Our 2-0 win yesterday was a vital one; firstly games up north against physical sides are not our forte – we usually struggle to get a draw or the game ends in defeat, secondly the “new manager” effect was not all it was cracked up to be for the cloggers from Bolton, lastly it meant we are still in the race for the title.
I was a bit nervous as I sat down to watch the game, we hadn’t played well against Everton and I was worried if Cesc was fully fit. Bolton did start brightly and we looked off the pace, second to tackles and shaky at the back. League debutant Eastmond looked ok, if a little nervous which is fair enough. But Traore at left back started poorly and was exploited a number of times, this continued for most of the game. Clichy made a substitute appearance and going by Traore’s recent form his return cannot come soon enough.
Bolton did have the ball in the net, only for it to be ruled offside, the linesman on that side did make some odd decisions – some offsides missed while others given incorrectly. We also had one good penalty shout – but to be fair to Phil Dowd from his angle I doubt he could be certain it WAS a penalty so he cannot give it in the circumstance.
The game had an edge to it, Bolton started to get chippy and foul us. Cesc came in for some rough treatment, the game did start to boil over and Rosicky was lucky to stay on after a petulant trip brought a yellow card – I am sure Dowd produced a red from his pocket before issuing yellow. Our goal though came from some intricate play, a crowded box would see many players struggle to find space, but Cesc did and played a ball to Eduardo who then returned it and the shot was rifled into the back of the net. To be leading 1-0 at half-time was not an injustice.
Cesc bossed the game. We so clearly miss him when he is gone. His skill and vision are incredible, even little Jamie managed to have something positive to say about him! He setup and scored our first, yes his work did make the goal before Eduardo’s layup. He needs to stay fit between now and the end of the season, if that means using him sparingly in some of the lesser games then so be it. The run of games coming up require him to be at the top of his game.
Our second goal, after halftime, came again from good work from Cesc. He made a turn whilst being challenged but managed to play the ball away before falling to the ground, unlike a few of our players – Arshavin and Vermaelen in particular who stay on the ground for a bit looking around when they feel they have been fouled, Cesc was up again and got the ball back and broke for space, the ball was passed to Eduardo (who Owen Coyle says was offside, it was a very close call) and the Crozillian lofted a ball into the 6 yard box. Arshavin missed it but Fran Merida was on hand to slot home his first Premier League goal. 2-0 and the game was ours.
The 3 points we gained were very important. Win our game in hand over Utd and we climb above them, win the game by more than 2 goals and we go top of the league (albeit having played one more than Chelsea). To be top at this stage puts pressure on the other two. We are clearly back in this fight, many may say it’s the other teams failings that have got us there. And yes it partly is, but our form has been great and in the past we have slipped up and let many in as well. If we can continue this form for another few months things will be looking very good come the season end.
However there are a few injury concerns. Nasri missed the game due to a late hamstring injury and Eduardo was rumoured to be seen limping getting onto the bus, I did notice Eduardo hold his ankle later in the game so perhaps he has a knock. More no doubt over the next few days. So we look to Wednesday, we face Bolton again, home advantage should help us even more. Come on Arsenal!!
