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Arsenal frustrated by Slavia

Arsenal frustrated by Slavia


Arsenal frustrated by Slavia

It was nothing like the 7-0 mauling Arsenal gave Slavia Prague two weeks ago tonight, as the Czech side battled bravely - and perhaps should have won - against a weak Arsenal side in a very wet and windy Prague.

Arsenal never really looked a threat, and in the first half had very few opportunities. Arsenal's weakened side included Eduardo and Bendtner up-front, whilst Adebayor was on the bench and Walcott on the left flank.

Slavia Prague's fans were vociferous, and eagerly pushed their side on. Perhaps Slavia could've and maybe should've grabbed three points tonight, but it just wasn't to be.

Slavia's first chance came when Daniel Pudil swung over a corner and Tavares was left unmarked six yards out, the Frenchman wastefully heading over.

Tackles were flying in from all over the place, and the referee didn't mind blowing the whistle for any challenge in a very stop-start game.

Slavia really should've scored when a ball over the top caught out the Arsenal defence and sent Senkerik clean through, it seemed certain that the deadlock would be broken, however Almunia's imposing frame getting in the way kept the scores level.

Squads

Slavia Prague: Vorel, Tavares, Hubacek, Drizd'al, Brabec, Smicer (Kalivoda 64), Svec, Pudil (Jablonsky 89), Suchy, Krajcik, Senkerik (Ivana 77).

Subs Not Used: Vaniak, Gaucho, Sourek, Belaid.

Booked: Tavares, Svec, Krajcik, Pudil.

Arsenal: Almunia, Diarra, Gallas, Song Billong, Clichy, Walcott, Silva, Denilson, Diaby, Eduardo (Eboue 81), Bendtner (Adebayor 77).

Subs Not Used: Lehmann, Sagna, Flamini, Traore, Justin Hoyte.

Booked: Diarra, Denilson.