Wenger reaction

Malaysia XI V
Arsenal
24TH JUL 2012

Friday 27th July
Kick off: 13:00
Beijing National Stadium

Manchester City
2 – 0
Arsenal

Kitchee FC V
Arsenal
29TH JUL 2012

HIGHLIGHTS

FULL MATCH

Interviews

Programmes & Features

Other Videos

Live Text isn't live anymore, this is a record of the match events.

Full Time FULL TIME: The scoreline may read two nil to Manchester City but it's hardly a reflection on the game's run of play. Both sides could have had more goals but ultimately Arsenal leave with none to their name. But this was a useful performance from the Gunners, who kept possession neatly and created plenty of openings. Arsene Wenger should be pleased with the workout.
Top Comments:
- @khaliylhanson on Twitter says:
  
  Arsenal much better in the 2nd half. Got caught on the break in the 1st half. Aneke impressed for me. #AFCvMCFC
- @_MasonGunner_ on Twitter says:
  
  Overall, considering the players that weren't there and the conditions it wasn't that bad a performance #AFCvMCFC
90

Substitution SUBSTITUTION: Aguero is replaced by 16-year-old forward Marcos Lopes.
88

Substitution SUBSTITUTION: Razak is replaced by fellow youngster Denis Suarez.
87

VENEMOUS FROM THE OX: If you didn't know already, this lad has some strike on him. This time he lets fly from 20 yards but fires narrowly high and wide.
Top Comments:
- @markbrus on Twitter says:
  
  A 'second invitation' - something Oxlade-Chamberlain doesn't need in order to shoot. #afcvmcfc
- @jakeey8 on Twitter says:
  
  Alex Oxlaide Chamberlain has been head and shoulders above anyone else on this pitch today. #AFCvMCFC
84

Substitution SUBSTITUTION: Tevez is off for youngster George Evans.
79

EASTMOND STRIKES WIDE: The rain continues to fall but Arsenal are still well on top. Chamakh's backheel finds the young midfielder, who strikes narrowly wide of the mark.
Top Comments:
- @scooby_afc on Twitter says:
  
  Encouraging performance from #arsenal scoreline is irrelevant in a friendly. Lots of shots from distance and got in behind alot.
77

Substitution SUBSTITUTION: And it's Adam Johnson on for the excellent Toure.
77

Substitution SUBSTITUTION: German midfielder Thomas Eisfeld will replace Alex Song.
76

PANTILIMON SAVES AGAIN: This time it's Gibbs who strides forward and takes advantage of some space. He fires a strong effort which the City goalkeeper pushes away.
Top Comments:
- @viveksharmaaa on Twitter says:
  
  Arsenal could have easily scored 3-4 goals now if it was not for Pantillimon
73

ANEKE GOES CLOSE: The powerful youngster is impressing once more. This time his good first touch takes him away from Biton before unleashing a powerful effort at Pantilimon.
Top Comments:
- @ElmigoRed on Twitter says:
  
  Arsenal have had more shots outside the box today than the previous five seasons combined. #AFCvMCFC
70

WHAT A CHANCE AGUERO! Tevez races down the left-hand side and lays a glorious opportunity at the feet of his compatriot - but the striker dinks criminally wide.
69

FIFTY EIGHT PERCENT: That's the possession Arsenal have enjoyed throughout this game. The scoreboard still says zero, although they have made most of the running in this second half.
Top Comments:
- @Kabinho23 on Twitter says:
  
  There's no denying that as a ballwinning midfielder, Alex Song has very few equals #AFCvMCFC
66

INSTANT IMPACT FROM ANEKE: The youngster's impact is immediate as he plays in Afobe with an intelligent ball - but the striker is flagged offside.
Top Comments:
- @Andrew_Chimes on Twitter says:
  
  I think it's great to see our youngsters getting a run out against a top side! #AFCvMCFC
65

Substitution SUBSTITUTION: And it's Craig Eastmond on in place of Jenkinson.
Top Comments:
- ‏@paulusaduhene on Twitter says:
  
  Whiles Wenger is taking advantage of this match 2 fine tune his players, Mancini is takin it as a cup final with one change #AFCvMCFC
65

Substitution SUBSTITUTION: Chuks Aneke replaces the lively Gervinho.
62

THE RAIN IS STILL TUMBLING: It's a bit of a wash-out in the sky but on the pitch we're still being served up an entertaining spectacle. Arsenal have looked useful going forward in the second half without finding the net. Half an hour left.
58

Substitution AFOBE ENTERS THE FRAY: The young striker comes on in place of Santos.
57

Substitution KOMPANY OFF: It's Dedryck Boyata on in his place.
56

AND HE HITS BOTH POSTS! How on earth has that happened?! The youngster generates superb power on his shot but it strikes one post before bouncing off the other. So unlucky.
Top Comments:
- @regiandra on Twitter says:
  
  Oooh Oxlade-Chamberlain, great shot, hits BOTH posts? Now that is just unlucky.
- @arsenalsince87 on Twitter says:
  
  This is OX 2nd game as a CM! Think AW is trying to mold him into the new new AM with podolski theo and gervinho on the wings
54

