Three points again, this is becoming a nice habit.I only saw highlights because the networks in their wisdom had Celtic v FC Copenhavn and Benfica v United on two channels each while Arsenal, last year’s finalists playing 2004’s winners, were on ITV4. Bunch of twats.
From what I could gather from the highlights we played pretty well despite Porto having some periods of possession. We should have opened the scoring when Thierry played in Robin van Persie but he put a right foot shot over the bar. Robin also had another couple of shots which forced saves from the keeper and although it wasn’t his night you feel he just needs a goal to get his season going.
Now, I’ve been critical of Emmanuel Eboue’s crossing this season but I take my hat off to the lad today. According to Thierry he’s been working hard on it in training and it shows. He whipped in a in beautiful ball for Henry to nod home his 50th European goal for Arsenal and his second header in a matter of days as it was almost a carbon copy of his goal against Sheffield United. What was so frustrating about Eboue’s early season habit of booting it into the crowd was the fact you knew he could do better so fair play to him for putting that right.
Early in the second half Alexander Hleb took a shot instead of looking for another pass (something noted by Arsene) or trying to play someone else in and made it 2-0 to Arsenal. I like Hleb, I have to say, and I think he’s going to be a big player for us this season. With him and Rosicky on the flanks we’ve got pace, skill and hard work. Rosicky looks a class act, he doesn’t give up on lost causes, gets stuck in (bullshit decision from the ref to give him a yellow for a great tackle last night – did anyone else see the ref push one of our players in the chest?) and he can shoot from distance.
Overall we deserved the win and we’re now building up a nice bit of momentum with 4 wins on the trot and only one goal conceded to the eight we’ve scored.
The only negative from last night was the impressive William Gallas picking up a hamstring strain that could keep him out for three weeks. With Johann Djourou picking up an injury in the warm up and Senderos still out we have to hope it’s not too serious. I’m not sure how Justin Hoyte did last night but post match AW said he was pleased with his performance.
Last word on last night to the boss who summed it up nicely:
I’m pleased because we looked stronger and stronger, well balanced, and confident going forward, it was a very positive performance tonight.
In other news Cuntley Cunt’s agent, Cuntathon Cuntnett, has been banned for 18 months, 9 suspended, by the FA for his part in the Colegate affair. Sadly it won’t stop him picking up his wad of cash for the Cuntley transfer and in reality it won’t stop him doing business but it’s still nice to see. Crystal Palace chairman and hater of agents, Simon Jordan, reckons Cuntnett has been vilified and his reputation tarnished. I reckon he’s a cunt and I wish he wasn’t Kolo’s agent as well.
And that’s that. No hangover today but my new team won their first league game of the season 8-1 last night, all built on a solid central defensive partnership. Oh yes.
Till tomorrow.
