Positive results earned by two Londoners on their Champions League matches as Arsenal grabbed their first win in the group stage after beating Olympiakos 2-1 at Emirates, while Chelsea got a point from 1-1 draw against Valencia in Spain.
Two summer signings, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Andre Santos contributed the goals for the Gunners, while at Mestalla, Frank Lampard’s goal was canceled out with a late penalty because of Salomon Kalou’s handball.
Arsenal Grabbed A Nervy Victory
Arsenal finally get the win they’re looking for in the Champions League group stage as Oxlande-Chamberlain and Santos puts the home crowd ecstatic after just 20 minutes from the kick off, which puts them in the driving seat very early. However, Arsenal’s comfort didn’t really last until the second half as just few minutes before the first period ended, the visitor pulled a goal back through David Fuster.
The 2-1 scoreline caused the second half turning into a very nervy affair from the home team especially after their opponents threatened to score the equalizing goal at more than one occasion. Fortunately for Arsene Wenger, his boys hung on to their lead until the final 90, giving the London outfit a previous three points which puts them second in the table behind Marseille, who already collected six points and looked to be a serious threat for Wenger’s team in this groub.
Chelsea’s Win Stolen In The Endangered
At Mestalla, Chelsea’s victory which seemed really close was cruelly stolen by the home team as Andre Villas-Boas substitution proved to be costly in the end for the Blues as Kalou, who replace the goal scorer, Frank Lampard, turned as provider for Valencia. The Ivory Coast international who came on in the second half in place of the England international, being judged to clip the ball with his hand five minutes from time, giving Roberto Soldado the privilege to add his goal tally this season.
Previously, Lampard helped Chelsea to get a pretty deserved lead after the player lovely placed shot beat Diego Alves in Valencia’s goal. The keeper was left stranded by the English international’s accurate placement, causing a bit frustration on Alves as he was playing really well on that game, saving several goal scoring chances from Fernando Torres and also Nicolas Anelka.
However, getting a draw away to Mestalla can still be considered as positive result for Andre Villas Boas team as they still lead the group table with four points after picking up all three points in previous match against Bayer Leverkusen. The Blues are obviously the main favorite from the group with Valencia and Leverkusen served as the contenders which could trouble Villas- Boas’ team should the London outfit slips.
Match Reports:
Arsenal v Olympiakos 2-1
Goals: Oxlade-Chamberlain 8, Andre Santos 20 (Arsenal); Fuster 27 (Olympiakos)
Valencia v Chelsea 1-1
Goals: Soldado pen 87 (Valencia); Lampard 56 (Chelsea)
