Late Barcelona goals knockout Udinese
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-12-08 10:05

Another Ajax midfielder, Hedwiges Maduro, also had to come off in the first half after picking up a leg injury.

Arsenal, looking for a morale boost after their weekend defeat at Bolton Wanderers, rested Robert Pires, Sol Campbell and Dennis Bergkamp as well as Freddie Ljungberg and goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.

CHILLY NIGHT

Despite losing Grygera, Ajax controlled the early exchanges on a wet, chilly night in north London.

Only a timely intervention by Arsenal centre back Kolo Toure prevented the Dutch side taking the lead after the ball squirmed free of goalkeeper Manuel Almunia's grasp on the edge of his area.

Arsenal slowly improved but their former Ajax youngster Quincy Owusu-Abeyie squandered most of their best work, although they should still have been in front by the interval.

Three minutes into stoppage time Reyes drew a foul from Ajax midfielder Tomas Galasek but Henry pushed his spot-kick wide.

Wenger refused to criticise the France striker and said he would continue to take penalties.

"I don't blame him. Usually Thierry is quite comfortable with it," said Wenger.

"He took it quite well, he only missed by a few inches. As long as he doesn't lose confidence by it, it's not a problem for me."

The second half was enlivened only by the introduction of Arsenal substitute Robin van Persie after Reyes was injured in a challenge with Ajax defender Johnny Heitinga on the hour mark.

Van Persie wriggled through and drew a fine save from Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg with nine minutes left.

Ajax's best effort came even later when substitute Nigel de Jong's shot was tipped round the post by Almunia.

Midfielder de Jong has declared his intention to leave the club, and Blind said that was a disappointment.

"I would love to keep him but he has decided otherwise. My advice would be for him to play one more season at Ajax but he believes he is ready for the next step. I have to respect that."