Will the Spurs result change my opinion on Wenger ?
As I sat and retrospected on one hell of a match yesterday, I felt really happy. Not only because we beat Spurs, but because the manner in which this Arsenal team responded. For me, that was certainly Arsenal’s match of the season.
A quick analysis of the second half clearly shows us what Arsenal are actually capable of. They pressurized Harry’s men so badly that the manager looked like he needed to use the men’s room after Walcott completed his brace. His face was red, and looked all fluffed up. So, either he was angry, or he needed that toilet badly. Or may be, he was embarrassed to show his face in front of Telly. He may just be the new manager of England you know. I will go with the second one. Just a hunch though.
Undoubtedly the Spurs result will give this team confidence. At the same time, anybody would get confidence by beating inferior teams. Remember Adam Sandler in the Longest Yard ? He suggests a warm up game to the Warden, to get the confidence of the latter’s team up. Well, this was something like a warm-up game. We just screwed our opponents instead of practicing !
Just to be clear, I don’t think Spurs is an inferior team. If they were, they would not be ahead of us. But yes, they did suck on sunday. ‘They played like Arsenal on a bad day.’ And if you play like that, an example should be made using the word suck to describe you.
Again, Van Persie was one of the genius’ on the field. He controlled the game in attack, and his shot against Friedel was probably watched and recorded by Rooney for future shooting practice. Arteta was another man in midfield who played his heart out. And in defense it was Sagna, with his peach of a goal as well as defending. Actually, on Sunday everybody played their role, and everybody looked good. Then again, who wouldn’t if you face a team so full of crap that it actually has a cock on a ball for an emblem.
Before this match, this Arsenal team was under immense pressure. So you can imagine the plight of the players when Adebayor scored. Spurs played like a cat who had taken up boxing. Imagine the cat in a boxing pose. They scratched Arsenal, once, twice, and then was knocked out by a Mike Tyson upper cut. Period.
On the issue of Bale diving : which, he did just to clarify to those readers who think Szczesny nibbled at his legs.
I understand why Bale dived. He took the opportunity. Did I expect him to do anything differently ? No. He plays for Spurs. But the referee, Mike Dean, should know that if he gives a penalty, Szczesny should be sent off. But he let Szczesny play on. My guess is that he was too full of himself to reverse his decision so he let Szczesny stay, let Adebayor score, and he ensured that Arsenal players get easy fouls from that time on, till he was satisfied.
I know I am right, so why bother ?
So, does this match change my opinion about Wenger ? Do I now think that he is the Messiah for Arsenal and he will lead us out of this fine mess ? Which to be fair, we are still in.
Nop !
My opinion or rather stance on Wenger has not shifted even a bit. And it won’t anytime soon. Based on the number of goof-ups the manager has made it will take more than thumping of a Spurs side to convince me that Arsenal’s future in terms of football is A-O.K.
And I don’t expect many fans to agree with me. Most fans are happy about the Spurs result. They are so happy that they forget to analyse the scenario practically and logically. Yes, we beat Spurs. And that was a brilliant achievement given the circumstances. But we are still 4th, and will not win anything this season. Our main objective is to qualify for the champions league, and as an Arsenal fan I don’t like the way it sounds.
Sue me if I am wrong, but we need to buckle up. We have showed signs of it, but we need to maintain consistency. Liverpool, Carling Cup winners face us next week. I hope we beat them…
Cheers,
DKD
Match Report : ARSENAL 5-2 SPURS
60, 102 less the Spurs fans witnessed a match of the season performance from Arsenal today. After going 2 goals down, and being put under immense pressure the home-side put in a 5 star performance to thrash their local neighbours 5-2. A brace from Walcott, alongside goals from Van Persie, Sagna and Rosicky was enough to send a sorry Spurs back home.
Spurs took the lead inside 4 minutes as Saha was found free in acres of space ahead of the D-box. The Arsenal defense was stretched, giving Saha enough time to pull off a driven shot, which deflected off Vermaelen, over Szczesny and into the goal.
