Arsenal crushes AZ Alkmaar 4-1 – Recap and Video Highlights – Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Arsenal hosts AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 in the UEFA Champions League. The two teams played last matchday as Alkmaar scored a late goal to get a draw. Arsenal will be looking to get three points playing at home and to put them in great position to advance to the knockout stage. Here’s a recap and video highlights of the match.

Arsenal crushes AZ Alkmaar 4-1 – Video Highlights

1st Half

Arsenal started out the match with most of the possession and chances. AZ would make a mistake in the 11th minute as a backpass was picked up by the goalkeeper inside the box. It resulted in a free kick at very close range. It was taken by Robin Van Persie but blocked by the wall. Alkmaar defended well through the first 20 minutes as it remained 0-0. The visitors rarely were able to get any shots in the first half.

Arsenal would take the lead in the 25th minute as he scored on a shot from outside the box to the lower left corner. The home side looked to be in complete control after taking the lead. The lead would go to 2-0 just before halftime as Nasri scored in the 43rd minute. He received a pass from Fabregas, dribbled past the last defender, and beat the goalkeeper with a low shot to the right corner. It was a traditional Arsenal goal and more than likely put the match out of reach.

2nd Half

It would only get worse for Alkmaar as Arsenal would score early in the second half. Arshavin send a through ball for Fabregas who timed his run perfectly and then scored on a shot to the upper left corner as the goalkeeper had little chance. Overall, the English club was much sharper and another level above Alkmaar. AZ had one great chance to get back in the match in the second half but it was saved by Almunia.

The Gunners were on cruise control for the final 30 minutes of the second half as they would move to 10 points with a win in the group stage.  The only question that remained late in the match was if Arsenal would score a fourth goal and maybe a fifth. Arsenal would add a fourth goal as Abou Diaby scored in the 72nd minute with an assist from Arshavin. Alkmaar were completely outmatched from the start and had to hope for a draw at best.

Alkmaar would get one goal back in the 82d minute as Jeremain Lens scored in the 82nd minute. It was little consolation for the Dutch side who were dominated in the match. Arsenal would win the match 4-1.

Tags: UEFA Champions League