Arsenal vs Sheffield Utd EPL match 2006-2007 preview
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Having won so wonderfully at Old Trafford last Sunday, Ars鑞e Wenger抯 Arsenal now face the task of building their season upon that foundation stone.
In any title-winning campaign, mid-table sides like Aston Villa and Middlesbrough simply have to be beaten when they visit your home ground. However Arsenal found them difficult to break down at Emirates Stadium this term and had to come from behind to force a draw on each occasion. One can expect similar doggedness on Saturday when Sheffield United visit Arsenal.
Wenger抯 side are so much on a roll as a crest of a wave after victories on the road at Hamburg and Manchester United. But Neil Warnock抯 side can leave even the slickest of sides marooned.
揑 hope the fact we have won the last two games, not only the one at Old Trafford, will help us a lot,
Ars鑞e Wenger was a busy man on transfer deadline day tying up the loose ends of deals for Julio Baptista and William Gallas. But on Wednesday night it was another last-gasp capture who demonstrated the potential to become the Frenchman抯 signing of the summer.
The arrival of 18-year-old Denilson from Sao Paulo may not have grabbed the headlines, but a dazzling debut from the Brazil Under-19 captain in the 2-0 Reserve League win over Portsmouth will certainly have turned heads. Below is a blow-by-blow account of Denilson's most notable moments:
Before the match: The Underhill announcer reads out Neil Banfield抯 line-up and a small cheer greets Denilson抯 name. An eye-catching display would ensure a greater ovation accompanied his exit from the pitch.
1 minute: Denilson stamps his authority from the start as he organises Arsenal抯 midfield. Over-emphasised hand gestures direct his new team-mates and suggest he抯 keen to show his leadership skills. This boy captains Brazil after all.
8 minutes: A tough introduction to competitive English football doesn抰 seem to be fazing the silky playmaker. With some quick-thinking and even quicker footwork, he creates himself space for a long-range effort that drifts just over the bar.
27 minutes: Underhill momentarily becomes the Copacabana as Denilson unselfishly plays in Justin Hoyte with a subtle flick of his heel. Unfortunately for Arsenal the defender抯 driven effort is blocked.
45 minutes: The new boy confidently takes control of a free-kick awarded 25 yards out. He fails to hit the target but it抯 a fitting way to close a half in which he抯 shown no signs of first-day nerves.
81 minutes: A positive second-half display is capped by a moment of sublime skill as he flicks the ball between two players and bursts past the pair to regain control and continue his run. The move brings out frustration in Portsmouth抯 Joel Ward who chops him down and deservedly receives a booking.
82 minutes: Denilson rises to his feet and trudges to the sideline where he is replaced by Giorgos Efrem. Looking understandably weary he acknowledges all sections of the crowd prompting generous applause for his efforts. It was a convincing run-out and with Wenger looking on from the stands it may not be long before he gets to showcase his skills on the bigger stage.
Post time 23-9-2006 10:34 AM
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