Gary Lineker once declared “Football is a simple game; 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win." I’m beginning to think something similar about the Emirates Cup – four teams turn up every year, and Arsenal always win.
This inevitability did not stem the enjoyment of watching Arsenal take on AC Milan on Saturday afternoon. It was for many the first time they had seen their side play this season – the first opportunity to catch a glimpse of the new blood and a chance to see whether old faces had developed their games.
Our opponents? A bunch of geriatrics who, had they not arrived at the stadium on the team bus, could easily have taken advantage of London’s Freedom Pass scheme.
Clarence Seedorf, Alessandro Nesta and Gianluca Zambrotta are not getting any younger and, rather sadly, their increased immobility seems to have rubbed off on the previously indefatigable Mathieu Flamini, who looked a shadow of his former self. Or at least left a rather large shadow on the playing surface.
As the teams were announced, the largest cheer of the afternoon was reserved for Jack Wilshere, the home-grown hero of whom so much is expected. His performance was a little disappointing. He kept things ticking over very ably, but looks a little slow and there seemed nothing exceptional about him yesterday.
He is the antithesis of Andrey Arshavin, who makes little effort during the game, but when he can be bothered to get involved, makes something significant happen. Indeed, the first goal came from a dynamic run by the Russian and a perfect through ball for Chamakh, who finished well past Abbiati.
Chamakh was playing at the Emirates for the first time and his performance was very encouraging. From the opening minutes, it was clear that Wenger had made another astute signing. Chamakh is quick off the mark, has a great first touch and brings others into the game intelligently. He won’t be prolific this year, but he will add a lot.
As for Arsenal’s other debutant, Laurent Koscielny, he too was impressive. A clone of his defensive partner, Thomas Vermaelen, he has a good leap on him, displays good pace and looks like a ball-playing centre back. He looks a better player than the departed William Gallas.
AC Milan equalised in the 75th minute, with the skilful Pato glancing in a header from a Seedorf cross. Arsenal had plenty of chances to win the match, the best falling to Mark Randall, who shot straight at Abbiati. The game was to end 1-1.
This was not a match to set pulses racing, with the crowd becoming a little restless at times at the lack of action. Indeed, they broke into a Mexican Wave at one stage, with David Beckham – part of the audience – even getting involved.
The game was memorable more for exceptional moments of skill. In the 42nd minute, Pato perfectly controlling a 50-yard ball before unleashing a fierce shot just wide; in the 71st minute, Vela nutmegging Zambrotta and curling the ball agonisingly wide of the post.
As always, however, Arsenal lifted the Emirates Cup the following day. And some say the Gunners never win silverwear. Tsk.
