I'm A Six Maniac And I Want More!
Aug 15th, 2009 by 'holic
It was interesting to read expert after expert preview the season during the week. People who think their opinions are important queued up to pick out Arsenal as the team to miss out when the four Champions League places are decided at the end of the season. There are still thirty-seven games to go and they may be proved right, but for an hour and a half this evening I was reminded why I love watching Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal, and why frankly I don’t give tuppence for the pundits’ ill-judged bilge.
Wengerball mark three was frankly in need of a shot in the arm, and it got it at Goodison as Arsenal survived the expected early storm from Everton before clinically dismantling opponents who last season finished just one place and nine points behind them.
All over the park players who have had their credentials questioned justified their manager’s faith in them. The first goal came when two of the most maligned combined, with a little help from their captain, to fashion a remarkable opener. Nicklas Bendtner was, perhaps surprisingly, a real handful on the right flank in the first-half, and when Cesc helped his pass into the stride of the oncoming Denilson, few were anticipating the curling thump from the young Brazilian would find the top corner.
Up to this point the two sides had cancelled each other out, with Arsenal withstanding some not entirely unexpected aerial threats. New boy Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas not only stood firm, but found time to venture upfield to turn pre-match predictions on their head. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one rubbing my eyes as they both rose unchallenged to head home before the half-time whistle provided what was to be just a temporary reprieve for the scousers.
It has to be said that the hosts were shell-shocked at this point and ripe for pillaging in the second-half, but Cesc Fabregas ensured that his side didn’t just rest on their laurels. A lung-bursting run to get on the end of Robin van Persie’s shrewd feed was rewarded with a cheeky finish, and he parted the static blue defence to grab a magnificent solo effort for the fifth.
By now we had worked out it probably wouldn’t be Andrei Arshavin’s day, but when the little Russian toe-poked one onto the post he had an assist as Eduardo poached a typical sixth goal for the rampant Gunners. The late consolation from Saha was no more than an irritant.
So what have we learned? Therein lies the rub. We just don’t know. Everton started strongly but were a dishevelled rabble by the time the contest was half over. That our performance was the trigger for that is not in doubt, but the question now is can we reproduce that sort of form more often than not?
The key may lie in the midfield, where Cesc took man-of-the match honours, but was probably overshadowed by Denilson in the opening half, and let’s not forget the contribution from Alex Song. A perceived area of weakness was in fact a real strength for us today. Will that continue?
Tonight we will not worry too much about that. This is a time to seek out the highlights, and bask in the performance. We will have low days as the season progresses, but the fact that this was not one of them will give cheer to the faithful.
Better qualified football brains than I came to bury Arsenal today. They are now being forced to reconsider. Instead of pondering on how we would cope with the loss of Toure and Adebayor, perhaps they should have been wondering what we could achieve with Vermaelen and Arshavin.
Enjoy your Sunday.
46 Responses to “I'm A Six Maniac And I Want More!”
Have a few more cold ones now ‘Holic. Til next time – cheers!
Wonderful closing sentiment about the prospects of Arshavin and Vermaelen. Great post ‘holic.
Great performance. I wasn’t expecting that to be honest.
Excellent post as always, ‘Holic… We needed an answer to silence the critics and we got it today.. It was a team performance today one helping the other in attack and in defence. Also, the team-spirit was more evident than last season…
As you said, lets watch the goals and bask in the performance..
Great to see the enthusiasm oozing through your pre-game post continue right through to this excellent post-game summary. Do I detect the merest sign of quiet smirk on the ‘Holic dial?
Super performance today. Absolutely worth coming out of my Rip Van Winkle slumber of the last few, football free months to enjoy. I’m with you though, difficult to know what to take from this game. Frankly, I was hoping for a win but steeling myself with “a draw will be OK for a first game away”. To come away with a six pack comes close to mind-boggling.
So, let’s take the real positives and sip contentedly from a frothy pot (until Tuesday, at least). For me:
– Vermaelen, outstanding debut. Solid as a rock. Great goal. Wow!