Even before getting a foothold in the game, the home-side found themselves trailing. After the goal Arsenal responded well. For instance, one could say that Gibbs ‘innocent’ effort to win a penalty did show that they were trying anything in the book to get back into the game.
On 14, Sagna’s cross found Van Persie in the box but the Dutchman’s ‘shot after a good first touch just missed the post.
6 mins later Van Persie’ shot skimmed the outside of the post for a corner. Seconds later, Rosicky’s header was saved by 41-year-old Brad Freidel.
The intensity of the game increased after 20 mins as Arsenal began taking the game to Spurs. Of course this did make them susceptible to a counter-attack – but it looked like the team was willing to take that risk.
On 29, Parker took out Van Persie in front of the D-box as Mike Dean whistled for a free-kick. Arteta stepped up, and hit the wall.
On 31, Szczesny brought down Bale (actually he dived) in the penalty box. Adebayor stepped up, and scored. 2 nil to Spurs !
On 36, theo collected the ball in the middle of the field with Friedel to run towards. Dashing 12 yards more, he chose to play the ball to Van Persie, who did not even look like he was expecting it.
On 40, Sagna brought back one for the gunners as he ran into the box and got his head to an Arteta clip from the right. The Emirates erupted in cheers as Arsenal showed some sign of revolt.
Then, 2 mins later…..BOOOOOMMM !!!!!! 2-2, courtesy of Robin Van Persie curling one around Friedel and into the net.
A minute into the second half saw Friedel save a low placed shot from Benayoun for a corner. From the resulting corner, nothing happened but a controversial situation did arise from the resulting corner when Friedel purposely pushed Walcott to collect the ball.
On 50, Arsenal took the lead. Rosicky got his first goal of the season, arriving just in time to get at the end of Sagna’s cross before dinking the ball from the outside of his left foot and into the net.
On 57, Rosicky played a neat ball to Theo leaving the latter with space in front of him. The English-man ran forward, looked up and drove his shot an inch past Friedel’s far post.
On 64, it was 4. Van Persie held of 2 defenders before rolling it to Walcott, who after a moment of mis-control dinked the ball over Friedel for the 4th.
3 mins later, it was 5. A brilliant pass from Song found Walcott onside. The only difference this time was that he drove the ball into the net. 5-2 !!!
On 75, Wenger brought on Jenkinson for Gibbs.
Maanwhile, on the pitch, a sweet ‘Arsenal’ move between Rosicky and Walcott ended with the former hitting the ball inches wide of the far-corner.
5 mins later, the Emirates stood up for Theo being substituted for Chamberlain. I have always been critical of Walcott, but today he played brilliantly. The problem with him is consistency, if he can produce 60% of the way he played today, he can be a top player for Arsenal in years to come.
As 3 mins were added, the ‘oohs’ started in North London. Spurs were made an example of in this match. They were thrashed, ***ked, and routed by this Arsenal side. A hard lesson learnt and a hard lesson taught.
The only difference this time was that Arsenal were the teachers.
Cheers,
DKD
Love for NLD is greater than my Dislike for the current Arsenal style…
Last time it was 2-3 with us leading in the first half. Last time it was embarrassing. And last time it hurt. This time, it may be more….
Normally I love the North London Derby. It’s a great exhibit of two teams fighting it out for bragging rights. But for the first time in a long time, I genuinely believe we can get thrashed in this match. I feel weak, and don’t even know how pathetic the situation can become Sunday night.
Apparently Arshavin, Chamakh and Park plan to coerce Wenger to make them start in the NDL. I assure you if any of them start we will be 2-0 down in 30 mins. I Wenger does start with them, I may throw up before kick-off.
Spurs have been far better than us this season. And if Arsenal fans do not admit that, then either I am a lunatic or they just choose to be ignorant.
