Archive for the ‘Match Reports’ Category

Howdie folks, and what a game…

Arsenal 3 – 1 Everton
Osman (9), Nasri (48), RVP (70), Theo (90)

It was classic Arsenal in the first half, with us going behind but our second half response was pretty emphatic, and secured three vital points to take us third in the league. Arsene opted to play Alex Song at right back, a slightly unfamiliar position for the Cameroonian, the full line up was:

Almunia

Song – Toure – Silvestre – Clichy

Eboue - Cesc – Denilson – Nasri

Adebayor – Van Persie

With Gallas and Sagna, it was a debut for Silvestre and Eboue was drafted into right wing as Theo Walcott was rested.

Everton started with a 4-5-1 and debuted young Jack Rodwell in the holding midfield position.

Howard

Hibbert –  Jagielka – Lescott – Baines

Pienaar – Fellaini - Rodwell – Osman – Arteta

Yakubu

Everton started the game well and although it was end to end for the firast five minutes, our makeshift defence was a little all over the place. Everton’s first real attack of the half resulted in a goal, when a simple 1-2 between Osman and Pienaar from central to the left wing, let Osman in before Silvestre to poke the ball into the back of the net. Silvestre no doubt would be kicking himself, he should have closed the player down much better.

That goal seemed to spark us into life and we started to pile on the pressure… A great ball from Cesc, a great run from Van Persie saw the Ducthman in front of goal, but Howard stopped the volley. Everton always seemed dangerous on the counter attack though and Osman went close shortly afterwards, a deflection by Silvestre keeping the score down.

The Toffees did well to clear a corner when Kolo Toure, who injured his shoulder in the process, went close to restoring parity. Lescott thwarted Nasri down one end, and nearly scored down the other, but Clichy chesting off the line to  keep it 1-0 at the half.

Toure’s shoulder injury seemd to get worse as the half drew to a close and he was subsituted at half time, with Walcott on for the Ivorian, Eboue to right back and Song in the centre of defence.

Now the game really got started.

It didn’t take long for us to get the equaliser when a great lay off from Silvestre saw Nasri smash the ball in the back of the net and there was a sense of relief around the Emirates. With such an unfamilar back line, it was clear to see that the midfield were aware to protect them by going forward, and Song, Eboue and Clichy ended up playing more like midfielders as we shifted the game play into their third.

We created chance after chance and Walcott and Nasri were being at their creative best. Van Persie blazed high from 12 yards, where hitting the target seemed easier. A few late challenges saw Hibbert go through Denilson, Clichy getting involved, and both him and Hibbert being injured.

We soon went in front when Ade laid off to Cesc whose shot was saved by Howard, but for Van Persie to head in the rebound. To be fair, we had dominated the second half and played some quick incisive football. Walcott wrapped up the win by scoring the third at the death, a neat one-two with Diaby and a good finish from the young Englishman.

Arsene spoke after the game and said:

“I am very proud of the way we came back with pride and we got a deserved victory.  In the last 20 minutes of the first half we were on top of them.  We had to reshuffle the team because we have a compact squad but everyone can play.  It was vital that we won for us to stay in the championship race.”

It’s amazing how he can use the phrase “stay in the Championship race” in October, but our shaky start to the season means we’ve still four points off the leaders.

Overall, a good result, three points, and a smile on my face…!]]>

The final score was 3-0 and the score could have easily been more. We started with Toure and Ade restored to the line up and Eboue replacing Walcott on the right of midfield.

Almunia

Sagna – Toure – Gallas – Clichy

Eboue – Denilson - Fabregas – Nasri

Adebayor – Van Persie

We started like we had a point to prove, we came storming out of the blocks and could have been a goal up within the first 5 minutes. William Gallas had a very easy chance from a few yards out, actually less than a few yards, about 1 and a half yards out… somehow blazing over. Kolo Toure had a shot soon after from  about 25 yards which called Given into action.

The goal was coming and eventually it came in the form of a penalty when N’Zogbia handled Ade’s cross into the box. Van Persie, who was yet to score this season. duly dispatched the ball into the back of the net and what a good penalty it was. A goal that the player needed after his debacle of misses midweek.

Arsenal 1 - 0, Van Persie (17)

After the goal, we grew even more in confidence and were competent in defence and fast in attack. Nasri and Clichy have started the season very well on the left and I really hope they both stay fit for the season. Nasri has been a revelation for us so far and his ball retention and overall vision of the game is definitely admirable. He combined well with Cesc who laid the ball onto VP who cut back to Ade, it deserved a finish, but Ade is still “rusty” and it went high and wide.

Eboue replaced Walcott in the line up today to much surprise, but I have to say that the Ivorian is playing much better this season that I’ve ever seen him play in an Arsenal shirt. He played a big part in the second goal, having played a one two with Adebayor, he backheeled the ball into the path of Van Persie who smashed the ball in the back of the net leaving Shay Given standing still.

