Arsenal get back on track with win over Kiev
Bendner came off the bench to score the goal which sends Arsenal into the last 16
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Tuesday, 25, Nov 2008 11:02
Arsenal progressed to the last 16 of the Champions League with a narrow 1-0 win over Dynamo Kiev at the Emirates.
A strike from substitute Nicklas Bendtner with just three minutes to go enough to separate Arsenal from a Kiev side who were reduced to 10 men when Alexander Aliev was dismissed moments after the goal.
The goal came in controversial circumstances when Fabregas took a quick free-kick when the Ukranian side felt the ball was still rolling.
The new Arsenal captain floated to ball to Bendtner, who had been dropped from the starting line-up in favour of Mexican striker Carlos Vela.
The Dame appeared to control the ball with his arm before finishing with his left foot.
Kiev's fury boiled over moments later when Aliev remonstrated with the referee as he attempted to take a free-kick of his own, with the official showing him a red card for his protests.
Prior to Bendtner's strike it had taken a brilliant save by Manuel Almunia to prevent the visitors taking the lead with just 13 minutes to go.
The Spaniard raced from his goal to block a volley from Artem Milevsky.
Kiev had hot the woodwork in the first-half when William Gallas, returning to the starting line-up, gave the ball away on the edge of his own area and Ismael Bangoura hit the post from a tight angel.
In the end, the result was all that matters for Arsene Wenger's side, as they put a difficult week behind them.
Arsenal need now just avoid defeat in their final game in Porto to win the group, while Kiev take on Fenerbahce to see who can claim third spot and a place in the Uefa Cup.