates Stadium - despite a late rally from the elder-statesmen.
Arsène Wenger started with a young XI, epitomized by the fact all but Carlos Vela had one or more appearances for the Reserves inside the last 12 months, meaning the boss had once more put his faith in the kids.
Kieran Gibbs - fresh from helping the Reserves beat Rushden & Diamonds - started at left back, and would provide defensive cover for Jack Wilshere who as we revealed last night, was included in the squad. Carlos Vela and Nicklas Bendtner came into the game with 9 goals between them in the last two fixtures, and they would be charged with the job of helping Arsenal retain the title.
Jack Wilshere began in a confident and menacing manner, and although the first period was rather even, he would look the deadliest player on the pitch. Aaron Ramsey saw himself be kicked around in the congested midfield engine room, but his neat and tidy passing was a firm base to build on.
Arsenal had an encouraging amount of possession, but after Emmanuel Eboue wasted two good positional chances, the final and killer through ball seemed to desert the hosts. One thing which will surely have pleased the boss is that whilst neither side had scored, the incredible young Guns were more than holding their own - with reinforcements sat on the bench.
However, Juventus stepped their passing up, and won a dangerous looking free-kick of the edge of the area. Vincenzo Iaquinta’s scuffed drive found David Trezeguet, he slotted home but was clearly offside. A harsh lesson for the boys, who were clearly robbed just before the break.
Half time brought changes, with Abou Diaby - who finished the campaign in the Reserves - coming on for Ramsey, Gallas for Djourou and Adebayor for Vela. More experience had come on, but the main feel of the side was still young.
Wilshere’s dinked cross saw Bendtner flick over as the Gunners began in rampant fashion. Hoyte and Eboue would then combine to find Denilson in the middle, but he couldn’t convert. With the hour mark approaching, Wenger decided to remove the majority of the kids, and go for the win
Samir Nasri replaced the impressive and outstanding Wilshere, who went off to a rapturous applause.
Kieran Gibbs (pictured) had remained on, and was now bombing down the touch-line on every occasion as Arsenal frantically probed for the equaliser.
Henri Lansbury sporting a crazy Mohawk hair style was warming up alongside Mark Randall, and the pair were certain to feature at some point over the weekend. Back to matters on the field, and the Gunners first team had the same problems that the youngsters had in the first half - getting behind the Juventus back-line.
Lukasz Fabianski finished the season in superb form for Neil Banfield’s Reserves, and he would made a deceive stop to keep things at 1-0. Hasan Salihamidžić let fly, and the giant Pole managed to claw the ball into his possession.
The full time whistle brought disappointment from the fans, meaning Arsenal now needed a minor miracle to retain the trophy
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Chiellini is quite strong!!!
