Another tough game yesterday for the Arsenal yesterday, but another good performance in the face of difficulties. A 2-0 home win sounds a bit routine, and after Denilson's good opener 5 minutes in, it was looking like it might well go that way, but West Ham played pretty well and made it hard for us. Close calls from Diamanti and a dangerous cross that no-one got on the end of were warning enough, and as the first half came to a close the ref sent off Vermaelan and gave a pen to the Hammers. I've seen the incident several times and it's a difficult one to call. My instincts were that it was good call but the more I see it, the more I think that if you look at Franco's legs he practically trips himself. That was after a bit of contact between the two players, but they were still dealing with a quick bouncing ball, you can't really say Franco had it right under control. Anyway the pen came and our dodgy keeper finally had something to cheer about with a brilliant stop from Diamanti. We started the second half a little sluggishly and only really got some control on the game when Bendtner was replaced by Diaby, who once again proved what a good player he is. One man who didn't impress yesterday was Andrei Arshavin. The little Russian has unquestionable talent and vision, but he is one frustrating customer. He'll do a little back heel flick to play someone in, but then just stand still almost in admiration for himself - he is downright lazy. He's the kind of player who is a luxury at 11 vs 11, you forgive his lack of tracking back and fight because you know he'll do something amazing soon, but at 10 vs 11, we're practically playing with 9 men. What makes it more frustrating is that when we lose a game, it's always him I'm reading about, saying we need more fight or to work harder or to be better at seeing games out. Pot kettle black, mate. I don't wanna come down too hard on him, but if it was Eboue or Bendtner putting in that shift yesterday, the crowd would be all over them. Carlton Cole came on and hit the post (why was he on the bench?) and things were finally settled when Cesc stuck away a pen after an Upson handball. So we sit top of the league for a few hours at least, and it's down to our rivals to respond. I will enjoy watching them both today and have a feeling that at least one of them will drop points.
It's very much advantage Spurs in the battle for 4th, it's not easy to win at Stoke and they are now 5 clear of Liverpool (on the same number of games) and Man City (who have 2 games in hand). Villa will be disappointed with a 2-2 draw at home to Wolves, and there were wins for Sunderland, Everton and Wigan in the other games. Have I forgot someone? Ah yes, Hull. The Tigers (aaahhhahahaha) lead Pompey 1-0 and 2-1 but still contrived to lose the game in the last 5 minutes. They will need plenty of Dowie's 'bouncebackability' if they have any hopes of being a Premier League club next season.
Utd v Liverpool today then, always a big game regardless of the league permutations. Despite their disappointing league position (16 points separate these two) Liverpool come into the game on a decent run and I expect them to give Utd a really good game. I fancy a 1-1 draw but naturally I hope it's a 6-0 win for the scousers. Chelsea have a tricky game at Blackburn, a side who aren't pretty on the eye (you wouldn't expect anything else from Big Sam) but are very affective at home. The Blues have the Champions League effect to deal with, are they mentally ready for what will be an aerial rape today? I certainly hope not. Take her easy.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment