Robin van Persie's late goal earned Arsenal the Amsterdam Tournament honours after a 1-0 win over Ajax.In a tetchy game against the hosts, the Holland international's deflected strike three minutes from time ensured The Gunners finished top of the four-team table.
The tackles flew in from both sides during the 90 minutes, although Ajax were perhaps the most culpable of the two teams.
Arsenal were on top in the early stages and Ajax keeper Maarten Stekelenburg produced a superb reflex save to keep out Kolo Toure's close-range effort from Van Persie's clipped free-kick.
At the opposite end, substitute Dennis Rommedahl almost had an immediate impact as the winger cut in and fizzed a shot just off target.
Hedwiges Maduro's long-range drive dipped narrowly over, while Jens Lehmann was stretched to push out Wesley Sneijder's free-kick.
Deflected winner:
In the second half, Clichy was denied at the near post by Stekelenburg, while another Sneijder free-kick rocketed past the goal.
On 74 minutes, Van Persie should have given Arsenal the lead after showing quick feet in the box before being denied by Stekelenburg.
The Ajax keeper then denied substitute Eduardo da Silva from close range before Lehmann tipped over Klaas Jan Huntelaar's header.
With three minutes to go, Arsenal made the breakthrough as Clichy set up Van Persie after a barnstorming run and the striker dispatched his shot past Stekelenburg via the aid of a deflection.
There was a scare before the final whistle when Van Persie was stretchered off after another robust tackle, although he was soon back on the field to be part of the trophy presentation.
Video's:
Ajax - Dennis Rommedhal's Reaction
Ajax v Arsenal - Toure
Ajax v Arsenal - Wenger
Build up and Robin van Persie's goal
Sky Sports News Report - Ajax 0-1 Arsenal
2 comments:
good win for us.
Next Up, fulham in the league.
Yep can't wait
Post a Comment