Arsenal 2 – 0 West Ham, 10 men go top of the league

21 03 2010

Where do I begin? So much happened in yesterday’s game, excitement, anger, panic, nerves then elation.

We will start with the excitement; another early goal, this time from Denilson – his Brazillian shaped ankle allowing him to curl a shot past Robert Green in the West Ham net on 4 minutes. A nice early start out of the blocks for us, which was a sign of things to come but we had a few chances but never quite got them on target.

Then came anger; a ball was fed over the top, Vermaelen and Franco went for it, there was contact and Franco went down. The linesman flapped his flag in a “look, ref, look!” manner and the ref ran around 50 yeards to give Vermaelen a straight red and West Ham a penalty. It looked harsh in front of me, and on MOTD it looked even harsher, both players were watching the ball, there was slight contact but it was not a obvious foul, nor was it a goalscoring attempt as the ball was up in the air at the time. But red card it was and Vermaelen looked annoyed but didn’t have a hissy fit like some players do and went straight off to applause from the home crowd. The West Ham penalty was well saved by Almunia, justice perhaps? The half-time whistle went almost immediately after, Arsene was furious on the touchline and waited for the ref as the crowd boo’d him off the pitch.

Then came the panic and nerves; Would Sylvester come on? I hoped that Song would move back and he did (I hope Arsene sticks with this for the 1 game Vermaelen will miss). As the half opened West Ham were on top, we looked a bit unbalanced playing with 10, Bendtner was replaced by Diaby to immediate effect – the latter having simply better ball control in tighter spaces than the former. We then settled and started to take charge of the game again. But it was still nervy, would an equaliser knock the wind out of our sails? But a penalty for hand ball was awarded, quite why no yellow was given who knows – it was Upson’s second bookable offence, perhaps the ref thought it harsh to award a red and penalty at the same time….oh, hang on?

Then came the elation; Cesc stepped up and scored. I cannot describe how much relief I felt at this moment, I had been so tense up until that point – how I am going to last the next 7 games who knows! But we had the game, 3 points and the league lead safe. The crowd, those who were still there, went wild.

So we climb to the top of the league, perhaps until later today when Utd and Chelsea both play, but we have done our bit. 3 points was all that could be asked for. But the manner in which we did it sends out a clear signal. We have had the late winners where in previous season we would have accepted a draw, today the team fought so hard to win this game, massive character shown, would this have happened before? Would the players have concentrated as much with the injustice in their minds? Song was immense at centre back, Denilson played very very well in the middle, Diaby made some amazing turns when he took possession and was again showing why Arsene has faith in him, Eboue was also fantastic.

Finally a word on Cesc, yes I love him, he is by far and away my favourite player, but he was again cool headed to take than penalty and his celebration (I had to view that on MOTD as at that precise moment I was hugging the guys in front) showed he loved that goal and he loves the club we love.

7 games to go now, just think of the next one, Birmingham away. That is all we can do. We have a massive chance, believe gooners, believe!


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , , ,
Categories : Arsenal, Premier League Home games 09/10

The players need us, Burnley preview

6 03 2010

Today is another important match, as fans we need to be fully behind the team. Forget the poor performances by certain players, forget the mistakes that have cost goals and results. The team spirit was massively evident in the latter half of the Stoke game following the injury to Ramsey. That spirit needs to continue into the crowd, every home game this season needs a great atmosphere.

Today I think that will be helped by the support for Aaron, he says he is overwhelmed by the support he has received in his official statement, but you can tell he is clearly still distressed by the whole thing and also what is interesting is what (or who) he does not speak of. There will be a number of banners in the ground, REDaction and arseblog have had some made, try and get to the ground early if you can to take a look – I will try and get some photos.

Team news wise there are some players back from injury; namely Arshavin, Diaby and Denilson, however Sol is out and Gallas remains sidelined so I would expect Sylvester to start. Alex Song is of course missing due to his two match suspension. However the team should be strong enough to convincingly beat a poor Burnley side who are a much different prospect to the team we faced in December. Arsene thinks we are still in the title hunt, and he is right. But our run in might not be the 10 easy games as some predict, there are a few tough games in there as well but as long as we play to our best we can be up there come the end of the season.

Make it loud today gooners.


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Arsenal, Arsenal Injury News, Premier League Home games 09/10

Arsenal 4 – 2 Bolton, what a comeback!

21 01 2010

By comeback I don’t just mean last night, I also mean having been 11 points behind Chelsea after they beat us and now being level on points with them and top of the league. After that defeat pretty much everyone wrote us off, even I thought we had little chance of being in the mix with the leaders. But football this season is very open, we have had a great run of results that has seen us climb back up there to now and we are top of the table.

Last night though was not all fun as a fan. I arrived at the ground hoping that the two goal margin required to take us top of the league was a mere formality, given the way the players set out I think they had the same mindset. Bolton started pretty well and were closing us down and often first to the ball. We had a few chances but nothing that was really a goalscoring opportunity. Then a swipe at a clearance by the returning Clichy saw the ball end up in the middle of our box, a few headers and the ball fell to a Bolton player and it was in the back of the net. 1-0, this wasn’t meant to be happening.

The crowd were still behind our players and urged them on, but it didn’t seem to transmit onto the pitch. We were still coming off as the second best team and Bolton had plenty of attacks. One such attack was ended by a clumsy challenge from Denilson which gave away a penalty. From my seat on the opposite side of the goal it looked like a penalty and there was no surprise when the ref pointed to the spot. Almunia went the correct way but the ball still ended in the back of the net. We were 2-0 down to these cloggers and only 28 odd minutes had been played.

The first half continued with very poor play from us, many people sat around me were saying this was the worst they had seen us play in a long while, and I have to agree – we were awful. I recall Cesc stood at the restart after the second goal shouting and clapping his hands, but it hadn’t seemed to encourage the players that much. However on 44 minutes the team released the handbrake, dipped the clutch and selected first gear, we were playing at last! Rosicky was fed a ball on the right of their area, took a few paces then smashed it past Jaaskelainen, it looked a great goal live. It was 2-1 just before half time. Maybe, just maybe the comeback was on. The fans got back behind the team and the atmosphere really kicked up a gear.

The second half started much as the first had ended, we clearly had stepped up a gear and the players looked like they thought we could win this. Our passing was better and we began to break down the 5 man midfield that Bolton had brought. Then there was the controversial moment, Gallas challenged  Mark Davies and the Bolton player stayed down (more on this in a bit) and Arsenal played on. The ball broke to Cesc on the edge of the area and he shot into the net. 2-2. We went wild in block 6, I recall my shoulder (which has been sore for fucking ages) hurting even more after jumping around and hugging grown men stood near me. That goal was another for our captain fantastic in what has been a great season for him.

Davies had to be stretchered off the pitch, the crowd did antagonise the situation and with hindsight it probably wasn’t the best thing to do but we have been on the end of many a “hard challenge” in the past when teams like Bolton “get in our faces”. And remember Gallas is a good, honest pro who doesn’t usually go out to injure opposition players.

The impetus was clearly with us and the Bolton players looked dejected after throwing away a two goal lead. We pressed and pressed and I felt that we had plenty more goals in us, the win was on. It didn’t take too long, after a few corners the ball fell to Vermaelen and he got back to his scoring ways by hitting the ball into the net from about 12 yards out, had it not been for Cesc and Alex Song the Belgian would be our player of the season so far. 3-2 in front and more pandemonium in the stands. The crowd were really behind the team and hopefully that had a positive effect on their game.

But at 3-2 I was a bit nervous, whilst I wanted to be top of the league all that was important to me now was the win. Another goal was needed, but we looked to ease up a little and Bolton had a few chances that made it difficult for me to relax. But that goal was to come, Arshavin the scorer this time and it was 4-2, the goal was met with chants of “we are top of the league”.

Walcott and Vela were introduced late on to keep the attacking threat up, and we nearly got a fifth; Arshavin and Walcott broke, Theo was in the clear but Arshavin was very selfish and took a shot. Theo went ape shit at him, he was screaming at him during the ensuing corner, which is fair enough as that should have been a goal for Theo which would have really wrapped the night up for us. But no bother we won 4-2 and are top of the league!

