Gunners Earn The Right To Beat Blackburn
Aug 28th, 2010 by 'holic
The difference between the makeshift eleven who lost at Blackburn in May, and the side that travelled to Ewood today, was greater than just the seven different faces in the starting line-up. It was also the mindset of those who battled through an opening 45 minutes that could have gone either way before imposing their style and dominance on proceedings in the second-half.
From the off there were no surprises. Blackburn took every opportunity to apply pressure on, and in front of, Manuel Almunia. It has to be said though, as I am quick to criticise the Spaniard, that today he was back to somewhere close to his best, and possibly motivated by being goaded at the first opportunity by the loathesome El-Hadji Diouf.
I doubt anybody was surprised that Nelsen and Samba had Rovers best chances of the opening spell. The former was denied by a Cesc Fabregas clearance, while the latter headed over the bar. It wasn’t all one way traffic though, and Blackburn escaped more by luck than judgement when a deflected Abou Diaby effort cannoned away to safety off Robinson’s knee.
It wasn’t long though before the familiar cry of “It’s behind you!” was being directed at our favourite opposition ‘keeper. In the space of twenty seconds, as Sky were quick to point out, a quickly taken free-kick by Almunia was transported via half a dozen exquisite passes into the path of the on form Theo Walcott, who broke not only Blackburn’s resistance, but also the Aldi ‘value’ goalnet.
Tempted to attack in increasing numbers by the advantage, Arsenal were caught by a very good equaliser on the counter, although Laurent Koscielny, otherwise solid, will need to spend some time with the dvd understanding what you can and cannot get away with at this level. His one bad mistake cost us dear as the despicable Diouf cleverly set up his namesake.
More disturbing was the injury to Robin van Persie who, after two spells of treatment, hobbled off to be replaced by Chamakh, unlucky to be rested in my humble opinion. Our brittle Dutch genius will hopefully be ruled out of Holland’s matches with San Marino and Finland in the next ten days. It must be pointed out that the injury was more unfortunate than the result of a bad challenge. Blackburn may test the patience and the laws of the game in and around the box, but there were no ‘nasty’ tackles at all.
Somewhat surprisingly, given the three spells of treatment for van Persie and Pedersen, and the fifteen minutes the ball spent in a towel, only three minutes were added at the end of the half. It proved to be a significant break, however.
The whistle to begin the second-half saw the visitors establish a dominance they had earned by matching the battling qualities of their hosts in the opening spell. Six minutes in the previously anonymous Arshavin finished superbly at the far post and I must say I was expecting to collect on the ‘holic pound thereafter. The half century of Arsenal goals against Paul Robinson was celebrated with a drop of the black stuff. (Edit. It would appear I was a bit late with this particular celebration. It seems today took Robbo to 59 let in against Arsenal. Top lad!)
It’s behind you, again!
The two goalscorers had opportunities to double their tally and provide me with a tidy little tickle at 12/1, but the chances went begging, and caused the final fifteen minutes to be a little more nervy than they needed to be. Blackburn’s attempts to draw level might have yielded something more substantial had they not spent so long tumbling theatrically at every opportunity.
Jack Wilshere arrived and was presented with a close range chance that had me celebrating a tidy profit, but his standing leg ‘did a Terry’, and so 2-1 it remained. The people at sportingbet may have my money, but that matters not at the end of the day.
What was important was that the three points were secured and that we showed evidence of eliminating the soft centre that cost us so dear in the closing weeks of last season. What was also very pleasing was to see the vile-chanting scummy minority of Blackburn ‘supporters’ departing with their tails between their legs.
Carling Cup Draw Sends The Kids To The Lane
The lunchtime draw for the third round of the Beer Cup has given the latest clutch of young Gunners a chance to follow in the footsteps of the 2006 brood. Tottenham away will be a real test of how near or far they are from being the finished article.
The beauty of the draw is that you know Tottenham will throw their strongest side out. The accused always targets this competition and his side will be on a hiding to nothing against the lads likely to be wearing red. The lads will be up against it though, as we saw later today when Spurs limited Wigan to just a single goal triumph at the Lane. They are on fire!
91 Responses to “Gunners Earn The Right To Beat Blackburn”
Welcome to the the effects of CL football Totts!
A little nervy at the end today, but a well deserved victory.
Cesc looks a way off his normal self, so hopefully we’ll benefit from his improvement, but we can cope for the time being.
