It was an awful first half display from both sides, and only one moment of genius by Bellamy saw us fall behind. Neither side looked like scoring in the first 45 other than that. The second half saw little improvement until we finally created a goal scoring opportunity on 65 minutes, which Cesc was unable to convert. We quickly wasted another two excellent chances. First Adebayour took the ball down inside the box but failed to make a meaningful connection, and then Pires chose to square the ball when clean through on goal!
It all made for a very frustrating afternoon, but this defeat was some what easier to take since we all seemed to know it was coming.
Jens Lehmann (7) One good save kept the game alive late on.
Mathieu Flamini (5) A lack of awareness nearly cost us a second goal.
Philippe Senderos (6) Some shaky moments.
Kolo Toure (7) A rock at the heart of the defence.
Emmanuel Eboue (6) Poor coming forward which is rare for him.
Jose Reyes (5) Back to his usual standard, although no worse than some others on the pitch.
Cesc Fabregas (7) Got about the pitch and helped us link play.
Gilberto (5) Another poor display.
Abou Diaby (6) Couldn't stamp his authority onto the midfield.
Emmanuel Adebayour (6) Only threatened them once.
Thierry Henry (6) Couldn't make the impact that he wanted to.
Subs:
Robert Pires (3) Simply awful.
Alexander Hleb (5) Good running on the ball, but little end product.
Arturo Lupoli (6) One fine run nearly created something, but little impact other than that.