London calling for Panathinaikos

By Paris Ayiomamitis

Just when everyone was resigned to the fact that Panathinaikos FC were heading for another season of UEFA Champions League disappointment, a 2-2 draw against Arsenal FC on Matchday 3 provided a real shot in the arm for the Greek champions.

Vital point
The game in Athens saw Panathinaikos take a point off the Londonders to add to the three they took from their opening 2-1 win against Rosenborg BK, and helped to erase the memory of a rather more disappointing 1-0 Group E defeat at PSV Eindhoven on Matchday 2.

'We deserved to win'
With coach Zdenek Scasny having described Arsenal as Europe's best team before the game, the Greek press were suitably elated at the draw, and the players have renewed hope too. "We still have a good chance to qualify," said defender Ioannis Goumas. "We played better than Arsenal and we deserved to win."

Full-blooded performance
Influential midfield player Angelos Basinas, who recovered from a back injury to play in the game, was similarly elated, but insisted that Panathinaikos would have to put in a similarly full-blooded performance in their next three games - starting with their trip to Highbury tonight - to qualify for the last 16.

'We can do better'
"The draw against Arsenal was a very good result," he said. "We know very well what Arsenal are capable of. We were prepared for the game very well and we pressed them hard. However, we know we can do better and it is crucial we play the same way in our remaining matches."

Tactical coup
Earning a draw was something of a tactical coup for Scasny who employed a lone striker and packed his midfield to stifle Arsène Wenger's men. It was a great team display, and one that was crowned when Emmanuel Olisadebe came off the bench to make it 2-2 with eight minutes to go. The Polish international had been sidelined with a knee injury since the start of the season, but that headed goal revived memories of the goalscoring form that saw him lead the Greens to an Alpha Ethniki and Greek Cup double last season.

Powerful omen
The striker himself certainly saw his goal as a powerful omen. "It was my destiny to score," he said. "It's very positive that we turned the match around against such a great team. It will be more difficult in London. I'm not promising a goal but I can promise we will play like we did in Athens."

Goalkeeping reassurance
If Panathinaikos are to get anything from their trip to Highbury, goalkeeper Konstantinos Chalkias will need to be on form. He made a terrific double save to deny Robert Pires and José Antonio Reyes in the dying minutes to keep the score level. Such performances may help Chalkias win the confidence of club supporters, having failed to do so since taking over as first-choice goalkeeper from Antonios Nikopolidis.

First victory
More reassuringly for the club, the weekend saw Scasny earn his first win since replacing Itzhak Shumas as Panathinaikos coach in four attempts. The 4-0 trouncing of Panionios GS made some amends for a dismal 2-0 defeat against Kerkyra FC in their previous game.

Big-match temperament
The coach had previously upbraided his team, claiming that they only showed their best form when they were up against top-class opponents. The performance against Arsenal on Matchday 3 may have been proof of that theory, but if Panathinaikos can produce a similarly obdurate performance in London, the coach will have no complaints.