You are in > manchester.com  > News > Arsenal beat Ajax

General Sports News

Arsenal beat Ajax

27/09/2005

Arsenal registered a determined 2-1 win against Champions League opponents Ajax to maintain their 100 per cent record in group B.

Concerns had been voiced before the game as to the strength in depth of Arsene Wenger's side but Freddie Ljungberg instantly dissolved these fears as he scored within two minutes of kick-off.

Jose Antonio Reyes found his Swedish team-mate with a precise ball from the right channel before Ljungberg executed a perfect right-foot chip over the advancing Hans Vonk in the Ajax goal from ten yards out.

The goal gave Arsenal a dream start at the Amsterdam Arena but it roused the home side into action who dominated the large majority of the first half.

Danny Blind's Ajax fought admirably to get back in the game and had the lions' share of chances, as Manuel Almunia fumbled a shot from Nourdin Boukhair while Steven Pienaar and Ryan Babel both saw efforts fly over the cross bar.

But the tide turned when a Robert Pires penalty put Arsenal two up on 67 minutes, as the Frenchman converted from the spot after Reyes was brought down by Vonk.

Ajax were furious and cards were issued for Vonk and Tomas Galasek. But their anger immediately turned to renewed optimism as Markus Rosenberg pulled one back within seconds of the restart.

Rosenberg, on for the seriously injured Angelos Charisteas, side-footed into an empty net from six yards after collecting the rebound from Galasek's 25-yard bullet which beat Almunia but came back off the post.

But Ajax's efforts were eventually in vain as Arsenal held on for a commendable away three points.

Meanwhile, in group B's other match, FC Thun beat Sparta Prague by a goal to nil in Switzerland.

© Adfero Ltd