Gervinho is back from the African Cup of Nations and this is a plus point for Arsenal. On the other hand, we have Mertesacker out for the season. Vermaelen, Koscielny, Sagna, and Gibbs will comprise the defense. Song, Arteta and Ramsey in midfield. And Chamberlain Van Persie and that joker Walcott in attack. Gervinho should be brought on later.
I will watch the derby this time, but there may arise a situation where I just stop watching after I feel drained. The last time I remember this happening was against AC Milan last thursday. I never want it to happen, but the lack of will power shown from the players is a good enough reason for me, to stop watching games.
If Spurs win, it will probably feel like salt, no, hydrochloric acid on open wounds. And if we win, its 3 points and an away section of the crowd shouting ” We are still above you.”
Some ‘more’ bull-shit from Wenger….
“This is the worst Arsenal team I have seen in my time watching football,” former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, who is now an ITV pundit, said after Saturday’s Cup exit.
“There is a lack of desire and a lack of passion.”
Keane’s comments on Wenger are somewhat appropriate. He said that this is the worst Arsenal team he has ever seen. It hurts when someone says Arsenal is bad. But what he has said is true. Arsenal FC has become the laughing stock among the top teams of the premier league, mainly because they promise s much and do nothing.
“I think it’s a very harsh judgement,” said Wenger. “I felt it was a committed performance and the players gave absolutely everything that was left in their legs.
How was the performance against Sunderland in anyway committed? As I have said before Wenger cannot use the excuse of fatigue because his players did not play in Italy. They should not be tired at all. They don’t look interested in matches nowadays. Can anyone point out the difference between Sunderland and Milan, in terms of on-field play, other than the score?
“It has been very difficult. We have played three successive away games in a week on three very difficult pitches, so I believe we have been very unfortunate.
Fixtures are drafted before the season starts. The fact that we would be playing 3 games in a week was well known to him in the beginning of February. Are the excuses ready-made before every situation? Why can’t we plan for the worse, and sign players? Why is it always the same excuse that old players coming back are like new signings? They are not. They are just old players coming back.
“I felt we were a bit unlucky. It was a 100 per cent performance from us and their first shot was a goal. Then we had to chase the game, take a gamble and they caught us on the break.”
If Arsenal play 100 % and Sunderland play 100 % based on the team which played, who do you think will win?
We have what it takes at the club and we will add what it takes. But I think we have what it takes here when everybody is available because we have many people missing at the moment, and big, big players too.
“We are in mid-February and (Jack) Wilshere has played zero games, (Abou) Diaby has played zero games, (Per) Mertesacker is out for the rest of the season and (Andre) Santos is out for three months. That would be difficult for any club in the world to deal with.
That is why fans ask the managers to sign players as back-ups. Abou Diaby can be sold, who cares? Nobody is asking for an established player. Andre Santos should be a back up, not a first team player. He can be rotated and used for as a winger/left back if Gervinho/’not gibbs’ is tired etc. A versatile player like Diarra can play the role of Mertesacker as well as Diaby. What then to do when Diaby and Co (by this I mean, Denilson, Squillaci etc) are fit. Sell them. What do you think the dross at Arsenal is made of ? Song, Wilshere, may be Diarra, Arteta are all good enough for those roles.
Never watched the Sunderland game, knew the result from before…
For the first time in my life I did not watch an Arsenal match – purposely. Did the result change ? No.
I saw the highlights of the match a good 4 hours after the game. Wenger’s incapability to tutor this Arsenal defense in any fruitful way is the reason for the first goal. Arsenal need a defensive coach. Players have to be taught to be organised. More importantly they have to be taught to work as a unit.
The second was a classic counter-attack, which deserved a goal. Chamberlain was unfortunate to touch it in, but one cannot put the blame on him because it was a mistake. In fact, I give him credit for coming back.
Where does this result leave Arsenal ? As predicted by good old DKD, at the end of last season :
Next season will come and the same thing is going to happen, and then a year after that history will repeat itself for the 9th fucking time.
Wenger’s fucked up summer can be singled out for the Emirates trophy cabinet being empty again. 3 months to re-build the squad after the post Carling Cup final collapse. And what did he do ? Panic buys on Deadline Day. One of which, has gone on loan to Bolton, one who doesn’t play, and 2 who are injured. We are now in February, and are out of all competitions. Last year, we were in all 4. Progress, indeed.
Arsenal fans have also started to be come impatient with Wenger. Following the Milan demolition on Wednesday, ‘Give me football’ a website conducted a survey over 2400 Arsenal fans. It was found that an alarming 63% no longer had confidence in Wenger’s ability to lead the club. Personally, I lost mine after the summer.
Things could have changed. Easily. But I will talk about that later. Arsenal will finish this season, without another trophy. Currently they stand fourth, with the next 5 fixtures coming thick and fast – Spurs(h), Liverpool(a), Milan(h), Newcastle(h) and Everton(a). And based on the current will, form and confidence of this Arsenal side, here is my prediction. LLW(will not go through)W and draw.
I have become alienated from Arsenal in the last few days. Their matches no longer interest me. I feel bad that I can’t watch a team which I love mainly because of the amount of pain it will cause me. Wenger’s arrogance and ego has certainly played a huge role in this. But who cares ? He is getting his 6 million a year, no matter what he does. Perfect management by the board, who seem to be interested in everything at Arsenal, other than football.
4 goals shuffed up the Arse’….
Honestly, Wenger should have no excuse for Sunderland this saturday in terms of fatigue. Arsenal were not even trying. Wenger’s inept tactics can be ttributed to this Arsenal performance as the team looked clueless on the field. I yet don’t know what is the use of playing a high-line if the players don’t press. Walcott, as usual was absent.The first half of the match was so one-sided that it looked like Milan were playing a practice match.
It was a cagey start for Arsenal as the home side found it difficult to find a way into the Milan defense.
Milan had a fixed setup as they chose to play the diamond. Although the diamond does provide a mixed setup, with more or less and equal balance between attack and defense yet it has been exploited due to its weakness in the flanks.
On 14, Arsenal succumbed to Milan’s pressure as Prince’s volley flew over Szczesny’s head into the net. It was clearly Szczesny’s fault as he gave away possession to Sagna.
Arsenal was getting killed as Milan grew from strength to strength after their goal. It took them 24 mins to get their first shot on target as Koscielny’s header fell straight to Abbiati.
I think they thought this is an exhibition match. Because, to be honest it felt like one.
On 38, it was 2 to Milan’s Ibrahamovic found his way behind the Arsenal back four (yet again).
The Swedish international made his way into the D-box from the left before gliding the ball into the box, only to be met by Robinho’s head and sail into the net.
Minutes later, Antonini almost made it 3 as the ball rolled past the net after he clashed into Szczesny. Although he did take the ball fairly yet he was booked by the referee. A decision Wenger will never talk about.
I have become tired of Arsenal. I don’t want to watch their games anymore, and I don’t think I will continue blogging on them. If nothing changes at Arsenal, I will stop watching them. Infact yesterday I didn’t even watch the entire second half. And this is probably the first time I have stopped mid-way of a report…
Not interested, don’t care, do what you want Wenger, do whatever the fuck you want. Its your club, its yours to ruin.
Showdown at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza..
Arsenal take on AC Milan this week in the champions league. Anything short of their best may swing the tie in favour of our Italian opponents. AC Milan is probably the last team Arsenal would have wanted to draw. but I guess that is life. They beat Udinese last week in the Serie 1-2, and stand 2nd in the league, behind Juventus.
I rather not compare individually the players of both teams because then, I don’t think we will have a chance. Per Mertersacker will also be missing after injuring himself last week against Sunderland.
Szcszeny will start at goal, with Arsenal playing one of their strongest defenses consisting of Sagna, Koscileny, Vermaelen and Gibbs. Song will play CDM, and in front of him will be Arteta and Ramsey. Upfront will be Van Persie, Chamberlain and Walcott.