Arsenal 2 – 0, Van Persie (41)

Newcastle only real chance came after the dying minutes of the first half but Almunia was astute and alert to keep the visiting team out.

The second half started well for Newcastle and a bit of pressure in the first 10 minutes soon rubbed off as we took dominance of the game again and it wasn’t long until we scored the third.

The game was full of fast paced football. Free flowing combinations and a lot of creativity. The third goal summed up our afternoon. Denilson was having one of his better games this season and after winning a header in defence, he continued to run, the ball going out to Nasri who cut inside, drew defenders close, but then passed to Ade. At the same time, Denilson made an over lap on the inside and Ade passed it through to Denilson who calmly tucked it away past the onrushing Shay Given. Sublime goal.

Arsenal 3 – 0, Denilson (59)

Vela came on for Van Persie who was in the wars during the game and will be having an X-ray today on his ankle. Theo came on for Eboue and Alex Song for Denilson.

Walcott’s impact was immediate and kept Newcastle on the back foot. Vela also causing problems and looks very creative, albeit it looked as if he was trying to hard. Expect some exciting football from the Mexican this season.

Nasri showed us that he will challenge Van Persie for free kick duty with an pinpoint attempt with 10 minutes to go. Top left, but Given saved well.

Confidence was definitely restored. We’ve got go away now and win away. But three goals, seven goals in four days and two clean sheets has put a smile on many Arsenal fan’s faces.

If we can pick up a player before the window closes, then maybe, just maybe we could end up top of the table by the end of the season…

Have a good one… more tomorrow…]]>

I had the privilege of going to the game today and normally when I go to the game, my match report kind of sucks, but here goes...

We went with a 4-4-2 and as expected except for Eboue in defensive midfield instead of Ramsey. Eboue has played in this position in pre season but wasn't too convincing.

The game started well with some slick passing. Despite the media debates and the continual speculation, the players seemed to be focused and ready to go. For the first couple of minutes it was all Arsenal. It was fitting that we hit the back early on. Nasri and Clichy really combining well down the left with Bendtner too. One touch passing and overlapping runs, cut backs and all. On the fourth minute, Nasri put the ball in the back after an excellent move.

Arsenal 1 – 0 West Brom

It was a goal that we all thought would open the floodlights, but West Brom were resilient in defence and our finishing left much to be desired.

We continued in a good vein for a while after the goal. Gallas going mighty close with an effort from 35 yeards.

Almunia saved well from Kim, a good shot and fingertip save.

The half ended with West Brom coming into the game more, but with Arsenal the stronger side.

The second half started a litte nervy, with a goal line clearance to start the half.

Chances soon fell Arsenal’s way with Adebayor slotting just wide, and soon after Eboue shooting wide. A good break saw Ade free, but he failed to square to Nasri and was subsequently booed. He’s not exactly a fan’s favourite and he seemed to be off the boil. He was actually worse than Eboue, who also missed another two long range efforts. You’d think at this level, professional footballers would be able to get the ball on target. Bendtner was replaced by Van Persie and so good play from VP brought some life back into the Arsenal attack.

Van Persie had a good chance despite being marshalled by two defenders. But it looked like the game would petter out and end 1-0. And Arsene probably thought the same thing when he brought on Kolo Toure for Theo Walcott on the right wing.

The last 15 mins were definitely nervy, but it always looked like we had enough to win the game and with Spurs losing, it was a good day for us…

But the highlight of the day was the impressive debut by Samir Nasri. Good passing, good ball rentention, good creativity and a goal to top it off; there is still more to come, but he looks like a very accomplished player…!]]>

The match details for Arsenal were:

Arsenal: Fabianski, Song Billong, Senderos, Djourou, Clichy, Eboue (Randall 81), Denilson, Silva, Walcott, Adebayor, Bendtner (Traore 81). Subs Not Used: Mannone, Nordtveit, Barazite.

It was a good start for Sunderland, with a long range effort from Carlos Edwards testing Fabianski early on. But moments later, suprise, suprise, Eboue was found in a heap on the floor. If we hate his antics, then surely non Arsenal fans hate the player even more! Eboue was stretchered off, but soon rejoined seemingly unaffected.

Ade had the first real chance of the game in the sixth minute, but reserve goalkeeper, Marton Fulup blocked well. Walcott started to show a few glimpses of magic and Bendtner was playing well. A good move saw Bendtner have a shot and a header moments later, but failed to test Fulup.

The breakthrough came on the 24th minute when Gilberto sent through a wonderful ball, to split the Sunderland defence and put Theo through on goal. An excellent finish into the bottom right hand side made it one-nil to the Arsenal.

Sunderland 0 – 1 Arsenal

After the goal, it was pretty much even stevens, a good game, but nothing worthy of note, with our makshift defence playing particularly well.

Two chances in the first half fell to Arsenal, with Senderos blazing just over from 35 yards and Walcott missing from 6 yards after Ade had squared the ball.

Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones had been a threat in the first half, so it was a blow for the home team when he was replaced at half time.

Half time: Sunderland 0 – 1 Arsenal

The second half started well for Sunderland with Jones replacement, O’Dononvan almost equalising after the restart, but his header looping just over.

In a moment of controversy on the 57th minute, we were awarded an indirect free kick after Whitehead seemingly hadled in the box from Theo Walcott cross. Surely a pen, but the ref deemed it a indirect free kick from 6 yards out. Gilberto shooting wide.

The home side had a few chances and a potential penalty claim, but you always thought Arsenal were playing in second gear.

Mark Randall made a rare premier league appearence and played well, having a shot saved shortly after a disallowed goal. His contribution, albeit for ten minutes was good.

Full time: Sunderland 0 – 1 Arsenal

The future looks bright with first team players such as Hleb, Rosicky, Van Persie, Eduardo, Diaby, Gallas, Toure and Sagna all to come back into this side.

Good final day, and let’s bring on the summer…]]>

Immediately Eboue was back to his worst with a run that saw him do nothing and a backheel to a Liverpool player. Hoyte was playing at right back and his performance was really shaky. His positioning is not that bad, but his decision making is bad. After winning the ball he often gave the ball back to the opposition and lacked maturity.

Crouch started today and has been renowned for giving Toure and Gallas a hard time. But they stood off and Crouch had a brilliant shot and Almunia saved well.

Traore, starting ahead of Clichy, showed his abililty going forward and a few mazy runs showed good ball skills. There is a lot more to come from this boy, he's just 18. Moments, a good move saw Hoyte free on the right and a good cross saw Reina save.

Walcott had started the game on the left and his morording run down the left tore Skirtel apart. And Walcott raring down the left fouled by Skirtel - it was a rugby tackle and no card, no foul. Nothing. A good inswinging corner from Cesc, saw Toure in the air. The ball fell to Eboue. But he fluffed the shot.

Moments, later Gilberto loses the ball in midfield and then stands off Crouch. He sends Riise through and he is one on one with Almunia. His shot blazed over the bar.

Liverpool now dominating.

Moments later on a counter attack, Gilberto acrimoniously taken down by Riise, saw Riise carded and our attack broken up.

Liverpool played well and Benayoun found himself free and shot well. Then a long ball from Flamini saw, Bendtner header down into Cescy path and Cesc with a shot wide. Then a good break from Cesc sent Walcott through, the ball richoted straight to Bendtner who shot tamely at Reina.

We were starting to get back into the game and Eboue was through on goal, but instead of shooting he waited and slowed the game down and squared to Cesc marked by Finnan, Finnan blocked. Then Eboue was sent through by Cesc but misplaced his pass. Out for a goal kick.

From the goal kick, a long ball by Reina saw Gilberto flat footed, Crouch via Benayoun, a bit of a bobble and Crocuh tucked it away passed Almunia. Gilberto should have been marking Benayoun so neither Gallas or Toure would have to commit.

Arsenal 0 – 1 Liverpool

Half time.

The second half starts with no changes, not a great start either. A few misplaced passes and a few inaccurate lay offs. But we did start with more verve.

On the 50th minute, we really stepped it up a gear with an excellent Walcott shot, deflected for a corner. From the corner, Toure header just wide. Then moments later, a roring run from Traore, fouled by Pennant.

Cesc with the free kick. Bendtner runs in, goal, game on.

Arsenal 1 – 1 Liverpool

This rejuvenated our efforts, and a great ball by Cesc, headed back by Bendtner, Walcott marked but got off a a deflected strike. Substitution, Ade on for Hoyte, Eboue to right back.

Up to now the referee, Phil Dowd, had played well, but a nasty challenge by Plessis on Walcott, studs into the shin should have been dealt with, potentially leg breaking, no red card, no yellow and not even a foul.

Team playing well. Can we press on for the winner? Gerrard on for Liverpool.

25 minutes to go, good play sees Cesc free, shoots well, Cesc shot deflected. Bendtner and Ade linking up well to create chances for themselves and others. Flamini has a chance, albeit far out, save by Reina.

Cesc is really giving his all, but obviously tired. Arsene wants to win. Nice play, Ade with a good run and a right footed left sided cross, one of those Ronaldo type things. No one in the middle.

Then the last 30 mintes of attack, attack, attack. Walcott excellent. Bendtner after the goal is a different proposition that Bendtner without a goal. His confidence is making him better.

Eboue’s playing okay at right back but a few lunges and commited tackles have seen him out of position, it’s clear to see that replacing him with Sagna was one of Arsene’s summer targets.

We’re pouring forward and everytime Walcott has the ball, he looks like he can create. Bendtner seems to love playing with Ade and we’re tearing the Liverpool team apart. Come on…

Time is running out and Hleb is on for Flamini. He is added some pace and control to the game, but Liverpool have 9 behind the ball at all times. It’s a repeat of Wednesday’s game and if anyone is going to win this, it’s going to be us.

