Football News
Adebayor booed as Arsenal lose to Juventus
Author: Deniz Vehbi
Posted on:
02 August 2008 - 18:53
Category:
Football
Emmanuel Adebayor has a big task to win over the Arsenal fans after sections of the crowd jeered his name at the start of the game.
Adebayor may have agreed a new deal to stay until 2012, but Gunners fans are still unhappy that he took so long to commit his long-term future to the north London club after AC Milan and Barcelona showed a big interest in wanting to sign him.
The Togo striker appeared as a second half substitute and knows he will need to get among the goals quickly if he is to become a major star with the fans again.
Arsenal failed to maintain their unbeaten start to the pre-season campaign after David Trezeguet's first half strike won the game for Juventus in the Emirates Cup.
Wenger opted to leave most of his big names on the substitutes bench including Emmanuel Adebayor who has just agreed a new contract with the club.
Big summer signing Samir Nasri had to be content with a place in the dug-out but Wenger's other new arrivals Aaron Ramsey and Carlos Vela were both handed their home debuts at the Emirates Stadium.
Teenager Jack Wilshere had another chance to impress the Arsenal boss and he almost broke the deadlock on 13 minutes when his angled drive was well saved by Gianluigi Buffon diving to his right.
The £5m capture of Ramsey from Cardiff has excited a number of Gunners fans and it was clear to see why on 26 minutes when he produced a superb piece of skill inside the box but saw his close-range shot beaten out by the legs of Buffon.
Juventus thought they had taken the lead on 34 minutes when Trezeguet headed home a near post header but the French international saw his effort ruled out for offside.
Trezeguet finally broke the deadlock on 37 mins. Marco Marchionni's free-kick was directed into the path of the prolific forward who once again looked in offside position, but his shot flew past Lukasz Fabianski and the goal was allowed to stand.
Even though Arsenal face another big test against Real Madrid on Sunday, Wenger rung the changes at half-time and brought William Gallas, Abou Diaby and Adebayor into the action.
French international Nasri did not have to wait long for his home debut and received a glowing reception from the sell-out crowd following his £12m arrival in July.
But it was Adebayor who almost got Arsenal back on level terms on 63 minutes.
Bacary Sagna weaved his way into the penalty box and crossed in for the Togo striker who rose above the Juventus defence, but saw his close-range header produce a fine save from Buffon.