The last time Arsenal faced Milan they had a youthful team and that played a huge role in knocking them out of the champions league.
In terms of domestic form, Milan have won 3 of their 6, losing the remaining 2 to Juventus and Lazio and drawing one against Napoli.
The problem for Arsenal now is that with Mertersacker out, the remaining back up defenders are dross. Wenger has got to decide his priorities for this season. Undoubtedly he will be fielding a strong side against Milan, but his eyes will also be fixed on the fixture against Sunderland in the Stadium of Light this saturday. If Arsenal lose both these fixtures, that is one step out of the champions league, and an exit from the FA Cup. In other words, they won’t even have a trophy to even FIGHT for by the end of February.
Crucial week, crucial fixtures, can’t fucking wait…
He came, He scored, He left…next flight departs for JFK
Arsenal stand 4th today, tied with Chelsea in terms of points and goal difference after a stunning come-back victory against Sunderland today.
The initial stages of the game was boring. And honestly, it is probably the first Arsenal game in which I slept for majority of the first half.
45 mins flew with no team actually trying to score. It seemed like Arsenal were measuring up Sunderland, testing them – who knows for what ?
The second half consisted of the goals.
For the Sunderland’s goal, in my opinion nobody could do anything about it. Arsenal were extremely unfortunate that Mertersacker slipped at the back when it mattered the most. James McClean took full advantage slotting the ball into Szczesny’s net. People will blame Szczesny for the goal. This is due to the fact that he was at his near post(right) and was beaten on his left. However it was Koscielny who obstructed Szczesny’s sight. This is of course not also Koscielny’s fault. He was just doing his job as a defender, trying to block the shot. But the timing was such that it just didn’t seem to be right for Arsenal. I will not say Arsenal had full control of the match before the goals but they were not being bossed around as in previous games (Swansea)
That being said the goal which Arsenal scored was also unexpected. Van persie did well to hold up the ball and return it to Arteta whose first time shot deflected and fell to Ramsey. The young Welshman’s first time-stumbling shot hit both posts before entering into the net. Ramsey as I have always said is an inconsistent fart. He DID score today, but my opinion on him has not changed. And will not anytime soon.
After the goal, the game became tensed. Arsenal were on the up because of the goal and Sunderland were nervous because nobody likes to lose so late into a game.
Then, with 4 mins of time added, Arsenal took the lead on 91. In the first time of added time, the King stood up and gave us his final gift before departing to New York City.
Arshavin from the left played a brilliant right -footed cross into the 6 yard box where an oncoming Henry using his right sole poked the ball into the net. Sunderland 1-2 Arsenal FC.
Wenger deserves some credit because it so happens that all his substitutions made an impact today on the pitch. Ramsey scored, Henry scored and Arshavin assisted.
I said before that if Arsenal win this game they can push on for top 4. But this was before I knew that Sunderland had played midweek and were tired. That being said, I cannot take away (even if I wanted to) anything from Arseanl because they did sincerely give all they could and deserved the 3 points. It is not easy to come back and win when you are playing away, especially against a side whose leads the table in terms of form before todays game.
Alex Chamberlain’s BIG Test…
Much has been made about Chamberlain. And rightly so, he indeed looks like the future of this club. He dribbles, he passes, he has a brain and he uses it. Has he impressed me ? Yes, he has.
Arsenal’s next match is one which will shed more light on the state of the club, as they take on a Sunderland side which has been rejuvinated by the return of Martin O’ Neil. More importantly, it will test Chamberlain and his progress as a player.
He says he wants to learn :
“I’m one of the least experienced players in the squad so any player who gives me a comment always helps me, whether it is positive or constructive criticism,” he said.
“I listen to everybody. People like Thierry and Robin who score goals and are attacking players like myself, you can always learn a lot from them. That’s all I do, I listen and learn.
“I have belief in myself and in my own ability. I just know that I have to keep working hard and learn off the boys, and then hopefully the rest will come. At the moment it’s going quite well for me so I’m just going to keep working hard.”
