AZ late show denies Arsenal

20 October 2009 19:17
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} An injury-time strike from David Mendes da Silva handed Eredivisie champions AZ Alkmaar a late 1-1 draw versus Arsenal in UEFA Champions League Group H at DSB Stadion[LNB] Having won their opening two games of the group, Arsene Wenger's side looked on course to make it three successes in as many games against a side that had only ever lost one European match at home.[LNB]Arsenal were well in charge for the majority of the encounter and the seemingly decisive goal came on 36 minutes when a defensive error from Nicklas Moisander allowed Robin van Persie to square for captain Fabregas.[LNB]However, as the Gunners largely coasted for the remainder of the fixture, AZ rallied and deep into stoppage time a long free-kick into the area was smashed home by Mendes da Silva to deny the Premier League side three points.[LNB]ResilienceThe fact AZ remained resilient should have come as no surprise given they had previously lost just once at home in Europe, against Everton two years ago, from 34 games.[LNB]Off the field, however, the Dutch club have some financial worries after owner Dirk Scheringa was declared bankrupt, the immediate impact of which was the team playing without shirt sponsors.[LNB]In stark contrast to their last European away game, when going 2-0 down inside five minutes at Liege, Arsenal were quickly on the offensive.[LNB]Van Persie, who netted in his fourth straight game against Birmingham on Saturday, charged at the centre of the AZ defence but was barged off possession by Moisander.[LNB]On eight minutes, Abou Diaby broke down the right, and whipped the ball back towards the far post, where Van Persie brought it down and drilled a shot goalwards, which Argentina international Sergio Romero gathered at the second attempt.[LNB]The hosts continued to enjoy good possession, but without a cutting edge in the final third.[LNB]AZ created their first decent opening on 26 minutes when Moussa Dembele fed Mounir El Hamdaoui on the edge of the Arsenal area, and the former Tottenham striker fired his shot flew just over.[LNB]Emmanuel Eboue was put clear down the right channel, and sent over a first-time cross which Andrey Arshavin met at the far post before floating it back over the goalkeeper but onto the roof of the net.[LNB]Arsenal finally got it right after 35 minutes when Fabregas swept them ahead.[LNB]Alex Song intercepted a stray pass from Moisander, before feeding Arshavin who put Van Persie in on the left side of the penalty area. Unselfishly, the Dutchman drew the goalkeeper, before squaring to Fabregas who slotted home.[LNB]Arsenal suddenly looked a much more cohesive outfit, with Arshavin finding more space down the left.[LNB]DramaFabregas curled an effort goalwards from 20 yards, but it was straight at the AZ goalkeeper.[LNB]Romero then spilled an 18-yard shot from Van Persie, but luckily the ball flew wide.[LNB]Arsenal continued to press at the start of the second half.[LNB]Eboue was tripped by Hector Moreno 25 yards out in a central position.[LNB]Van Persie whipped the free-kick around the wall, but Romero was down quickly to make a fine save.[LNB]Arsenal's Dutch frontman felt he should have had a penalty when turning on the goalline between two AZ defenders - but Swedish referee Martin Hansson was not interested.[LNB]Arsenal remained in control, with Song breaking up possession ahead of the back four.[LNB]Van Persie was allowed the space to run at the AZ defence, but blazed over from the edge of the penalty area.[LNB]There was, however, a let-off for Arsenal on 72 minutes when a corner deflected off Diaby and onto the top of the crossbar.[LNB]Van Persie was given a rest when Mexican striker Carlos Vela came on.[LNB]A free-kick then caused chaos in the Arsenal six-yard box, but Moreno was not able to convert.[LNB]Vela looked to have a strong penalty claim denied when he appeared to be tripped by Kew Jaliens after darting in from the left channel.[LNB]Arshavin saw a low shot saved by Romero.[LNB]Just as Arsenal looked to have done enough, AZ snatched a dramatic equaliser in time added on, when Mendes Da Silva blasted in from close range after Moreno's ball into the box had been flicked on by substitute Graziano Pelle.[LNB][LNB]AZ AlkmaarTeam StatisticsArsenal1Goals101st Half Goals11Shots on Target73Shots off Target32Blocked Shots33Corners418Fouls94Offsides31Yellow Cards30Red Cards081.5Passing Success77.521Tackles1881Tackles Success72.253.1Possession46.945.4Territorial Advantage54.6

Source: SKY_Sports