Now going back to the Gallas challenge. It didn’t look too bad at full speed but these things often don’t when the players are close together. There were calls for Arsenal not to play on, but against Everton they played on, and more importantly later on in yesterday’s game a Bolton player went down and BOLTON played on – you have to play to the whistle, it is the ref who stops the game. Afterwards Arsene said this:

“I am sorry if the (Gallas) tackle was not good. I apologise.”

No doubt there will be a backlash against this, but I doubt Gallas meant to cause a severe injury, he doesn’t have that reputation. We have been on the receiving end of a number of hard challenges from physical sides like Bolton, Blackburn etc in the past, perhaps it is time we showed that we have that tough edge to our game.

Diaby limped off late on, it looks like he has a calf injury which was caused by a kick in the first Bolton game, but this is a worry as he has been a good player in our sparse midfield lineup.

But we can revel in being top of the league for a few days. We are well clear of 4th place at the moment and properly in the title hunt. It’s good to be a Gooner!


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Arsenal, Arsenal Injury News, Premier League Home games 09/10

Arsenal 2 – 2 Everton, most definitely a point gained rather than two lost

10 01 2010

The Arsenal and Everton teams that played yesterday were very different to those that met on the opening day of the season when we triumphed 6-1. Everton had players back from injury, we had players injured. But that is not to take away from the Everton performance. They came and brought the game to us and they must get massive credit for that. The first goal they scored was a defensive lapse from a set piece, again. Their shortest player was left with a free header from a corner, not great defending. The second goal was scored when we had no players other than Almunia in our own half and they broke on the counter.

Our two goals were somewhat fortuitous, both deflected efforts, but I will take them. Our equaliser, initially hit by Rosicky  came late in injury time and saved our blushes and cruelly robbed Everton of 3 points. We were lucky yesterday to come away with something from that game. Whilst no player can be singled out as being the reason we did not win the game; Manuel Almunia was very poor, his distribution was again sub standard, he rushed out a number of times and near the end of the game clattered Traore when there was no need to come to clear the ball. I really do wonder when Fabianski will get his chance this season.

Diaby on the other hand continued his recent good form, and hopefully this run of games he is getting will be the making of him. He has become a real asset of late, something we need with the absence of Fabregas and Song. Denilson would provide us with something but he worrying collapsed yesterday with no player around him, the fact that happened and play continued is not something any player or fan should wish to see give the recent tragedies that have hit young players in the game. I can’t yet find any news on what caused him to collapse or his condition.

The optimist inside me will argue this was a point gained rather than two lost, yes we didn’t capitalise on Chelsea not playing but Utd didn’t pull any further away from us either. We need Fabregas back, but only when he is fully ready as I don’t want him risked. Bendtner is due back in two weeks “probably” but the addition of a striker in the transfer window would not be a bad thing. However cover at centre back must be far more pressing, and perhaps getting a keeper should be on Arsene’s mind at the moment. We are by no means any worse off after yesterday, but it could have been better had we not performed poorly.


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Arsenal, Premier League Home games 09/10

Arsenal v Bolton preview, snow, injuries, transfers

6 01 2010

Tonight should be when we play our game in hand, at home to Bolton, but the snow that fell last night and is still falling might put paid to that. Cardiff last season was called off, primarily due to the conditions underfoot for fans making their way to the ground. I will update on here and twitter if there is any change to the status of the game. Either way I doubt I will head into London, I don’t fancy a night sleeping on a platform at Waterloo if I can’t get home!

Owen Coyle might have taken over Bolton, strange choice, so they may get a boost from that. But this is a fixture where 3 points should be a given. We are at home and playing well. On the injury front Andrey Arshavin and Denilson are fit to start, which is a massive boost for us and Arsene could see Denilson fill the Song role whilst he is on ACN duty. Cesc however is still not fit and some press reports said yesterday his injury might take a few more games to heal, either way I want him fully fit for the big games and would rather he missed a few more smaller ones to help that happen.