And that is perfect for the club and his team-mates morale. Team morale is a very important aspect here, and it will play a pivtal role for Arsenal in their run-in to finish fourth this season.
Sunderland are in good form having picked up 15 points out a possible 18 in their last 6 games. Their only defeat came to Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge, a game they could have drawn.
They also defeated Middlesbrough 1-2 in the FA Cup, and so we will face them again next week in a different competition.
In my opinion, if there ever was a time not to face Sunderland, it is now. Arsenal will seriously be tested and if they come out with 3 points convincingly, I don’t think top 4 will be a problem this season.
Players have said that the drubbing they gave to Blackburn on saturday may be the perfect boost for them to finish the season strongly. Well, if this is true, then the Sunderland game is the best way to prove it.
Un-capped Redknapp leaving Spurs…
Fabio Capello resigned from England national team today. Wow ! That was certainly out of the blue ! This year England take part in the Euros and although his resignation will not be taken lightly by many England supporters yet, I, as a hardcore anti-England supporter sincerely think that it is the best for both parties. Capello was never going to win the Euros, and this I could have sworn on. He, and his crap team are just not good enough. Furthermore there is too much pressure/criticism on the players from the English media. Something I love to enjoy, especially if the defeat or draw is against low grade opposition.
If Harry Redknapp does get the job, I will be more than delighted. But do you think Harry will want it now ?
He has been advertising his desire to manage England for quite some time now. But do you think he will want it now ? If he was in Wenger’s position, then may be, but he sits 3rd with Spurs – giving then the best chance to qualify for the champions league for the second time in 3 years and a possible league title in 50. Why will he want to leave ?
I’ll tell you something, if he does leave, he won’t make Spurs fans happy. The reasoning is pretty simple. They don’t give a shit about England. They want to see Spurs in the champions league more than England doing well in he Euros. And why blame them ? As Arsenal fans we have been giving them shit for so many years, now its their turn to give us shit, why won’t they take it ? If Harry does leave, how do you think it will make a Spud feel. He will probably hate the man. Probably take his picture and play darts on it. And mind you, this is the same man who made them qualify for the champions league for the first time after the ‘last supper’ in 2009-2010…the comedy practically writes itself !!!
Just hand United the points and send their players for holiday…
Yesterday I saw the Chelsea game. A friend of mine told me that when he saw Chelsea lead by 3 goals, he knew they would NOT win. There were some very controversial decisions in that match, especially with United’s extra man – Howard Webb. Known to be one of the best referees in the league, he still manages to give crucial decisions that go beyond the word ‘fair play.’
Manchester United are probably the first team in the premier league to be awarded 4 consecutive penalties. Their 2nd goal was ridiculous. I saw that replay repeatedly and it is not enough to convince me that it was a penalty. United fans will defend this by saying that any touch in the box is a penalty and is a bookable offence – in otherwords, that was a penalty and Ivanovic should be sent off.
In response, Ivanovic’s touch in reality was not enough to make a man stumble while walking. So can someone explain to me how Danny Welbeck managed to fall down in the box ? Welbeck in the D-box, on the ground can mean only 2 things. First, the obvious, that he dived – thus he deserved a yellow. Or, second he trips every now and then in his life. Which one do you think is more likely ?
Another decision which United fans will point out is Welbeck’s penalty call in the first half when Cahill brought him down. You will probably hear them say ‘Tit for Tat.’ To be honest, at first glance even I thought it was a penalty. But I am watching it on T.V. Webb on the other hand, as I saw, had the best view a referee can have – and he made a fair call. Cahill first got the ball, and then while sliding onwards, something he cannot control got tangled with Welbeck. That is not a penalty.
A few seasons ago referee Mike Riley took charge of 49 games. Of those 41 games in which united did not play, he awarded 1 penalty. Of the remaining 8 in which he took charge and United played he awarded 9 penalties.