– Denilson, my man of the match. Sweet!
– Song, one of his best games. Solid, insightful, downright effective.
– Eduardo, that he can walk is really something. Goals are a bonus.
I was glad that the mid-field and defence were in scoring mood because I couldn’t see any of the starting front three doing it today. If RvP is going to play up front, there is no point in bumping high balls up to him. He’ll never be Adebayor, and every high ball up just came straight back down. Better teams will make more of that
Bendtner had quite an impact on the right. An unorthodox winger, not quite out of the wee Jinkie Jimmie Johnston mould. Jimmy won’t be playing for Celtic on Tuesday and even if he was, I’d still fancy an Arsenal away win at Parkheed. (For the uniitiated going to Glasgow, it is indeed “heed” and not head – now you impress the locals with your knowledge – which in wee Jimmy’s day would have been rewarded with a bottle of guinness -empty mind- over yer ain heed).
Until Tuesday then, ‘Holic. All that talk of Guinness has made me thirsty. A black one please, barman.
Good stuff ‘holic
Cracking toast ‘holic.
*Wipes butter from lips*
Man of the match AW
Wonderful performance!! Made my week.
Just a note of caution though. Last season Wenger often said that a defeat did not mean we need to go out and buy someone. But it should also be noted that a victory doesn’t mean we do NOT need to buy anyone. a center half at the very least! But for now I’m enjoying seeing six of the best!
I was half right with my prediction! I have predicted we will win four trophies and i’d be happy if I am half right again!!
Vermaelen really does have a good leap. Just look at that pick hes right up to the advertising boarding in the second tier! Amazing
I thought Gallas looked happier with the new guy and everyone looked happier without Ade – maybe the harmony that has been created by the departure of Ade and Toure is a greater influence than any new signings?
Well done Ade too – no hard feelings!
All the pundits predicted it would be a draw!
i myself, well i wasn’t too sure
so we all came to see & then we saw – a fantastic display, lets hope there’s plenty more.
it has been a real bore stranded in the football wilderness while the media has tried to make cricket & tennis seem exciting, (there’s just no substitute for the great game) but this was well worth the wait. it was good to see the players & Wenger not making too much of the result in the after match interviews as this is the attitude of focus with determination & an example for us fans to follow.
i’m savouring this moment though with a smile that has been a stranger to my face for too long.
Spcowen,
I could not agree with you more. The entire team looked happier with out the cult group of Ade and Kolo. I don’t see why wenger needs to buy more than a backup defender since we have Theo, Rosicky, Diaby to return to the club.
Sad to say but I think Lescott’s head have been turned. He was just not there today, they need to sell him
And one more vital fact: Denilson created the last season’s first goal and today he scored the first goal of thenew season! He has improved! I hope he plays as many games as he did last year!
Brilliant match summary ‘holic. Another San Miguel for me please.
Super team peformance. Too many players merit special attention so I’ll simply go for Vermaelen. Slotted into the heart of the defence as though he has been playing for us for at least a couple of years.
Surely I’m not the only one that thinks he has the coldhearted eyes of an assasin – I can barely look him in the eye for post match interviews – such does he frighten me!?!
Keep the faith!!! As you say, we’re yet to be tested (certainly more than we were today) but what the hell, let’s celebrate a well deserved win……as we look ahead to Tuesday 🙂
Excellent performance and one that vindicates the faith of us more optimistic fans. Wonder what Danish Gooner and his negative, panicky ilk will make of this.
Champagne for everyone!
Great write up.
For the first 20 minutes I thought Everton went for it. What impressed me was how well we stood up to it. Gallas and Vermaelen looked very good. Song did his job well just in front. Then we took over and the rest is history. `
A top team performance. Add a couple more to the squad just to increase the depth and who knows??????
Keep the faith.
