After missing out last weekend, Pedro Botelho returned to the Salamanca squad as they faced promotion chasing Real Zaragoza in the penultimate fixture at El Helmántico before the close of the season.
However, the Brazilian had to make do with a place on the bench as manager David Armaral opted for Deportivo La Coruña loanee Rodri at left back. The 5.645 spectators didn’t have to wait long for the first goal, as quick-silver Ewerthon notched the opener with just 2 minutes on the clock.
Salamanca were sluggish in their passing and movement and were punished once more when Ewerthon again applied the finish to sink the hosts confidence even lower. To make matters worse, only 13 minutes had passed by. But on 25 minutes veteran winger Quique Martin halved the deficit from the penalty spot. It was game on.
On 76 minutes Botelho was pulled off the bench to replace Rodriat left back for the closing stages. Pedro barely had time to settle into the role before Jorge Lopez made sure the points were Zaragoza’s. The 19-year-old only had time for a few touches and it’s expected that’s all he’ll be limited to as the campaign nears it’s conclusion.
The international break saw Lillestrøm’s battle to climb the table temporarily put on hold, but the match action continued for Håvard Nordtveit who was called up by the Norwegian Under 21 side.
Nordtveit played the full 90 minutes as Norway drew 1-1 with Estonia on Friday night. After a competitive opening period, the Arsenal man lost his clean sheet after Edwin Stüf lashed Estonia in front after 72 minutes. Yet 6 minutes later Harmeet Singh levelled proceedings. It finished 1-1. Håvard returns to club duty next weekend.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Havard shld b brought into d carling squad next season,i lik d idea..he’s a gud lad developin
Why does havard play at right back for lillestrom?the kid is a fine center back,i hope they dont kill his game over there.i also think the guy should be in our carling cup next season
Spell better than that please.
And punctuate too, see me after class…
Hahaha.
I guess its the only place he can get minutes for Lillestrom. It’s worth while I guess because he at least gets some match experience.
I think Havard nordveit is very similar to simon kjaer but hes better on the ball than kjaer. JS do u think Luke Ayling is better than Nordvteit?
Nah I don’t, John. I think Nordtveit is a better player than Ayling in terms of natural defensive talent. I think Havard could learn a lot from Luke’s aggresive nature though.
Just to compare, playing for FK Lillestrøm is like playing in the Championship. So to play regularly is good for Håvard. He learns to put his feet in and to grow confidence. He even gets to play in the middle when the others have injuries/suspensions.
Great article, Do you think that its alot harder for centre halfs to break through due to the physical element involved?
I like Nordvtiet he reminds me of agger with pace. Hes tall, elegant, composed and hes a leader. Maybe next seaason or in two years time he will break through. JS do u think gallas, toure, silvestre, eboue could all leave?
I am not being funny but gallas is getting old now and surely we could use him in a deal to get cheillini.
Toure wanst to go hes unhappy at arsenal. Hes a legend for me we should keep him
Silvestre is always getting injured and hes too old
Eboue- He said he will decide his future at the end of the summer. We might need to get a new centre half partnership with the likes of nordvetit and bartley getting chances
@John do you believe all you hear/read?? Toure said on the AFC website, that Wenger should try keep the team together to start with. Doesn`t sound like someone who`s about to leave to me!
If Toure is ready to settle with being a back-up then he can stay but I think he is not good enough anymore to start for Arsenal. He and Gallas can’t play together (been clear for almost three years now) and Billy is clearly the better defender. Toure would make a good back-up for CB and RB if we finally get rid of Eboue.
to stone;
he can also play DM, wenger should try him there.
J – U gonna do a report on Gibbs’ performance for England u21’s. He just completely tore it up with a man of the match display. Two goals, one assist. Good interview. Way to represent Kieran.
Pingback: Top Posts « WordPress.com