Key Gunners to rest for big test ahead
Arsene Wenger is set to rest some of his key men for tonight’s final pre-season friendly against Sevilla – and remains confident Arsenal can deliver when the action starts for real next week.
The Gunners were given a stern examination of their Champions League credentials by hosts Ajax at the Amsterdam Tournament last night, when Wenger’s men produced a remarkable second-half fightback to secure a 3-2 victory.
With a two-legged qualifier against Steve McClaren’s FC Twente fast approaching, the Gunners boss knew this trip to Holland would serve as “ideal preparation” for the opening of the new campaign.
So it proved as the Dutch side – beaten by FC Twente in a play-off for a crack at Europe’s elite club competition – went into the break 2-0 ahead following quick-fire goals from Uruguay striker Luis Suarez and highly-rated captain Klaas Jan Huntelaar.
However, the Barclays Premier League team rallied following the restart and were given a lifeline through a bullet header from Emmanuel Adebayor before, with 15 minutes left, substitute Nicklas Bendtner levelled the scores.
There was still time for a winner too – which came when Adebayor slotted home.
Wenger will now turn Arsenal’s attentions towards the Twente clash, while completing their preparations against the Spaniards tonight as the Gunners aim to successfully defend the Amsterdam Tournament title.
“I will rest players on Saturday. Many players will not play,” he confirmed.
“We wanted an intense game, and I think Ajax gave us more than we wanted. They fought for every ball and played well.
“In the whole game we were always dangerous going forward, but they took advantage of two lapses of concentration and scored two fantastic goals.
“Some players are still a bit short physically, but I am not really concerned.
“We were much better defensively in the second half.”
Wenger accepts his men are not yet “100%” fully fit as they fine-tune their preparations for the big kick-off.
But the Arsenal manager rejected the notion his squad is light in the centre of midfield, Brazil teenager Denilson last night having partnered Cesc Fabregas - who was making his first appearance since the final of the European Championships with Spain.
“I don’t know if our midfield was ideal, but it’s certainly not far from the midfield we’ll play Wednesday night,” he said.
“We missed Nasri and Diaby; Song is away at the Olympics – so we have plenty of candidates there.
“It is true we cannot afford any more injuries in the centre of midfield.”
