Hot Mexican Goes Through Baggies
Sep 22nd, 2009 by 'holic
A bright start, and two free headers for Philippe Senderos in the first four minutes, promised rich rewards for both Arsenal, and followers of the ‘holic pound! That was as good as it got for my pocket, but after some close calls the Gunners eventually booked their passage into the fourth round of the Carling Cup.
Early dominance lasted to just past the quarter hour mark when the unlucky Sanchez Watt struck a post. Thereafter we were indebted to some excellent goalkeeping by Wojciech Szczesny to keep the experienced Albion at bay.
In truth the contest was probably determined on 36Â minutes, when former Gunner Jerome Thomas foolishly lashed out at Jack Wilshere and saw a deserved red card. However sad it was to see Thomas go, there is no doubt the Baggies started to lose the precarious grip they had begun to exert on proceedings at that point.
The arrival of Carlos Vela and Mark Randall on the hour saw Arsenal take full control. Less than ten minutes after his arrival the little Mexican’s drive was parried to Sanchez Watt for a debut goal. He will remember that moment for a long time.
A quarter of an hour remained when Randall impudently chipped the ‘keeper, only to be denied by the bar, but as Barnett attempted to tidy up the lively Vela stepped in to grab the second and complete a fine win.
Did we learn much? The performance of the young Polish goalkeeper will have given Arsene Wenger food for thought. Gilbert, Senderos, and Traore will be glad to have shown once again what they can do at this level. We already knew just how close Vela must be to making the breakthrough. One or two others may have missed an opportunity to showcase their claim for a regular first-team berth, but that is possibly being overly critical. A second viewing tomorrow may change my view of that.
It is a pleasure once again, though, to be reviewing a Carling Cup success by a fine Gunners second string. A word too for the policy of reducing ticket prices for this competition. I’m sure the players, more used to a few hundred followers at Barnet, were delighted to be able to perform for over 56000 at the Grove. That will surely help if and when they are required to step up, possibly later in the season.
11 Responses to “Hot Mexican Goes Through Baggies”
Well I’ve already had a whisky ‘holic so that’s enough for me – work in the morning.
Great reult for the Gooners…..not so good for Jerome Thomas on his return to Ashburton. Bit of unfinished form perhaps between him and young Jack maybe??
Very pleased with the result 🙂
Anoher good win and some bright moments. Great to see Vela back in action. He really was the inspiration that changed the game. More than a few plus points. Watt, apart from his goal looked lively and a willing worker. I thought Silvestre had a decent game and and ran the back line very well. I also liked the look of Coquelin. His movement off the ball was very good and he played the holding role well. He could have a bright future.
I agree totally re the ticket prices. Not sure how many regulars were there but I noticed very few of the normal crowd where I sit. Lots of families with kids which can only be a good thing. Lets hope for another home draw in the next round.
Keep the faith.
What do you make of Wilshere not shaking Thomas’ hand? The Baggies manager said he was disappointed in Jack, but I don’t think he should have to accept somebodies apology if he doesn’t want to.
Haven’t seen the game, so I’ll have to wait for the highlights (or full match?) on ArsenalTV to get an opinion on who did what well or not, but I’m happy with the win, obviously. Thanks for the report, though.
Oh, and G&T for me (unless I’ve missed last call…).
I was right in front of the Wilshire incident. Thomas went in pretty hard on him, Jack seemingly told him to do one when he offered him a hand up, and then Thomas reacted. Surprised the ref spotted it, he didn’t spot much else against us, from where I was sat
‘Holic, thank you for the prompt report from all of us who couldn’t follow the game.
Steve T: totally agreed, best of all was the return of the little Mexican prodigy and even more Arsene’s comments on him: “When Vela came on, straight away he made a difference… He still has work to do on his fitness, but he is in my plans.”
I thought Aaron Ramsey was outstanding last night, running the game from midfield. He and Wilshere are the future and i wish Wenger would pick Ramsey rather than Diaby – he is definitely ready. I also thought Big Phil had a good game – better than Sylvester who struggled I thought, twice he was easily rolled by the big centre forward (Cox?) in the first half and only our impressive young Polish keeper saved the day. But for sure, Vela looked different class as soon as he came on. Gibbs too, looked really good, and must be breathing down Clichy’s neck.
I also thought the atmosphere was terrific, lots of noise all the way through. The Baggies fans were outstanding – there must have been 8000 – 10,000 of them and we responded to them.
Oh and by the way – how impressive is that mural on the outside of the ground? Absolutely fantastic. By the time there are seven more of them, spreading all round the ground featuring 32 all time Gunner legends, it will be quite unique. You see it coming over the bridge from Highbury House featuring Cliff bastin, Tony Adams, TH14 and Liam Brady.
Perhaps you’ll be Gunner no 32 ‘holic!
Another great title ‘holic, alluding nicely to Montezuma’s revenge.
I’ll have a bottle of Two Dogs please, oh, and a straw.
I’m glad it wasn’t totally wasted, Snail. 😉
TO ARTHUR!