MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Arsenal gain advantage in qualifying tie…
Austrian striker Marko Arnautovic The English Premier League team Arsenal took a massive step towards qualifying for the group stages of the lucrative European Champions League after beating the Dutch club Twente Enschede 2-0 in the 1st leg game in Holland.
Arsenal's quality told in the 2nd half, following a goaless first 45',although Twente's 19 years old Austrian striker Marko Arnautovic missed 2 good opportunities to score in the first half and then hit the side netting late in the 2nd half. Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger said that the 'technical superiority' of his team had been the key factor in the 2nd half. He praised his 'young side' who had withstood the physical challenge of Twente very well. Because of injuries to key players like Fabregas, Rosicky, Nasri and Toure, Wenger was forced to select inexperienced players like 17 year old Aaron Ramsey, signed recently from Cardiff City. Former England National team boss Steve McLaren, now the head coach at Twente Enschede admitted that his side had: 'Failed to take their chances and had been punished'. However he praised his side for the 'great spirit' which they showed, particularly in the 1st half when they frustrated Arsenal with their man to man marking policy. Twente Enschede was formed as recently as 1965 and beat Ajax of Amsterdam to qualify to play in the 3rd round of the Champions League. Because of ground improvements in Enschede the game was played in Arnhem before a sell-out crowd of 26,000 spectators. After a goal-less 1st half Arsenal opened the scoring in the 61st minute when Dutchman Robin van Persie swung in a free kick which was bundled into the net by central defender and captain William Gallas. Twente lost their composure totally in the 2nd half and repeatedly gave the ball to the opposition. However they had a great opportunity to equalise when Elia played a perfect ball through for Arnautovic but the youngster smashed the ball into the side netting with just the goalkeeper ahead of him. Arsenal clinched the game in the 81st minute when Theo Walcott picked up the ball inside the penalty area and quickly switched it across the goal where Emmanuel Adebayor had the simple task of tapping the ball over the line and into the net. The 2nd leg, which now looks a formality for Arsenal, will be played in London in 2 weeks time. Patrick Watts, Merco Press, Arnhem.
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