On the transfer market Arsene wants to buy early, which is nice but won’t overpay for players (thanks Citeh). I would hope a couple of players come in, he had a wry smile in the post-game interview on Sunday. Here’s hoping!

That’s it for now, will update as and when any snow game announcements are made.


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , ,
Categories : Arsenal, Premier League Home games 09/10

West Ham 1 – 2 Arsenal (FA Cup)

4 01 2010

Not a huge amount of time to write this as I was back to work this morning and the re-training is taking up much of my time.

Yesterday we saw a game of two halves, not two 45 minute periods but one half with the emphasis on youth and the other half with two of our current top 11 playing. I was worried that starting with Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen at the back was a risk. Injury wise I meant, not a risk of not winning the game. But it was our two youthful midfielders in Merida and Wilshere who were the stand out performers for the wrong reasons. Merida looked a step or two behind the game and his set piece delivery was shocking. Wilshere perhaps was overawed by playing at the stadium of the club he support(ed as a boy) and was either overawed or had a hangover from his 18th birthday celebrations. Either way he must improve if he is going to have aspirations for staying with the club for the rest of the season rather than going on loan somewhere.

We went in at halftime a goal down, it wasn’t a shock to be honest as West Ham had played pretty well. A poor offside trap was outwitted and an injury time goal was scored.

The second half continued much as the first had, we just didn’t seem to get into the game. Not our normal free-flowing selves. However on 65 minutes Arsene changed Merida and Wilshere for Diaby and Nasri. It pretty much turned the game on it’s head. The midfield had more purpose as did our attacks. A brilliant finish from Ramsey brought us level and Eduardo scored a fine headed goal for the winner. Good to see them both continue their recent scoring ways.

But a mention must goto Ramsey, aside from his great goal he had a very good game. He is a real contender for a first team start now, Cesc should be concerned. He has come on a lot in the last few months and if his and Diaby’s form continue perhaps the absence of Song will not be so keenly felt.

We were drawn away to Stoke for the next round, which again won’t be an easy tie. But our attention must turn to our next game on Wednesday against currently manager less Bolton, who will hopefully stay that way until after we play them this week. More on that game tomorrow.


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Arsenal, FA Cup

Porstmouth v Arsenal preview

30 12 2009

Tonight we face Porstmouth, bottom of the league but having a resurgence of sorts under Avram Grant. The squad will of course be missing Cesc (there is worryingly still no confirmation on the injury) and Denilson will also not feature. We could see the return of Rosicky but if he does appear I would expect it to be on the bench as I doubt he is at full fitness.

Song is still available, I would expect Diaby and perhaps Ramsey to make the middle three. But Arsene might move Nasri back and start Theo. The midfield is pretty much up in the air other than Diaby and Song.

We need a performance (again) tonight, Man City have found winning ways and Sp*rs are still breathing down our necks, win our two games in hand and it pulls us away from the chasing pack and keeps the pressure up on Chelsea at the top of the table. The bookies have us as clear favourites tonight, even the scorecasts are not offering great money. I don’t see us faltering here, Bolton away in a couple of weeks might be more difficult what with the addition of new manager syndrome.

Enjoy the game wherever you are watching.


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , , ,
Categories : Arsenal, Premier League Away games 09/10

No Cesc news, Eboue in Africa, Song still here

29 12 2009

No update on the Cesc injury status as I write this. I didn’t think the club would have put anything out on a bank holiday anyway. I suspect we will hear about it in Arsene’s press conference later today. After the Villa game Arsene alluded to a purchase of a midfielder, especially given the injuries and the fact that Alex Song will depart on Monday for the ACN. But respect to Cameroon for not enforcing the 14 day rule which means we can keep our most improved player for the trip to Portsmouth (and possibly the FA Cup tie). However the Ivory Coast have called their players in and Eboue has already departed, I think we might miss his cover for Sagna and having him as an option on the bench.

An update on injury news later today or sometime tomorrow.


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , ,
Categories : Arsenal

Arsenal 3 – 0 Aston Villa, Cesc Fabulous

28 12 2009

Yesterday we played an important game against some tough opposition. Whilst it was a great team performance, in reality one player turned the game around. Cesc was a substitute having not fully recovered from his injury, I said in my preview that I didn’t want him risking for fear of being out for a longer period of time. However that gamble well and truly paid off for Arsene.

The first half was a pretty evenly matched game of football, whilst we had the upper hand with chances for Eduardo and Arshavin neither player capitalised on them and there was always the threat from Villa with Agbonhalor and his pace ready to exploit us at the back. But we kept things tight in defence and our midfield looked strong. 0-0 at half time was probably a fair reflection on the efforts from both teams, some decent passages of play but neither team fully taking advantage.

The second half started with a similar flow to the game compared to the first half, however we didn’t have that key player to unlock Villa. However all that was to change on the 56th minute, Denilson was replaced by Fabregas. Cesc was immediately in the game and Villa didn’t stand off him, they knew what a threat he possessed. His runs from the middle of the park often drew more than one player towards him opening up the game for us, and also often brought a foul. A foul was how the game was to change, felled just outside the Villa box a freekick was to present us with what was a game changing moment. Fabregas stepped up to the ball and curled an exquisite shot into the left of the goal, they joy on Cesc’s face as he ran to the fans (the picture at the top of this post which can be downloaded here on the official website) was clear to see. He is loving playing for Arsenal at the moment and clearly loves the club, I hope that can continue for many years.

Villa, who had played well now had to attack if they wanted to get anything from the game. As they opened up a bit our second goal was to come. A run down the right from substitute Theo was matched by a run from Cesc through the middle, a lovely pass from Theo gave Cesc the opportunity to make it 2 – he didn’t need a second chance as he dispatched the ball into the net. We were ecstatic, as was Arsene, but this turned to worry as Cesc clutched his hamstring. Arsene said after the game;

“We don’t know yet whether it is a recurrence of the pull or whether it is just scar tissue. We will know more about it tomorrow [Monday].

“If it is scar tissue it is a few days, if it is a recurrence of the pulled hamstring it is three weeks.”

Our captain was removed on 84 minutes but he had won us the game. A game changing performance, and possibly something he needed to show himself and the football world to convince that he is truly a great player. Cesc won us the game with his two goals. Abou Diaby scored a third late on, to cap yet another great performance, both Diaby and Song were exceptional. 3-0 in our second consecutive league game, both times the opposition manager said the score was unfair on them……well that’s what the score reads so get on with it.

Aston Villa had already beaten Liverpool, Utd and Chelsea this year and had only not scored in the opening day of the season. They had never been beaten at the grove, but a great performance from Arsenal and some magic from Cesc put paid to that. We took advantage of Chelsea’s slip up, and since they defeated us we have taken 13 points from 15 – is that the form of a poor side who will struggle to make the top 4? I don’t think so. Our late Christmas present was delivered by the team and it has been a great month for us in the league, win our game in hand and we are a point behind Chelsea, out of the title race now are we?

Attention turns to Cesc now, his injury should be confirmed at some point today but I doubt we will hear anything from the club until tomorrow. It also looks like Denilson might be out injured as well, which may force us into the market for a midfielder in January. Portsmouth are next up, on Wednesday, but we can sit back in our post-Christmas glow and be happy that we had a great victory over a tough team yesterday.


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , , ,
Categories : Arsenal, Premier League Home games 09/10

Arsenal 3 – 0 Hull, Hey mr tangerine man…..

20 12 2009

Hey mr tangerine man, it’s pretty clear to me,

That Arsenal are far better than Hull Ci-ty.

Yesterday Phil Brown returned to the grove, the match opened with a handshake (which was I am sure for effect shown on the big screens) between the two managers. In what was probably the coldest weather I can recall watching football, I sat with my Dad in the upper tier above my usual seat in block 6. The game started reasonably well for Arsenal, but Hull were pretty resilient and after a few minutes you could see that two games close together giving an element of fatigue and the absence of Fabregas meant we looked short of ideas and impetus to break down Hull. The game started to have a tempestuous edge to it when Stephen Hunt (most famous for his “challenge” on Petr Cech) bundled into Almunia after play had stopped, the Spanish keeper ran over to remonstrate with Hunt, the referee also spoke to the player. But it had little effect as he made two or three further challenges that warranted bookings.

