Half a game far better than none Villa 1 Arsenal 3


Henry
By Boris Mellor
February 9 2005

Arsenal were 3-0 up at half- time with goals from Ljunberg, Cole and Henry, and everyone a gem. It should have been 8-0 to Arsenal. They had at least five more open goals.

 But Vieira and Henry both missed good chances, however Sorenson made some good saves. Arsenal played at a blistering pace the kind of football they produced at beginning of the season.

Bergkamp showed the kind of form which makes you wish he could go on forever. He has physical strength, and an amazing amount of pace for a 35-year-old. Reyes and Van Persie will both need to develop his ability not to be pushed off the ball, rather than falling over.

Senderos and Cygan paired up very well, but in the first half they were rarely tested, Villa had one shot. The midfield and forwards were linking up so well, and operating at such speed that the only defence needed was attack. Edu’s return clearly made a difference, and some of his passing to the forwards was sublime. The only question to be asked at half – time was could Arsenal keep it up for another 45 minutes?

Villa came on far more determined than the first half and for a while put the Arsenal goal under siege. But every now and then Arsenal broke with devastating menace. But Edu began to tire in his first game for several months (he has not even played for the reserves) and Villa became more menacing. A goal for Villa was looking on the cards when after 73 minutes Angel shot home de la Cruz's cross for his seventh goal of the season. For a brief moment it looked like Villa might get back into the game. Wenger responded by putting on Flamini and taking off Edu. Almost immediately Flamini’s ball winning began to break up Villa’s new found fluency. Henry went on a great run setting up Pires for a goal, but it was offside. Arsenal were back in control and carefully protected their lead up to the final whistle.

ASTON VILLA 1

Angel 74

ARSENAL 3

Ljungberg 10
Henry 14
Cole 28

SUBS