Ajax almost opened the scoring in the first minute when Sneijder missed a good chance. Reyes to Freddie after two minutes saw us go close when he got it past the keeper but failed to bend it into the corner. So an open start to an open game where centrally Flamini and Pires left our midfield fairly unprotected. We gave away far too much possession in midfield and played quite a few loose passes before the break.
Babel on their left was a major threat, despite his mere eighteen years I anticipate a large queue to form for his services from the G14 Clubs – keep an eye on him for the future. Freddie had another good chance of his own making when he worked his way into the box and chipped the keeper but also the bar.
De Jong beat Senderos too easily and put his shot just wide in a spell where Ajax controlled the game. The stadium, which had the roof closed apparently, was very humid and seemed quite quiet. A freekick from Thierry from distance was on target but an easy take for the keeper. Another great run from Freddie who looked both sharp and quick.
A fine move started with a great line ball from Cole to Reyes, to Henry, to Cole who charged into the box but stabbed wide. A poor clearance by Lehmann from a back pass by Tel working back caused problems. Babel once more had a fine run and a decent cut back. Ajax finished the half on top and their switching play had been good but they hardly set the world on fire.
Half time and with six subs allowed changes were expected after the break. Kolo who looked solid stayed on, but Philip was replaced by Pascal. An early sloppy Ajax pass to Dennis who almost put Thierry away, but Ajax recovered. Cole shot from near the half way line when he saw the keeper off his line. Freddie to Thierry who could have scored but failed to set up Dennis instead. Flamini did well and could have scored but he too went for an unselfish pass when he should have shot. Henry to Cole to Bergkamp and a good drive from the Dutchman was saved.
No one was closing their attacking midfield around our box. Alexander Hleb on for Dennis, he went wide left and Jose went further forward. Eboue on for Lauren. A good early touch for Hleb who was working by sign language. Eboue was in trouble almost immediately. Wenger was wearing a neat polo top (burgundy) on the bench if you're interested. An overhead kick by Henry was well off target. Great catch from a low cross by Jens finished with him holding an icepack to his head. Cole was booked for a trip. An early shot by Henry went wide. Their keeper was out well to stop Flamini who worked very hard throughout – he has a great engine. Reyes tried a shot from very long range from the rebound.
Bentley with a close cropped bonce came on for Freddie and Hoyte was on for Cole. Another Henry shot from range. Lupoli on for Reyes. We have plenty of speed but little or no muscle. Pires fouled yet again before Mitea won a free kick in dangerous position against Eboue. Headed clear by Cygan. The game was petering out to yet another goal less game in Amsterdam for Arsenal but Hleb looked sharp, skilful, two-footed and has what it takes. To prove it he made space to set up a great ball to Lupoli who turned on it well and rifled home with his left peg. 1-0 Arsenal with 86 minutes on the clock. Hleb then hit a great long ball to find Henry who flicked it wide. Charisteas rattled our woodwork at the death but in the end this was a deserved win.
Freddie, Kolo, Thierry, Ashley and Mathieu all looked very sharp as did Alexander our new boy. This was a useful workout but we do look rather lightweight in midfield. A fine start for Hleb however as he showed loads of promise, the only thing is I've no idea where he will play and I'm not sure Wenger does yet. One other observation - Jens seems to have a folically challenged patch appearing on his head but I'm not going to tell him in case he chucks a bottle of water at me.