The 2013 Emirates Cup concluded with Arsenal feeling disappointed after just missing out on winning their annual home tournament.
In the penultimate match of the weekend, FC Porto came behind from one-nil to sink Napoli by three goals to one. Napoli were the only side before the tournament not to have been awarded a penalty - this was all to change when two minutes before half time they were given one which Pandev capitalised on. Goals from Ghilas, Lica and a Fernandez own goal ensured that FC Porto ran out three-one winners. This result meant that both Arsenal and Galatasaray knew that a win would ensure their side would lift the cup.
Arsene Wenger handed new young signing, Yaya Sanogo, his first start at the Emirates Stadium. Santi Cazorla also featured for the first time since returning from the Confederations Cup. A humble welcome was also issued from all Arsenal fans when they discovered that ex-Arsenal player, Emmanuel Eboue, was given the captain's armband by his manager for the match.
Only seconds in and the inexperienced Sanogo was given a chance to score his first Arsenal goal in front of his home crowd when he jinked to the right before dispatching a weak shot at the Galatasaray keeper.
Arsenal's stand-out player in the opening stages of the match and for much what remained was Aaron Ramsey. The Welshman was seen to be controlling the Arsenal midfield in a very commanding style, regularly throughout the ninety minutes.
You would almost think that Theo Walcott was Santi Cazorla, with every move during the first half involving the English striker and not the usual dazzling Spaniard. After seeing several of his efforts skimming just wide of the goal, it was Theo who opened the scoring - he crossed the ball into the danger area and the ball unintentionally bounced in front of goal and continued its trajectory into the back of the net - escaping the reach of the keeper.
Sanogo came close to furthering Arsenal's lead when just before half time, he attempted to stab the ball home from close range but missed - luckily for Yaya the linesman had already flagged offside.
Half time arrived and the Arsenal fans were temporarily satisfied with the thought of knowing that as things stood, it was their side who would be lifting the Emirates Cup in just over sixty minutes time.
Galatasaray opted for the more experienced individuals of their talented squad for the second half, throwing both Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder into the fray.
It was Arsenal who initially started the half well but an unusual sluggish Cazorla and a heated debate between Szczesny and Gibbs started to pile pressure on the rest of the team to defend their slender lead. Galatasaray took advantage of what was unfolding in front of them and Sneijder tested Szczesny from range with a dangerously dipping shot.
Galatasaray continued with the pressure and their persistent efforts were rewarded when Didier Drogba was awarded a soft penalty after Ignasi Miquel was spotted to have made slight contact with the Ivorian forward. The experienced former-Chelsea man sent Szczesny the wrong way and levelled matters for his side.
Ten minutes remained on the clock and Arsenal knew that they had to find a goal from somewhere if they were to win their home tournament. In an attempt to do so, Arsenal threw everyone forward during the latter stages of the match. Galatasaray were not done just yet, Drogba put his final mark on the match when he lost Mertesacker and was able to smash the ball at goal, perfectly placing his effort beyond Szczesny.
Any hopes of a late Arsenal comeback were crushed when the referee blew for full time. It was Galatasaray who won and Emmanuel Eboue ended up lifting the 2013 Emirates Cup - continuing the trend of ex-Gunners to lift a trophy after leaving the club.
Although many fans may be feeling gutted about the tournament loss, others will be using the loss as a further reason for wanting Arsene Wenger to purchase new signings.
Things don't get any better for Arsenal any time soon - their next game being a must-win friendly against Manchester City, in six days time.
2013 Emirates Cup standings:
Galatasaray – 9pts
FC Porto – 6pts
Arsenal – 4pts
Napoli – 4pts
Written by James Harrod (@goonerscore)
Blog - http://goonerscore.wordpress.com/
In the penultimate match of the weekend, FC Porto came behind from one-nil to sink Napoli by three goals to one. Napoli were the only side before the tournament not to have been awarded a penalty - this was all to change when two minutes before half time they were given one which Pandev capitalised on. Goals from Ghilas, Lica and a Fernandez own goal ensured that FC Porto ran out three-one winners. This result meant that both Arsenal and Galatasaray knew that a win would ensure their side would lift the cup.
Arsene Wenger handed new young signing, Yaya Sanogo, his first start at the Emirates Stadium. Santi Cazorla also featured for the first time since returning from the Confederations Cup. A humble welcome was also issued from all Arsenal fans when they discovered that ex-Arsenal player, Emmanuel Eboue, was given the captain's armband by his manager for the match.
Only seconds in and the inexperienced Sanogo was given a chance to score his first Arsenal goal in front of his home crowd when he jinked to the right before dispatching a weak shot at the Galatasaray keeper.
Arsenal's stand-out player in the opening stages of the match and for much what remained was Aaron Ramsey. The Welshman was seen to be controlling the Arsenal midfield in a very commanding style, regularly throughout the ninety minutes.
You would almost think that Theo Walcott was Santi Cazorla, with every move during the first half involving the English striker and not the usual dazzling Spaniard. After seeing several of his efforts skimming just wide of the goal, it was Theo who opened the scoring - he crossed the ball into the danger area and the ball unintentionally bounced in front of goal and continued its trajectory into the back of the net - escaping the reach of the keeper.
Sanogo came close to furthering Arsenal's lead when just before half time, he attempted to stab the ball home from close range but missed - luckily for Yaya the linesman had already flagged offside.
Half time arrived and the Arsenal fans were temporarily satisfied with the thought of knowing that as things stood, it was their side who would be lifting the Emirates Cup in just over sixty minutes time.
Galatasaray opted for the more experienced individuals of their talented squad for the second half, throwing both Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder into the fray.
It was Arsenal who initially started the half well but an unusual sluggish Cazorla and a heated debate between Szczesny and Gibbs started to pile pressure on the rest of the team to defend their slender lead. Galatasaray took advantage of what was unfolding in front of them and Sneijder tested Szczesny from range with a dangerously dipping shot.
Galatasaray continued with the pressure and their persistent efforts were rewarded when Didier Drogba was awarded a soft penalty after Ignasi Miquel was spotted to have made slight contact with the Ivorian forward. The experienced former-Chelsea man sent Szczesny the wrong way and levelled matters for his side.
Ten minutes remained on the clock and Arsenal knew that they had to find a goal from somewhere if they were to win their home tournament. In an attempt to do so, Arsenal threw everyone forward during the latter stages of the match. Galatasaray were not done just yet, Drogba put his final mark on the match when he lost Mertesacker and was able to smash the ball at goal, perfectly placing his effort beyond Szczesny.
Any hopes of a late Arsenal comeback were crushed when the referee blew for full time. It was Galatasaray who won and Emmanuel Eboue ended up lifting the 2013 Emirates Cup - continuing the trend of ex-Gunners to lift a trophy after leaving the club.
Although many fans may be feeling gutted about the tournament loss, others will be using the loss as a further reason for wanting Arsene Wenger to purchase new signings.
Things don't get any better for Arsenal any time soon - their next game being a must-win friendly against Manchester City, in six days time.
2013 Emirates Cup standings:
Galatasaray – 9pts
FC Porto – 6pts
Arsenal – 4pts
Napoli – 4pts
Written by James Harrod (@goonerscore)
Blog - http://goonerscore.wordpress.com/
