Arsenal leave it late to snatch draw in Kiev
Gallas earned a crucial point for Arsenal in the Ukraine
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Wednesday, 17, Sep 2008 10:48
Arsenal were relieved to get a late goal from William Gallas that earned them a valuable 1-1 draw away to Dynamo Kiev in Group G of the Champions League.
The Gunners had wasted a number of good opportunities in the first half but fell behind to a penalty midway through the second period.
Having been on top for most of the match a defeat would have been hard to accept for the north London club but thankfully for them Gallas was in the right place at the right time.
England teenager Theo Walcott created the first chance of the game, playing a great through-ball for Robin van Persie, but the Dutchman's shot was blocked by Kiev goalkeeper Stanislav Bogush.
Emmanuel Adebayor then had an excellent chance presented to him when Roman Eremenko's backpass went astray. However, the Togolese striker could not get his shot on target.
Arsenal were dominating proceedings but could not capitalise in the final third. Van Persie hit the side-netting with another chance before Cesc Fabregas failed to get the necessary power behind his shot from the edge of the box.
In the second half Kiev managed to impose themselves more on the Gunners without creating a serious threat on goal.
Arsenal then paid for not taking their chances at the other end when the home side were awarded a generous penalty.
Bacary Sagna was harshly adjudged to have brought down Ognjen Vukojevic and Ismael Bangoura slotted home the resulting spot kick.
Bangoura nearly doubled Kiev's lead, as the Ukrainian side found some momentum after the penalty, but his shot went wide of the post.
With two minutes of the 90 left Gallas claimed a vital away point for Wenger's men. Adebayor failed to control Walcott's cross but luckily for him the ball fell to Galas who poked it home.
Arsenal will hope to be more decisive in front of goal when they face Porto at the Emirates Stadium in two weeks.
The Portuguese side are likely to be Arsenal's main rivals in Group G following their 3-1 win over Fenerbahce.