OX IN THE MIDDLE AGAIN: Just as he did in the second half against a Malaysia XI, Oxlade-Chamberlain is being employed in a more central role once again. Another useful chance to show what he is made of in the middle.
52

EXCELLENT SAVE PANTILIMON: A neat move upfield sees Gibbs square to Chamakh, who sets up Gervinho down the right. But through on goal, the Ivorian's fierce effort is palmed away well by the Manchester City goalkeeper.
Top Comments:
- @L0rd_Blumpk1n on Twitter says:
  
  Arsenal looking dangerous, higher tempo. Good chance for Gervinho squandered.
49

TWEET US: You can send us your thoughts at the usual place and we'll publish some of your comments here. Use #AFCvMCFC to get in touch.
48

THE HEAVENS OPEN: It's an absolute deluge here at the Bird's Nest as the rain pours in the Chinese capital.
Top Comments:
- @Goonergill on Twitter says:
  
  Weather in China for #afcvmcfc looks absolutely disgusting. Rain pouring down so muck u can hear it on microphone
Kick Off AND WE'RE BACK UNDERWAY: The Gunners, with four fresh faces, kick us off for the second period. Can they claw their way back into this one?
Top Comments:
- @brycecarpenter on Twitter says:
  
  Good performance by the Gunners in the first half despite the score. Need some more finishing quality in the second half #AFCvMCFC
46

Substitution SUBSTITUTION: And finally Francis Coquelin on in place of Arteta.
46

Substitution SUBSTITUTION: It's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on for Walcott.
46

Substitution SUBSTITUTION: Diaby comes off for Marouane Chamakh.
Top Comments:
- Nigel Winterburn on Arsenal Player says:
  
  You have to forget about the performance for Diaby. What's more important is him building fitness. A fully fit Diaby is a bonus for Arsenal.
46

Substitution SUBSTITUTION: Ignasi Miquel replaces Bartley.
Half Time HALF TIME: It all looked to be going nicely for Arsenal but two goals in the final five minutes of the half put City in command. An excellent breakaway and some suspect defending give Mancini's men the edge here in Beijing.
Top Comments:
- @gingerjoeo on Twitter says:
  
  The way we're playing bar the two goals is really well, we'll get better defensively and attacking doesn't look a problem #AFCvMCFC
- @Gabriel_ody on Twitter says:
  
  I care less about score and more about. Individual performances #AFCvMCFC
44

GOAL! - Yaya Toure 2 : 0 TOURE MAKES IT TWO: It's a dreadful end to the second half for Arsenal. The big midfielder has been influential for City. Kolarov squares across goal for Aguero, who pokes towards an unmarked Toure to tap home. That's poor defending from Arsenal.
Top Comments:
- @nikhilAFC on Twitter says:
  
  Didn't expect that. I guess e can say that when Koscielny and sagna is back, this won't happen.
41

GOAL! - Pablo Zabaleta 1 : 0 BUT CITY TAKE THE LEAD: Arteta is uncharacteristically guilty of giving away possession. It's Biton to Toure, who lays the ball across for the Argentine full back to plant a fine finish into the corner. Unfortunate for the Gunners.
40

FIVE MINUTES REMAINING: We're approaching half time - and a likely influx of substitutions - and you have to say Arsenal have looked the better side after taking their time to settle. We could be in for an entertaining second period.
39

AGUERO OVER THE BAR: Toure leads a charge forward and squares for his striker, who cuts inside and lifts his shot over the bar. That was City's first sight of goal for some time.
36

GERVINHO IN THE THICK OF IT: He can be so deadly and proves just that by racing past his marker and getting to the byline - but the final product is poor.
Top Comments:
- @LeeStobs06 on Twitter says:
  
  Theo & Gervinho also been given chances upfront. Theo's made some great runs & came very close from 20-yards. Positive signs.
35

GET IN TOUCH: We want to hear what you have to say on the game. Tweet us at #AFCvMCFC
33

JENKINSON ACCETPS THE INVITE: That's two efforts on goal for Carl already - and this wasn't far away. City allow the youngster to come forward and fire narrowly over Pantilimon's crossbar.
Top Comments:
- @mitch_chapman0 on Twitter says:
  
  Looks like Arsenal have changed their playing style a lot more attacking and direct football. Beats trying to walk it in the net #AFCvMCFC
31

GREAT EFFORT THEO! Alex Song leads the counter-attack and clips the ball over to Walcott on the left. The winger cuts inside onto his favoured right foot and curls a good effort tantalisingly over the bar.
Top Comments:
- @ElmigoRed on Twitter says:
  
  Theo almost scores a worldy! This is not being played like a friendly! #AFCvMCFC
28

WALCOTT ALMOST IN: The ball drops to the England man in space inside the area but his strike towards goal is blocked well by Vincent Kompany. That almost opened up for him perfectly.
24

FINE DEFENDING FROM JENKINSON: The defender almost finds himself the wrong side of Aguero but is there to deny the Argentine just before the striker unleashes. That was close to a breakthrough goal.
Top Comments:
- @Xerostasia on Twitter says:
  
