Morning all,
no huge, in depth analysis of yesterday’s game as I only have the second half and Match of the Day highlights to go on. The result was just what we needed. It looked as if we were heading for that scabby 1-0 but the late penalty (it wasn’t a dream!) secured the three points.
Earlier in the season we were the team who scored the most goals. Now we must be the team that misses the most chances. In the second half alone we have three or four great opportunities to get that crucial second but failed to take them. And when you see your defence opened up with consumate ease to provide great chances for Darren Bent and Kenwynne Jones then it’s little wonder people get nervous watching this Arsenal side. For the former Almunia made a very good save, the latter was thankfully channeling his very best Emmanuel Adebayor.
I don’t really feel like I can go into invididual performances but Nicklas Bendtner will be happy with his goal. I suppose the longer he went without one the more pressure he’d be under. It was good to see Ramsey start ahead of Denilson. Whether the manager took form or fitness into account we don’t know but I like the young man and I think the more he plays the better he gets. There’s definite progress which isn’t the case with the Brazilian at the moment.
Overall it was a nervy performance but then that’s hardly a surprise given the midweek result and how important three points were – especially when by the time we’d kicked off United had lost 3-1 to Everton. It was too much to expect Wolves to do the same to Chelsea but nevermind. Speaking of Wolves for a sec, did anyone see yer man Halford’s long throw? Holy crap. It’s like Delap but somehow he manages to put spin on the ball and it curves through the air for miles. As we have to face Stoke next weekend and Wolves in a couple of weeks time we’d want to get practising defending those. Mental. Anyway, my original point is that while the performance might not have been much to write home about the three points were by far and away the most important thing.
I believe that the team is focussed, wants to do well and responded well today to the disappointment of Wednesday night. That is all you can ask. I am very happy with the players.
He also spoke positively about Eboue, Walcott and, rather oddly, Carlos Vela, who was on the bench but not considered because he was injured. He’s a Mexican mystery, that lad. Still, with a good week to prepare for what is going to be a tricky visit to Stoke, we find ourselves somewhat back on track and three points better off. Can’t argue with that.
In a quick round-up of some of the Sunday stories, Thomas Vermaelen says Arsenal’s Champions League dreams are not over. The away goal in Porto and Arsenal’s spirit are what will get us through, he reckons.
The News of the World reckons we’re willing to cash in on Gael Clichy this summer. Last year that would have been unthinkable, unfortunately Clichy’s stock has fallen heavily this season. The left back has really struggled to find anything approaching decent form and his propensity for costly mistakes is a real worry. Obviously at 23 he’s still very young so Arsene has to decide if this is a mere blip in his career trajectory or if the previous good form was that of a player playing above his level. No doubt the NOTW article is just typical scuttlebutt but with Gibbs waiting in the wings it’s not completely beyond the realms of possibility. If I had to put money on it though I’d bet against him leaving this summer.
A couple of vaguely Arsenal related bits in the Guardian. “Kanu is 42“, say Nigerian bloggers, while there’s a discussion on the health of English football in general here. Obviously we’re very much aware of Arsenal’s prudent financial approach but with Portsmouth reportedly 48 hours away from going into adminstration and, more worryingly, on the brink of obliteration meaning Arsenal lose 6 points, it’s an interesting watch.
And that’ll be about that. Here’s to an epic 5-5 draw between Liverpool and Man City, with many red cards and horrendous on-field violence. I think football needs that kind of a game. Especially today when I sit reading the papers and eating bacon.
Till tomorrow.