While some may feel that how does it matter to an Arsenal fan that Webb gave bad decisions-if it wasn’t for him, Chelsea would have picked up 3 points. Well, a few things go beyond points, and this is not the first time where referees have fucked around with United’s opponents. Imagine if it happened to us, would we still be quiet ?
Routine Win…Arsenal FC 7-1 Blackburn FC
Within 80 seconds Arsenal took the lead as Walcott’s low pass found the left foot of Van Persie after the Englishman was fed through on the right by a deft flick of the ball from Coquelin. It was the perfect start for Arsenal, as the veil of depression at the Emirates lifted.
On 9, Chamberlain got into action as he played a low cross across Robinson’s goal, unfortunately nobody was there to convert.
4 mins later, the Arsenal defense was easily exposed as a chipped cross from Dunn almost found Modeste, who in the process of trying to flick the ball towards goal, got a part of Szczesny’s leg also. Mertersacker was in the wrong side of the attacker, and could be held responsible if the ball had gone into the net.
Then on 20, Walcott’s low pass from the right fell to Rosicky’s whose shot was blocked by Petrovic.
On 31, a silly foul by Koscielny on Modeste gave the visitors a free kick near the centre just outside the D-box. Seconds later, Pederson sent the ball into the net levelling the score at 1-1.
After the initial shock Arsenal slowly came back into the game 6 mins later when a swift Arsenal move from the back ended up by VanPersie tapping the ball into the net after Walcott did well to again find the dutchman, in the exact same manner as he did 35 min ago.
2 mins later it was 3-1. A lovely reverse ball from Van Persie to Chamberlain left the Englishman one on one with Robinson. Quite clinically the youngster took one touch to drag the ball away from the keeper before adding the finishing touch seconds later.
On 42, Blackburn were reduced to 10 men after a double-footed lunge tackle by Givet on Van Persie.
5 mins were added for halftime, and within the first minute Vermaelen came close with the 4th as his volley hit the post.
On 50, it was 4. Arteta half volley was deflected into the path of goal after a weak clearance of Van Persie’ corner by the Blackburn defense.
3 mins later, it was 5. Walcott got the ball on the right, and cut back inwards, dragging the entire Blackburn defense towards him and narrowing their width before passing it to Chamberlain who finished it calmly.
On 61, Van Persie got his hat-trick. Coquelin did brilliantly to get past his man before playing a low pass into the feet of Van Persie. Seconds later, the scoreboard read Arsenal 6-1 Blackburn.
After that Wenger made 3 substitutions. Chamberlain, Koscielny and Song were taken off for Henry, Sagna and Benayoun. This definitely did have an impact on the game as the game became slower and more casual than before.
In the 93rd min it was 7-1. An exchange of passes between Van persie and Henry found the lattter slotting the ball beyond Robinson to make it 7
Honestly, I expected Arsenal to win this match, and I did by a big margin. I felt the that Blackburn also did play well, but the fact that they were 10 men and that Givet, who was sent off has tasted a clean sheet in only 1 of his 29 games prior to this was always going to go against them. Never-the-less I feel it was a good win for Arsenal given the coat of complaint bestowed on the club before kick-off.
Cheers,
DKD
Evidence that Gazidis spurts out rubbish. He should join politics…
Recently Gazidis stated in an interview that Arsene Wenger does not have his job for life at Arsenal. Funny thing to say when you have backed that same person for ages, continuously stating that the man can stay at Arsenal for as long as he wants.
“Well, nobody has a job for life! And of course our objective is always to win trophies, and it is this year as it has been before. We’re in three competitions this year. You know, Manchester City would love to be in three competitions.
“They’re not. You know, so, money is not, is not everything in this game. I don’t disagree that it’s important. But we do things based on a value system. We’re about creating star players, not about buying them. We’re about what happens in a team, between players, not individual superstars. And I think that’s an inspiration to people around the world.”
I have highlighted a part of Gazidis’ quote for a reason. He is spurting rubbish as usual, and he has no base to back up his statement.
If you are narrow minded you will probably be thinking that Gazidis is right. Realistically, Gazidis is ‘more than Wrong..’