Talking about a repeat of Wednesday game, Cesc is in the area, Lucas obviously pulls his shirt, he falls. Another blatant penalty. But again not given. Dowd in the perfect position. I really don’t know why it wasn’t given. It’s crazy and something has to be done about it.

We’re playing 2-4-4 but just can’t find the winner. There’s 5 minutes to go, but we’re looking shattered. This game is catching up on us and Liverpool manage to have a chance through Vorinin.

3 minutes injury time, it looks unlikely that we can get the winner. People are starting to accept the result. Tired legs mean we can’t seem to penatrate.

Full time: Arsenal 1 - 1 Liverpool. This could see our title efforts finally over.

And breathe…]]>

I commentated as I watched the game, that’s why you ended up with a random passage of nonsense… but none the less from the heart…!

The Performance

Arsene spoke after the match and was obviously disappointed. We were the better side, we created more, but Liverpool defended deep and defended in numbers. We had a good performance and controlled the game.

“Well yes, I feel we were not well paid for what we produced tonight. To finish a game like that 1-1 is, of course, disappointing. But we produced a performance we wanted, overall we had the chances to win the game and Liverpool created very little tonight.” 

Loss Of Concentration 

It was a strange goal that we conceded with a real loss of concentration after our goal. We gave Gerrard too much space and were punished for it. But the Hleb penalty (more on that later) and the Bendtner save off the line were moments that really should have seen us go 2-1 or 3-1 up.

“It’s difficult because Liverpool defend well. I think Kuyt played second right-back in the second half and on the other side as well they defended very deep, so it was very difficult to find some space. We tried to play through, you could see the teams have given a lot recently, I cannot fault at all our display. We tried very hard to create chances and in a game like that you do not create twenty chances, you create four or five. We had four – five, and we were punished on the one they had, and unfortunately we could not take all our chances.”

That’s true, even the Liverpool fans who I watched the game with, said that the second half the formation was 6-4-0… But at this stage, it’s about the result, and it’s clear that Liverpool came and did a job on us.

The Second Leg

It’s a strange one, but at this point, it’s all about winning over two legs and if that means overtly hanging for their lives and then playing for 0-0 up at Anfield, so be it, but we’ll have to make the second leg count.

Talking about the second leg…

“We have the desire to do it, then I think before that we have a Premier League game. That might not take less out than this game from us, and its a little bit a survival battle, you know? The one who is still good after three games is the one who is the better team.”

Of course, in the league, we’ll want to win and go back to 3 points behing United. Interesting weekend for us. Will the boys take the pedal off the gas, will they have the second leg in their mind?

It’s kind of weird, because, it’s time to match preview Saturday’s game, but it’s pretty much the same preview as Wednesday’s…!

Theo’s Raring To Go

Young Theo had an awesome cameo yesterday and he doesn’t fear the travel to Anfield. I feel he may play a big part us winning up there.

“People can say that Liverpool are favourites. That is a good thing really. We can just concentrate on ourselves and they can have all the pressure. There is plenty of belief, the lads have been buzzing in training. We’ll turn to Saturday now and then back to the Champions League. We will take the positives out of this game, look at Liverpool’s negatives and see where it takes us. I think we will go there, play our football and get a goal.”

VP’s Injury Nightmare

Van Persie just seems to get injured… all the time. He was substituted at half time, albeit precautionary. Is it time that Arsene brought another experienced player to the Grove as the absence of VP and Eduardo have really left us light up front…

It’s going to be another exciting Saturday following by a really exciting Tuesday… more later…]]>

Arsenal vs Liverpool
Champions League First Leg, The Emirates

It amazing how much excitement a build up to a game can be. This is it. The big one.

Both sides started very cagey, and Eboue starting badly (again), lacking ideas, lacking any bother to want to play. I won’t gone on about Eboue, but let’s just say we’ll all be happy to see the back of him.

The first 15 minutes was all about midfield play, we had possession but seemed nervous and cagey.

On the 20th minute, an amazing floated ball with pace (and a bit of back spin) saw Van Persie through, we all saw it happen, but Van Persie’s volley went high. Moments later, a good move from Eboue saw Cescy through who squared to Van Persie and a skidding effort saw Reina save and we won a corner. A short corner saw Van Persie whip it in. Ade jumped, pretty much unmarked and we were 1-0 up.

Arsenal 1 – 0 Liverpool

But the question is, when are you most vulnerable? The answer is when you score. Literally two minutes after the goal, silly play from Toure, Eboue and Flamini combined to let Gerrard in, who squared it for Kuyt, suddenly the clean sheet had gone.

Arsenal 1 - 1 Liverpool

The Emirates couldn’t believe it, the away goal had been conceded. We lost our cocentration. For the next ten minutes we looked a shadow of the team that just went 1-0 up. Eboue looked uninterested and Flamini started giving away fouls.

Liverpool seemed in control and when Flamini fouled Torres just outside the box, a big gulp – Gerrard crossed, Torres was free, Hypia was free… what on earth has happened. We need to sort this out.

But maybe if we weren’t going to sort it out, it would be Liverpool’s turn to start messing around. A few missed placed passes saw Hleb and Ade interchange and Ade (onside, even though he didn’t think he was) react late but the team started to gain it’s confidence back.

But before we knew it, the half time whistle blew. So cagey

Half time, Arsenal 1 – 1 Liverpool

Hold on wait a minute, half time news, Robin Van Persie’s injury nightmare continues. A l?eft thigh injury. He is subbed, Theo Walcott his replacement and playing on the left. Hleb is tucked behind Ade, 4-1-4-1.

First chance of the half fell to Liverpool. A foul on Torres by Senderos saw Gerrard whip in a free kick and Kuyt strike, with Almunia saving well and keeping hold of the ball.

We had a bit of interplay but weren’t passing well.

Commentators curse, but as soon as I said that we went onto a 10 minute spell of domination… quickly ended by a free kick on Walcott. Benayoun warming up.

A good break saw Walcott with an awesome shot… we were ready to score the second. It’s like we woke up. Good play on the right by Toure, good play on the left by Walcott. But Liverpool defended like dogs.

On the 65th, Walcott sent through by Ade, squared to Eboue, but no end result.

Then a mazy run by Hleb, past five players saw him through on goal. Pull downed in the area.

Blatant penalty. Not given. Definite penalty – Kuyt pulled him down.

Eboue off for Bendtner, thank God. 4-1-3-2.

Crazy football next, Bendtner to Ade, Ade to Bendtner, Cesc shoots, it’s going in – but Bendtner clears it off the line – you’ve got watch it… and then Bendtner got a flag for offside, with a player on the line. Damn these officials.

Come on Arsenal! Liverpool have done nothing but defend this half – but we need to score.

Possession, play, but we can’t find the second. Free kick after free kick. So dominant, but just can’t find the breakthrough.

We have really pressed this second half, with Cesc threading the balls through and Walcott showing promise.

Ten minutes to go… still 1-1.

Five minutes to go… still 1- 1…

Come on. Find that chance.

90 minutes… still 1 – 1…  3 minutes stoppage time.

A chance. Ade, in the air, Cesc header… save by Reina.

Can we squeeze out a winner – we look so tired.

Full time 1 -1.

Advantage Scouse.]]>

It's a word that describes when it doesn't go your way, when things come up and cause difficulties, it's when all things conspire against you. When Drogba, Anelka and Kalou were offside and a 1-0 win turns into a 2-1 loss. Adversity.

Today's game was all about adversity. Everything that could have gone wrong went wrong. But in the face of adversity, belief will prosper. In a game which saw rain plummet down before the game, making the surface impossible to play in. In a game which saw Bolton score on their first attack and double their lead before the break. In a game which saw Arsenal reduced to 10 men after 30 minutes. In a game where everything conspired against us, we came out winners and all credit to the team. The position that the team has been in has been a disappointment to all, but the fans reacted unbelievably. In a situation where most teams would crumble, we can out victorious.

The game started well with Arsenal dominating the early periods, we had four shots, three half chances and a real opportunity. Bendtner and Van Persie guilty of missing. It was a very bright start. Toure started the game at right back and raided the right flank well showing energy and crossing well.

But Bolton are Bolton. They counter-attacked well and after a bright start from us, we found ourselves 1-0 down when Matthew Taylor headed home from Gretar Steinsson's cross. It was a bit of a shock to the system and sometimes when we attack, attack, attack, you leave the back door open.

That goal seemed to take it out of us for a while and we lacked maturity going forward after that. But in a crazy turn of events, Diaby got sent off in a tackle that should have been red. It was reminiscent of the Eduardo / Taylor challenge, albeit not that bad, but catching the player in the way he did, the ref has no other option other than sending him off.

Shortly before the end of the first half, another Bolton counter attack saw Taylor shoot, a deflection from Gallas, past Almunia and we found ourselves 2-0 down.

“Spirit, Energy and Ability.”

Shortly into the second half, the Calvary arrived. Theo and Adebayor joined the frey, and we change to a 3-4-3 formation. It was a change that was much needed. Bendtner had been good, but it is obvious that he is still learning. Don’t get me wrong, he is a very good player and will only get better, but Ade is just a monster.

The Bolton defence couldn’t handle the new formation, and for the first time in the game since going behind, we looked like we could get something out of the game. A corner shortly afterwards saw Gallas volley in and it was 2 – 1.

Moments later, a Cahill challenge, saw Hleb tumble in the box and 2-1 became 2-2 when Van Persie scored from the spot. It was his first goal in 5 years since September and will only do him good.