I was very apprehensive for the first 30….Almost thought this would be that dull game we started last season with W. Brom… But, Denilson slotted home a thrasher…Then the new guy Vermaelen…Then Gallas..Then Cesc….Cesc…Then Eduardo! Give me a break my heart was out of my chest!!!!!If I were to be critical RVP played like shit….I am so pleased with Song, Denilson, Bendtner, Cesc! To watch for? Eduardo/Arshivan combo. It will be the most potent combo this year! My prediction was 2-0…..I was right until Gallas scored!
RVP played like shit??
He set up two goals…
Vermaelen was like a new signing.
Sniff…Just wasn’t feeling it for RVP….he was off. But, like you said he set up two…so maybe next week he scores two….
otairq – “Sad to say but I think Lescott’s head have been turned” I think it may have been unscrewed judging by the state of it!
What a way to start the season! It’s been a long summer window without football and coming out starved to be served such a banquet is almost too much. And having to read so much tosh from the I-know-best people makes the dish even more palatable.
In all areas we looked really great today, the defense was solid (we have to get used to it getting tested more often if we keep playing 4-3-3) and if this is how they gel with Vermaelen in their first game, just imagine them after playing 30 games together…
Our midfield was simply brilliant with a great defensive efficiency from all 3 and dazzling passes. Given the way they played it will be hard for or other midfielders to land a starting position (except Nasri probably).
And the attack was somptuous with Bendtner looking better than Ronaldo at the same age and Arshavin and VP also looking very good if not as much involved in the goals than the midfielders. Cherry on the cake was Eddie’s poaching!
It has been a long time since we haven’t seen such nice Wengerball, yes yes yes!
My only regret is that it happened unto David Moyes, the most respectable manager in the league (after AW of course). What he has done at Everton is outstanding and I hope that 1) they will recover quickly from that trashing and 2) we will trash Citeh even harder, their behavior towards Moyes has been despicable.
A long island for me please, holic.
Superb performance from the team. They may fuck up down the line and end up 4th or 5th but Ill leave that for another day.
For now, let me just enjoy my moment of unadulterated joy.
1st goal – class
2nd goal- everton poor defending.. but watta powerful header man
3rd goal- everton poor defending
4th goal- class act from fab
5th goal- fabulous
6th goal- arshavin havoc
but i am personally impressed with song.. i think he’ll make a solid partner with fab.. i’m not suprised with vermaelen as i’m fully aware of what he’s capable of.. imagine what we can do with walcott, nasri, rosicky and djourou fit as fiddle..
The only bad thing I felt was we were lacking of pace.. apart from arshavin and glichy..
Can anyone tell me what happen to senderos? Did he completed the move…?
When Fab scored the forth goal. I said my to myself. it enough… please dont score anymore.. i,m feel so petty to everton.. but.. !!!
Snot on Everton and Moyes, AW is the man, and the Arse came out firing on ALL cylinders, bravo chaps!!! I have to admit I never thought Nikky B. as a winger, just when AW would put Diaby on the wing, but N.B. looked deadly on the wing, and I love the 4-3-3 formation too, keep it up!! I was happy for Denilson, I know he’s gotten alot of stick on blogs about his style of play, and I’m guilty of that as well, good goal from him, and all around good performance too! Anyhoo here’s to beating the snot out of Celtic on Tues. at Parkheeeeeeeeeeed…..Up the Arse………
I DIDNT C D MATCH BUT 4RM D AFTERMATH- A SPLENDID PERFORMANCE 4RM D BOYS.COME ON U GOONERS!
Is it so weird that Arshavin did not score nor assist? (well, hitting the post is not assisting in my view). All the papers and other media are making it out to be weird that Arshavin was rather peripheral. They do not get that his strength is that he occupies one or two players just with his presence and running alone. Which opens up space for us. He is brilliant. He will be amazing with Cesc, and Eduardo. This is looking like one hell of a team. And, to round off, two great remarks:
The Guardian: what an awesome midfield (referring to Song Denilson and Cesc… irony considering they wrote our midfield off as weak)
The Telegraph: who weird that Arsenal can buy Vermaelen for about 10 million yet CIty are prepared to pay 23 for Lescott…
They made my day.
