08 Aug 2008: Ajax - Arsenal FC

[Kowalczyk]

Amsterdam Tourney, game 1.

Against Arsenal. What a surprise.

K.

[ZoefdeHaas]

Can Ajax-Arsenal not happen for the next 3 years? Unless it's a CL final.

GO AWAY GUNNERS WE"RE BORED OF PLAYING U

[Orange14]

wow, Arsenal has a pretty crowded schedule over the next five days. The Amsterdam tourney and then Twente in a CL qualifier on Tuesday. We probably will see lots of substitutions in the match.

[Kowalczyk]

So, Twente vs Arsenal is this Tuesday? I wasn't even aware of that. Arsenal are probably gonna stay in Holland after the Tournament. What does the Champions League qualifier say about tonight's game against Ajax...? They probably won't field their strongest team and they won't take any risks, but on the other hand: they must have been focusing on the Champions League qualifier throughout the pre-season campaign, so I expect them to be fit and ready for the real work. Ajax won't be 100% fit yet. Ajax have another week of training and a trip to Spain coming up.

Arsenal won't field all of their first team players, but they will be fitter, is my expectation.

K.

[The Purple Cow]

Look out for the Bermudan cricket team in section 111, my mate Ed got them tickets.

If there's a minor earthquake around Amsterdam Z.O. tonight that'll be the legendary 250kg. Du'aine Leverock jumping up and down.

[Blind3]

Found this line-up on both the Dutch language Ajax Talk match page and Ajax Netwerk sites :

Stekelenberg; Silva, Oleguer, Anita, Schilder; Gabri,Aissati, Lindgren; Cvktanich,Huntelaar, Suarez.

[Blind3]

According to a post on Ajax Talk , the subs are : Gentenaar; Slijngard, Van der Wiel, Donald, De Jong, Martina, and Sulejmani.

It's pre-season and I'm worrying about subs and whether our reserves are just a bit too green for the long haul.

Hello group, my name is Ben B. I am an Ajax addict.

[GangstaRiB]

1-0 SUAREZZZZ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kowalczyk]

Arsenal had Ajax by the throat in the first half hour. They were totally dominant. But this was an absolutely fantastic strike by Suarez.

And it's 2-0 now! KJH, less than two minutes later. Wonderful diagonal volley into the far corner, from the edge of the box.

Ajax 2, Arsenal 0, after 35 minutes.

K.

[Amol]

[GangstaRiB]

Arsenal should have scored in the 3rd minute and the 20th or something. Twice from Adebayor who fails to convert in the penalty area.

After 25 minutes Ajax were losing the pressure and scored 2 very nice goals. But overall performance is not that great from Ajax' side. Too many long balls directly to Almunia.

[Orange14]

Despite a lot of Arsenal pressure, I think the back line did well. My worry right now is the Stek, he's giving up what looks like (on my computer screen) some balls that should have been caught. Still this half gives rise to optimism.

[SydAjax]

how are you watching this? Can you post the stream site?

[GangstaRiB]

Despite a lot of Arsenal pressure, I think the back line did well. My worry right now is the Stek, he's giving up what looks like (on my computer screen) some balls that should have been caught. Still this half gives rise to optimism.

Mmmm... I beg to differ!

Steek held us at 0-0 in the 3rd minute and had a few good saves. He is showing guts at corners, I like what I see!

[Amol]

how are you watching this? Can you post the stream site?

http://myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=16124&part=sports

[Cedric]

Or :

You can watch the tournament here : http://www.sbs6.nl/web/show/id=134637/langid=43

Overall, I'm quite pleased with the display so far. Maybe too many long ball, but I don't think Arsenal dominated that much. They were more dangerous, but it was quite balanced in terms of ball possession imo.

[SydAjax]

sweet, thanks!

[Orange14]

Nice goal by Adebayor to pull one back for Arsenal

[SydAjax]

wow, they are getting the ball to VP and Adebayor so easily...our defense looks scared

[SydAjax]

2-2...inevitable

[Orange14]

Just when I thougt Schilder was having a good match. Terrible back pass, what was he thinking?

[ajaxperu]

2-3

[SydAjax]

well, that is certainly a disappointment...Arsenal is a great team, but still

[saddlerian]

well, that is certainly a disappointment...Arsenal is a great team, but still

Yeh, a GREAT disappointment! Arsenal ARE a GOOD team, not great, AND they've got someone in the middle of the field to actually WIN the ball!

Between Ajax attack and Ajax defence.....NOTHING!!!!!!

[Orange14]

well, that is certainly a disappointment...Arsenal is a great team, but still

Yeh, a GREAT disappointment! Arsenal ARE a GOOD team, not great, AND they've got someone in the middle of the field to actually WIN the ball!

Between Ajax attack and Ajax defence.....NOTHING!!!!!!

Exactly right!! The last 25 minutes or so Ajax had trouble getting the ball out of the back and into the midfield. I wonder if this is the result of a 4-3-3 where you don't have the extra midfielder to help control things.