Manchester City are in 2 competitions this year – both of which they have a very high chance of winning. They currently lead the premier league by 3 points, and based on their current squad on paper are probably favourites to win the Europa League this season. That is 2 trophies in which both of them are favourites.
Arsenal on the other hand are in the Premier league and are fighting for 4th place. Not a championship. They are in the champions league, but who are we kidding ? They are not going to win it- and this is because they have no depth in their squad, not to mention lack of quality players. The only cup Arsenal can actually win is the FA Cup, and I think Wenger knows this very well.
There is also evidence to prove this. Just look at the starting line up for Villa. Can you re-call the last Arsenal game in which Wenger played a strong side 2 days before a league match ?
In other words, Arsenal are in more competitions this season than Manchester City(3-2), but in none of them are they favourites to win. With no dis-respect, its like saying on the first day of the season that ” Wigan will win the premier league.” In reality they will not, due to lack of quality and finance.
Wenger is under pressure at the Emirates to deliver its first trophy for 7 years now and I think the crowd have finally got to him.
Money is not everything in this game.
True, but is does constitute the majority.
Money probably makes up 80% of this game. I do not wish to sound like a prick thinking money is the be all and end all in football. No it isn’t. But being rational, even you cannot deny that football is a business, and you need money to run a business.
Arsenal have a way of doing things. That is all well and good but it is irrelevant to the basic fact that if ‘you don’t spend, you don’t get quality.’ People will refute this point by saying that Arsenal nurture young talent, and make players. Something even Gazidis has stated. That is NOT a valid point.
Even to buy a normal player you need money. A normal player can turn into a world class player, in which case his value will increase. He will inevitably become a quality player and quality players come for heavy price tags. “If you don’t spend, you don’t get quality”…the motion is carried.
Genuinely speaking I see Arsenal fighting very hard for 4th place this season. In terms of Europe, we will not win the champions league – because we don’t have the means to do so. And in the FA Cup we DO have chance of winning it – but to do so we need to see more of the 7 minute Arsenal we saw on sunday.
Cheers,
DKD
What you need to know : Bolton Wanderers FC 0-0 Arsenal FC
As I have already stated before about Theo Walcott – I find him a brainless git. He gets decent chances which should be put away easily. After being played one on one against Bodgan what does he do ? Stumble his feeble shot wide….
Ramsey too had a good chance to score but his inconsistency in games showed when he fucked it up after deciding to slide instead of shoot.
7 mins before half-time Chris Foy booked Vermaelen for no discernible reason after Davies’ dive infront of the Belgian. It was an awful decision given the fact that another yellow could have reduced us to 10 men.
On the hour mark, Robin delicately guided a low cross from Sagna on the right onto Bodgan’s left hand-post. Seconds later, Chamberlain forced Bodgan to make a save after firing a thunderous 30 yards shot at the Bolton keeper.
With 20 mins to go, Wenger brought on Henry for Chamberlain. I thought Walcott would come off, but I guess Wenger prefers pace to brains !
On 71, Koscielny made a superb block to deny N’gog from scoring after a wonderful cross from Petrov from the right.
On 79, Robin right footed chip hit the cross bar. A touch of class from the dutch man as Bodgan was made to watch the ball hit his cross bar in slow motion. Seconds later when the abll was crossed into the box, Walcott smashed his low shot wide. Classic.
On 88, Bolton should have had a penalty when Szczesny slowed down Mark Davies charge into the D-box. Wenger as usual will say that he did not see it, but that was a penalty and Arsenal are extremely lucky to have that decision not given.
With 3 mins of added time Bolton had caught Arsenal by the neck, not allowing them any space anywhere on the field. Something you don’t expect to see if you are an Arsenal fan.
Chelsea dropped points at Swansea yesterday, and Arsenal dropped points at Bolton today. Champions League football is a dream for us now, not that it matters with the management at Arsenal, happy to finish below the top 4.
Cheers,
DKD