Just before half time things did turn ugly, from our seats we saw a Hull player fall to the ground and then the rest of the players on the pitch bundled around Nasri, I thought I saw arms flailing as if it were a punch. Again Hunt was the main Hull agitator. Sylvestre was the boxing buddy, and carried the part off pretty well shielding Nasri. The replay on MOTD shows that Nasri stood on the Hull player’s (Garcia I think) foot, it was not a stamp. He might have meant it but we don’t know. Both Nasri and Hunt were booked after the melee.

Following on from this some rash challenges started to fly in and the ref had his whistle in his mouth almost permanently. He gave us a perhaps generous free kick after Diaby was felled. Nasri and Denilson stood over the ball, then Nasri joined the wall. In time honoured tradition of current Arsenal free kicks I expected this to go straight into the wall, but then, something magical happened.

Denilson hit a perfectly placed free kick into the net. It was fantastic. We were 1-0 up just before half time. After the game Arsène said “Denilson was not going to take the free kick”. Well I am glad he did!

As the players left the pitch there was some afters as they entered the tunnel, but no further bookings came of this. However I am not sure if Cesc’s clothing antagonised any of the Hull staff so we will have to wait for the report from their lawyers on that one.

The second half started with us on the front foot, Hull now needed to attack us and we had the chance for an early goal when Arshavin fed Eduardo, he really should have put it away but his current lack of match practice and form conspired against him sadly. Not long after this Hull were awarded possibly the softest penalty in football history (even Brown admitted it was soft after the game) when Fagan went down in our area. I was not confident at this point, Almunia has not played well of late and his ball distribution in the game was again poor. However he made a great save from the penalty and Hunt missed the follow up. I laughed at him.

Almost immediately after the penalty miss we were up at the other end, Diaby made a play in the left of their area and sent the ball across the Hull goal for Eduardo to tap in, he didn’t look that happy when he scored but perhaps his form is playing on his mind. The game was pretty much ours now with half an hour remaining. Hull provided little resistance beyond that point and we took full control of the game, some press reports say we struggled but I certainly disagree as did my non-Gooner father who I feel gave a balance view on the game.

But another goal was to come, Diaby danced through the Hull defence and scored a great goal. 3-0 to the Arsenal. “Stand up if you hate Phil Brown” and “Tango whats the score” reverberated around the stadium, much to our, and I suspect Arsène’s, amusement. Theo and Aaron Ramsey were introduced as subs which I think meant our front 6 players were under 23, a great thing for the future of the club. Theo had a chance late on when he chipped the advancing keeper only to see it go agonisingly just past the post, thankfully this was met with chants of his name from the crowd rather than something else.

So it was 3 points, which was great given Utd losing earlier in the day. We are now 2 behind them with a game in hand (at home to Bolton on the 6th Jan) but Villa are pretty close behind and I suspect our next game at home against them will be a very tough test. A few players did well today, the midfield trio of Song, impressive as ever, Denilson, a great goal and some good tackles, and Diaby, one of his better games, were the key today. Yes they didn’t have the creativity that Cesc has but they all put in solid performances, Diaby needs to work on his first touch still but he continues to develop. If he can erase the poorer moments of his game and be more energetic like he was in spells today then he can be a mainstay in this team. Almunia also did well; he has been criticised, and rightly so, of late. His ball distribution was poor for the first hour today, but the penalty save gave him a much needed confidence boost and after that he looked more settled, he made a good save late on as well. He might not be a top top keeper but he is what we have at the moment and he needs our backing all the way. Eboue again impressed at right back, I think that should be where he plays from now on. Rotate him and Sagna so we don’t have a right back injury crisis like that on our left.

So we are still in the hunt at Christmas, this season is far from over and I can see Chelsea, Utd and sadly us lose at least 2 or 3 games more before the season end. But we can revel in our third place in the table and be glad our board have the confidence in what our manager is doing and don’t make any rash mid-season sackings like two other money laden clubs seem to have as their model of how they think football should be run.

Come on The Arsenal


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Arsenal, Premier League Home games 09/10

« Previous Entries