We rallied well and it looked like there would be only one team going on to win this game. Ade and Walcott really tore the Bolton defence apart. In the last few minutes of the game, the winner came. A good move from the team saw Fabregas free. And something of a scramble hit two Bolton players on the way, and cross the line. A remarkable scoreline 3-2 with Arsenal campaigning with 10 men for the last hour. [Updated from original post]

It was a win that we needed and a win that we deserved… well done Arsenal. Let’s enjoy this and see what United and Chelsea can do now…]]>

Yesterday’s predicted line-up including the bench was spot-on. It was exactly what I thought Arsene would do, but maybe it’s obvious considering who was available and the fact we were at home.

With both Man U and Chelsea winning earlier in the day, we had slipped to second in the league with all 3 teams having played 29 games.

Match Report: Full time, Arsenal 1 – 1 Middlesborough

The game started at pace with both team trying make an early impression.

A free flowing move between Ade, VP and Hleb saw George Boetang send the ball to Ade who snuck it under the advancing goalkeeper. 1-0 to Arsenal? Ruled offside by a linesman who really should check the rule book, if the ball comes off an opposing player, the offside rule doesn’t reply – remember England v France, Gerrard and Henry?

Anyway, the game continued and we were obviously in a good mood, with everyone working hard. Good work from the team, saw Eboue get the ball out on the right. His play was so bad that his cross actually swung along the byline and hit the bar. A long ball from Cesc saw Van Persie swipe at thin air, something a 100% fit VP would have volleyed home.

More good work from the team saw Schwarzer save well from a fierce Eboue shot from about 7 yards who made some space for himself (yes Eboue hit the target!). Not the time or place to talk about this, but I’d really like to see someone else come in for Eboue as he really doesn’t seem like he understands how important these games are. Having said, that, around the 20 min mark, good work from him and Ade teed up Cesc for a shot, although the pass was a little short, Cescy still managed to get the ball on target.

Cesc is something special and an 60 yard straight ball down the middle saw Ade have an attempt on goal. We started to dominate the game and Ade was tussling, fighting for everything. However, on the 24th minute he was wrongly awarded a freekick against him – and from that free kick a long ball down to Tuncay a cross on the ground saw Aliaidiere find the back of the net.

To the shock of the Emirates, Arsenal 0 – 1 Middlesborough.

By the way, it was offside, Aliaidiere was about 2 yards ahead of play, but then is there any worth moaning? 

A few minutes of nothing-ness followed until the 28th minute when Flamini & Fabregas set up VP on the edge of the box, who elected to shoot rather than pass and it went out for a throw in.

It had been raining before the game and a lot of players had been falling over, but Eboue’s run in the box was clearly a drag down and in the 32nd minute, surely a penalty to Arsenal. Not given. Arsenal 72% posession, Middlesborough 28%.

It was intiscing. From the 35th minute it was an onslaught, the play was awesome, we had shots from Ade, Eboue and Cesc. But for goodness sake, Mark Halsey, do you know what the hell a foul is? VP had been hacked down twice 15 yards nothing given.

Half time, one nil down.

The second half started well with a good amount of pressure, a stike wide from VP and a header over from Gallas. Hleb wasn’t in the game that much and Arsene had obviously told him to get into the game. For the first 10 mins everything went through him. But then strangely enough, nothing really happened for a while. Kolo heading wide from a corner.

There was a lack of urgency, the crowd were frustated. Walcott and Bendtner were warming up and surely the game needed this… on the 60th minute VP for Bendtner, Walcott for Sagna (instead of Eboue) which was a little strange…

Both made an immediate impact and both Theo mazing runs and Bendtner different approach saw crosses and an attempt on goal by Bendtner from an Eboue cross… But time was running out, 65th minute passes still one nil down.

An awesome ball from Hleb saw Fabregas through one on one with the keeper but Schwarzer saved well. The replays showed it was a golden opportunity and Cescy knew it.

The next chance didn’t come until the 73rd minute when a looping ball from Toure on the right saw Cescy’s header hit the post and go wide… 15 minutes to go? Would we salvage a draw? Or would we lose our 2nd league game of the season to the same opponents.

Well 10 mins passed and nothing happened, so it’s now the 85th minute and hold on….

A corner from Fabregas, Toure’s header it’s a goal, Arsenal 1 – 1 Middlesborough!

5 minutes to find a winner. It’s amazing how many times we’ve scored in the last 15 minutes of games?

Things got a bit crazy, Mido’s Karate kick moments later saw Mido sent off, Clichy stretchered off and Senderos come on for the last 5 minutes. 3-4-3 the formation. 4 minutes of stoppage time, quite an end to the game. We must have had about 10 chances, great play, an amazing last 5 minutes.

Why on earth couldn’t we play like this for the 90 minutes?

The title is looking more distant, but we’re still in the race.