Gin and Tonic, please, ‘Holic….
One thing that stood out yesterday which I haven’t really seen in this Arsenal team for the last 3 years: a team.
They looked like companions out there, they worked hard for eachother and put in the most comprehensive team performance I can remember for a long time.
Viva la revolucion! Venceremos!
Great post ‘holic.
What impressed me was the way we kept hunting for more goals. We didn’t get two up and feel we’d won the game, which i feel we have been guilty of the last few seasons.
It is also clear that a ‘team’ plays the better football. And i really did see a ‘team’ out there against Everton.
But you’re right. Will that continue???
I certainly hope so. It will be an amazing season if it does 🙂
Keep up the great blog.
lets hope our proficiency at set pieces continues. sure Everton are usually more organised than that and questions linger over the mental state of their kingpin center back but one has to give much credit to the deliveries and the clinical finishing.
I thought Vermaelen had a really impessive debut and I am not only taking his goal into account with that assesment. In the first 20 mins we were under a bit of pressure from Everton who were finding their way towards our box but we managed to repel them quite well. I thought Vermaelen got stuck superbly and looks to have the aggresive, no-nonsense approach that has been missing from our defence at times in recent seasons.
Early inidications show he does not seem to have a problem putting his body on the line and I think him and Gallas marshalled our defence quite well in the early stages of the match because even when we couldnt find our groove Everton still never really managed to trouble Almunia.
Excellent stuff ‘holic.
A Bloody Mary please.
*Boilk*
Solid performance. To me the outstanding two which made others look good was Gallas (who helped Vermalen have a great debut) and Song (who allowed FAB and Denny to perform). All in all – a good start.
I believe our season will be defined by injuries (particularly at centre half). If we have suspensions and injuries we could be in trouble – Sylvest is Gallas not!!!)
Up the Arse!!
I don’t think I should have any drinks today.
A surprise, a delight, a magic potion to set every gooner heart fluttering. It was not totally convincing but this indeed is the best start to a daunting August
May I have something from the office of the high commissioner, please, ‘holic. And two tumblers 😉
I agree with what someone said.. selling Toure made Gallas a happy man and selling Adebayor made everyone happy.. I think having harmony in the squad can not be understated.. hoping for more of the same in the coming weeks..
Superlatives don`t really suffice. The best goal for me was Edouardo`s superb poachers effort, the anticipation and execution of which were awesome. Vermeilen already looks a snip and we saw the first evidence of his reputed heading ability. Of course there was only grudging praise from some quarters; and Everton were incredibly bad wern`t they? How about them being out- fought, out-thought, out-skilled, outpaced and outplayed for 70 of the 90 minutes. Bring on Celtic!
That Belgium was good, wasn’t he?
Whatever drink of your choice tonight, youg man.
Hope all is good with you.
Cheers.
Arshavin had a poor game for his own high standard, but he was likely to be still jet lagged.
Bentdner was terrific and made Baines looks very poor. Physically and technically he dominated him and that caused our first two goals. The first and the second was a free kick from a nudge on him.
Van Persie can’t play with his back toward the goal. He is much better facing forward as the fourth goal demonstrated.
According to French media, it looks like we are waiting for confirmation that we are in the Champion’s league proper before putting some bid for Chamack, Matuidi and Hageland.
Great stuff geezer! See you next Saturday. Get your zimmer frame serviced.
Given that a number of pundits are tipping Man City to finish fourth this season, will they revise those predictions once they discover that, much to their annoyance, Arsenal look like finishing a little higher than fourth themselves. Its alright to big-up Man City and praise the breaching of the `quadropoly`as long as its only Arsenal, and not their favourites that lose out in the process.
Haha Esso!
Crackin’ write up ‘holic.
Roll on the new season!