  Jenkinson with good late tackle, the dude has improved for sure. #AFCvMCFC
23

SANTOS JUST WIDE! The corner is not defended by City and Santos almost comes close to the opener with a curled effort just wide of the target.
23

JENKINSON FORCES THE SAVE: The young right back bombs forward and sees the goal open up on the edge of the area. His strike is decent but Pantilimon does well to push away for a corner.
21

BARTLEY DOES SUPERBLY: The dangerous Toure latches onto a useful ball over the top and tries to beat the young Arsenal defender, who stops him quickly in his tracks. A fine challenge.
Top Comments:
- @Ak_Mesut_23 on Twitter says:
  
  What a tackle from Bartley. Definitely impressing Wenger this game. #AFCvMCFC
20

ARSENAL LOOKING SHARP: The Gunners have come into their own 20 minutes in and are now looking much more comfortable in possession. Gervinho is a constant threat, while Diaby looks to be a solid anchor in midfield. Gibbs and Santos are pushing forward at every opportunity.
16

GERVINHO BURSTING FORWARD: He did ever so well until the final pass. The Ivorian leaves Toure for dead down the right and cuts inside before looking for Walcott - but the ball is cleared. Santos was in a fine position to his left.
Top Comments:
- @iamfailsall on Twitter says:
  
  Really like Gervinho. Always have. Has been so good today. #AFCvMCFC
14

KOLAROV SHOT DEFLECTED: The Serbian weaves his way inside but sees his effort blocked for a corner. He's normally known for his crackerjack strikes, of course.
10

DIABY INFLUENTIAL: It's the sight Arsenal fans can think about once more. The midfielder plays a wonderful ball over the top for Walcott, who slips in Santos. But the Brazilian's shot just inside the box is blocked to safety.
Top Comments:
- @iGooner7 on Twitter says:
  
  Diaby again!! He has been brilliant!! I told you that this man is crazy when hes fit. #AFCvMCFC
9

MIXED OPENING: Manchester City have looked the brighter of the two teams in these early stages but Arsenal have worked their way in well. Both sides' play has been a little disjointed so far.
5

ARSENAL CORNER: The Gunners race up the other end and Kyle Bartley contests excellently to win Arsenal's first corner of the game. But it's poor from Arteta and Manchester City clear.
Top Comments:
- @TheAlcheMystic on Twitter says:
  
  We're losing the midfield battle. Obviously lacking some creativity in the middle of the park. #Arsenal #AFCvMCFC
4

TAME FROM TEVEZ: Alex Song is caught in possession by Pablo Zabaleta, who plays in his compatriot. But the striker can't get enough on his shot to trouble Fabianski.
1

TEVEZ ALMOST IN: Yaya Toure picks the ball up in a fine position before sliding through the Argentine - but he's flagged offside. That was a close call so early on.
Kick Off AND WE'RE OFF! Manchester City will get us underway at the famous Bird's Nest.
Top Comments:
- @djdavejohnson on Twitter says:
  
  I forgot quite how magnificant the Beijing Birds Nest stadium actually is #AFCvMCFC #ArsenalTour2012
PREDICTIONS: Send us your predictions to #AFCvMCFC and join all of the debate. What are you expecting today?
Top Comments:
- Nigel Winterburn on Arsenal Player says:
  
  The result always matters, but it's easier to write it off when it's the pre-season
PREDICTIONS: Send us your predictions to #AFCvMCFC and join all of the debate. What are you expecting today?
WEBB IN THE MIDDLE: Premier League referee Howard Webb will take charge of this one.
FEELING THE HEAT: It's a stifling 29° c here in Beijing and we're almost five minutes away from kick-off.
SUBSTITUTES: Boyata, Evans, Johnson, Mancini, Suarez, Johansen, Scapuzzi, Lopes.
MANCHESTER CITY: Pantilimon, Savic, Kompany ©, K. Toure, Kolarov, Zabalata, Biton, Y. Toure, Razak, Aguero, Tevez
SUBSTITUTES: Szczesny, Mannone, Miquel, Djourou, Yennaris, Coquelin, Eastmond, Aneke, Eisfeld, Ryo, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Chamakh, Afobe.
Top Comments:
- @Chris_grainger1 on Twitter says:
  
  Would love to see @Afobe get some game time and a goal today. #Talent. #AFCvMCFC
ARSENAL: Fabianski, Jenkinson, Vermaelen (c), Bartley, Gibbs, Diaby, Song, Arteta, Walcott, Santos, Gervinho.
Top Comments:
- @ThePurn on Twitter says:
  
  Santos left-wing, let's see what the old boy has got! #AFCvMCFC
TEAM NEWS: It's four changes from the starting XI which faced a Malaysia XI on Tuesday as Lukasz Fabianski, Kyle Bartley, Alex Song and Theo Walcott are drafted in.
WELCOME TO BEIJING: We're here at the National Stadium in Beijing for Arsenal's hotly-anticipated pre-season friendly against Manchester City. If you're on Twitter, send us your comments to #AFCvMCFC