More later…]]>

We had another bout of injuries, which saw Gilberto, Flamini and Fabregas all start. Fabregas was supposed to be on the right, but often drifted inside. Flamini then went out right, but again ended up inside. We therefore had no one on the right. As the game continued, it was clear to see we had no width. It was kind of weird to see as Hleb naturally goes inside and it left Clichy and Sagna to provide the width. Pre match positives were that Toure, Song and Van Persie all started on the bench. Bendtner and Adebayor started up front. It was the first time they had started a premiership game together. Bendtner had played up at Everton but he was red carded in that game and Ade came on for him.

Game Overview 

We started the game well, Cesc sending Ade through in the first minute, only to be saved by Kirkland. I thought he would have been better off trying to go round him, but Ade elected to try and squeeze it under his body. It was one of our most promising chances and it came so early on. The Wigan defence learnt from this and Sharner and Melchiot became much tighter. Melchiot blocking an Ade shot moments later. Wigan had a game plan of pressing up high up the pitch. They were content in letting us have possession in our own half, but as soon we crossed the white line, they pressed us. It was clear to see that they didn’t want us to have any time on the ball. We managed to play though, and Bendtner broke free and had a deflected shot wide.

Cesc sent Bendtner through on the 16th minute but the ball took a horrible bobble and he was unable to test the keeper. It was the first real sign of the pitch being a problem, but on the 15th minute mark, it really did start to cut up and by the half hour mark, it looked like we were playing on a farm after harvest (it’s the only way to explain it). Koumas had a free kick headed out by Gilberto shortly after, and Fabregas had a header saved by Kirland moments after.

The team were getting frustrated and Fabregas and Heskey had a small altercation on the sideline where Cescy felt that Heskey was being over physical, pushed him slightly and then Heskey retaliated with a light head butt. Cesc clutched his face but who really knows how strong Heskey really is? Both got away with just a talking too, but it was clear to see frustration in Cesc. The first half ended 0-0.

We started the second half well, and had a chance from a Clichy free kick a few minutes in, when a mix up between Kirkland and Sharner let him in, Kirkland saving well though. Moments later, Cesc was through and instead of shooting, he elected to pass to Bendtner which was intercepted. Heskey was soon subbed for Siberski and this through life into the Wigan team. They came forward with verve and Melchiot and Valencia exposed the space in front of Clichy, with Valencia having a cracking shot, which Almunia palmed over.

Van Persie replaced Bendtner on the 65th minute and couldn’t really get into the game. It was clear to see that he was lacking match practice but good to see him unscathed with minutes on the pitch. He had a chance in the final 10 minutes, but shot high from 20 yards. Fabregas had a chance in the final minutes, but it was an inevitable 0-0.

Team: Almunia, Sagna, Senderos, Gallas, Clichy, Fabregas, Flamini, Silva (Toure 65), Hleb, Adebayor, Bendtner (Van Persie 65).

The Pitch

Now, we have won “ground of the year” and “groundsman of the year” since I can remember the award began. But surely our standards aren’t too high. But this pitch was awful. I’ve never seen a worse pitch. After 15 minutes, it literally cut up and the ball never stayed flat. I can’t believe these pitches are allowed in the modern day of football. And yes, I know they were worse back in the day, but the game has changed. Arsene agrees.

“It is not a professional football pitch. The pitch is a disaster. It is disrespectful for the fans who come and pay money to see that.”

Another point closer or two points dropped?

Arsene spoke after the game:

“I am sure we will take-off again. We have to keep our calm, focus and belief. I don’t know, we shall see at the end of the season (whether it was two points dropped or a point gained). You go through a patch like that sometimes. The negative is that we have a deficit in points. The positive is that we didn’t lose a game. Overall, there was room for us to take more. Not against Aston Villa – the point was what we deserved – but against Birmingham and today we lost four points.”  

Most Arsenal fans will be disappointed with this result, myself included. It was a weekend of shocks which saw even lowly Barnsley beat Chelsea. With both United and Chelsea out of the cup now, it will be an intense final 9 games to the end of the season. It’s another two points dropped, but a week rest and a few players back should see us re-invigorated for the weekend clash. By the time we take on Middlesborough for a 5.15pm kick off, United will be one point clear of us after travelling to Derby – unless of course, Derby can really do something really special, but I doubt it.

FIFA to look into Taylor challenge

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has been talking about Matt Taylor’s challenge and has asked the FA for the file. It’s a weird situation to be in and a confusing statement from the governing bodies. Either Blatter thinks that the punishment of a 3 game ban wasn’t enough or is aggrieved at the actual challenge. Will Blatter review all challenges in the Premiership? Will he reduce Aliaidiere’s ban? Or is this another twist to the idoicy which surrounds our judicial system?

Blatter speaks:

“We have the right to ask national associations to give us the file – and if we feel the suspension is not enough we will come back on that. And not only for three matches but temporarily banned or a life ban depending on the severity of the attack.  Why the hell should footballers demolish each other?”

Arsene challenges Cesc

Arsene has been speaking about Cesc’s performances in light of media speculation that we are preparing a new contract for him. His current contract runs out in 2014 and Arsene has challenged him to continue at this level and win a trophy.

“I don’t think this is the time to talk about contract situations, especially when a player is under a long contract. I believe let’s first win something, in Europe or domestically, then you are in that league.”

News Round Up

Eboue has suffered criticism from the press in respect to the challenge on Evra in the United game. He talks about this critism. Personally, I think his performances this season have been poor and he should be thinking about that.

Carlos Vela was in action this weekendand started for Osasuna in a 4-3-3 formation on the left striking role. Randall and Simpson also started today and here’s a round up from Young Guns. In other Primera Liga news Thierry Henry’s Barcelona took on Robert Pires’ Villareal and lost 2-1.

Arsene has registered his interest in signing Athletico Madrid’s Ignasio Camacho, who starred in Athletico Madrid’s 4-2 win over Barcelona last week. More on this on Arsenal Youth.]]>

For those of you who missed it and missed the headline of today's blog, we won 2-0 in Milan to become the first English side to win against Milan in the San Siro...

The Match

The game started well, with both Milan and us a little bit subdued. That lasted for about 4 minutes, where we had a few final third threats but nothing real. Milan’s little Brazilian Pato skipped to the byline and won a corner. From the resulting corner Maldini had his header cause confusion, and in quick succession, from the 5th until the 15th minute we weathered a little storm with a few corners and free kicks which saw Gallas, Senderos and Flamini instrumental in protecting our goal.

But after the first quarter of an hour, we started to show the Arsenal that dominated Milan in the first leg. Good work from Adebayor, playing as the lone striker, laid off a good ball to the onrushing Diaby, who side foot shot went a foot high and a foot wide. Milan weren’t easy opponents and had light efforts from Inzaghi, Pato and Kaka. Kaka was at his best, but seemed to be the major threat. We dealt with him well, and by dealing with him, started to control the game.

Ade had an excellent drive saved on the half hour mark, which he followed up with a curling shot. Both save-able, but a demonstration of our desire to score. Hleb was at his effervescent best and the ball stuck to his foot as he glided passed Milan’s midfield and defence… he worked with Ade and they set up Cesc for an effort which beat Kalac in goal, but cannoned up and over via the bar.

Hleb had a shout for a free kick right on the line of the box, where he was hacked down, but was mysteriously booked for diving. A spot of bad refereeing and a theme for the night. We really did take the game to Milan and the half finished with us on top.

As soon as the second half started, we continued to play well and control the game, Eboue was teed up in an excellent move and a bit of bad defending by the Italian giants, but he shot was laboured and poor, and was wide from 7 yards out diagonally right.

Pirlo had a free kick which Almunia made more of, and Kaka had a shot wide, but apart from that it was all Arsenal. Diaby had one of his better games, Hleb was at his instrumental best and Ade played the lone striker role very well. We saw shots from Hleb, Cesc, Diaby and Ade saved or wide. The Milan defence must have blocked about 10 shots through out the game as well.

As the game reached the last 15 minutes, young Theo Walcott came on and it seems to be the last thing the Milan defence wanted and his pace really tested Maldini and Kaladze. We looked the fitter team and had the lion’s share of possession.

On the 84th minute Cesc picked up the ball in midfield. With Hleb and Theo making good runs, he decided to ignore the pass and take a shot. He was about 30 yards out and he dipping low shot was squeezed in between Kalac and the post. It was a precise effort and a with pace. 1-0 to the Arsenal, Cesctabulous.

As soon as the goal went in, Milan knew they had to score two. Arsene subbed Cesc for Gilberto and we were ready to contain the opposition for the last five minutes. We were on a high and were first to the second balls (if that makes sense). In the final minute of the game / stoppage time, Walcott raced cleared down the right, rode one challenge and squared accurately for Ade to score at the far post. 2-0 the Arsenal and we were through.

Milan were beaten, the game ended and our famous huddle showed what we’re all about. We’re a team and are ready to challenge for the Champions League and the title. We needed this win and we showed we had the quality. The “young pretenders” had achieved what no other team have ever achieved.

Cesctabulous!

Cesc had an amazing game and was instrumental in defence and attack. Yesterday’s blog highlighted the role that Cesc would play and I said:

Cesc needs to play well. I remember the game he had against Juventus where he was everywhere, his tackles were inch perfect and he passing was accurate.

And that we needed that kind of performance… he duly delivered.

Arsene said in his post match interview that Cesc was outstanding, but the whole team played well. Here’s what the gaffer said:

“He (Fabregas) was outstanding, but tonight it is very difficult to single one out. I believe the whole team defended well and attacked well, it was a complete team performance. Of course I’m very, very happy tonight. I’m very proud of our performance, we were under pressure to score goals.”

I’m proud of the performance too. It was truly a great game.

More tomorrow, Laura Bagshawe, more tomorrow.]]>