Fantastic result. Very good performance overall despite one or two lapses, and hopefully this result will shut up one or two doubters. Koscielny is a work in progress, but I like the look of him. Still needs to bulk up physically and possibly hold his position a bit more. Diaby put himself about very well and Theo is on fire right now. That tosser Hansen better learn how to make humble pie.
Almunia did well today just hope its his last game for us.
With RVP injured,I know its not serious but with Bendtner out as well we are down to just two strikers
It was a mature performance, especially the last 10 when we didn’t go Gung-ho, but still worrying the lack of headers actually won at the back.
Koscielny was a rabbit in the headlights first half, but grew in the 2nd.
Theo’s becoming a man too. Nice one son!
Diaby was different gravy today. An absolute giant. MOTM by a mile.
Almunia was the last to leave the pitch apparently. Threw his shirt and armband into the crowd and all.
Very nice, Holic. We saw it the same way I’d say. Just reported it slightly differently. Dueling banjoes.
The boss made an important, late Friday, strategy change. “The Steppes have grown back. Arshavin’s hair is no longer scary enough. Song, go out and get one of these voodoo numbers. That should put the frighteners on all of their Afro-Caribbeans.”
Alex duly turned out looking like Gris-gris, Li Grand Zombi himself, and Arsenal set off to put the Jou-Jou on Blackburn and cause Fat Sambo Macslob to choke on his Louisiana spiced chewin’ tobacco.
Unlike Arsenal, Blackburn have no problems with their pre-match music. “Let’s crawl, let’s crawl, let’s crawl, to the Ugly Bug Ball” rang out loud and clear as Fatso’s first 15 strolled out to scrum down. Courtesy of some Zombie magic, Eddie Waring had made a welcome return from the grave, and though missing some body parts, could be heard gurgling about “Up and Unders” from his crypt seat in stand.
Before the game, I read the news today. Four thousand Gooners had travelled, expecting to see four thousand holes in Blackburn Lancashire’s defence and hoping that Robinson would have to count them all in the back of his net.
Arsenal soared off to a nice start. Good confident passing with pacey movement off the ball. Five minutes in though the “up and unders” started. The towel made his first appearance on the touch line (showing more potential than most in blue) for Blackburn’s first of many line-outs. Arsenal coped, just about, as the rain poured down and washed some of the grime of the dark satanic mills behind the grand-stand.
An Arsenal break of League winning caliber saw Robin push a peach into Theo’s path and Walcott the Walthamstow greyhound slam a beauty of a net-burster low past their keepers despairing right hand. “It’s a little secret just a Robinson affair…..” gurgled the unfortunate Eddie Waring as another ear fell off. Gooners sat back gleefully, expecting another 3,999 holes in the net.
Blacburn switched the floodlights on for inspiration in the rain. It worked. Papa Diouf bundled Kos off the ball too easily down Arsenal’s right before crossing to Mama Diouf. She had the easiest of tap-ins. “Try given” shouted the ref as the egg chasers jumped for joy.
Robin fetlock buckled and we were treated to the welcome sight of Chamakh deputizing – a huge leap forward from the situation last year at this stage. Cesc’s early touch wasn’t his best. The second half rolled in and the Spanish magic was beginning to re-appear. When Moscow’s Molotov cocktail made it two, it looked like a comfortable win was beckoning. That changed with Cesc’s departure allowing a Blackburnian resurgence of sorts.
But a tackle by Jack, our midget scrum-half’, on Samba their Second Row carthorse, made sure their second-phase possession came to nowt and signaled “we’re not the Arsenal of old and we don’t fold”. A very fine away win. Seven points from a possible nine. I’d have taken that three weeks ago and I’ll take it now with pleasure.
A big brown carthorse ale with a sniff of camel dung liquor please, barman. “And here’s to you, Mrs Robinson…….!”
Great game, wonderful result. Looks like this could be Theo’s year Arshavin showed some good touches as well. Fingers crossed for RVP though but if this injury means he’s gonna miss the friendly then i guess its OK.
The best moment of the game for me was when Wilshere tackled that oaf Samba to the ground, what a sight, Wilshere is gonna be a legend.
First time poster, long time admirer. Great blogging.
I should have left it to you, BtM. Poetry, that was 🙂
My five favourite moments today were: 1) Theo’s goal; 2) Arshavin’s goal; 3) Diaby’s crunching tackle and sweeping pass; 4) Wilshere’s crunching tackle on that great lump Christopher Samba; and 5) The final whistle – pure bliss!
Great result, pleased with the playing, some nervous moments apart, but those were fever than they have been in the past.
Think I’ll go for wine for now. Something red. Possibly Spanish.
Tony Pulis may sue Wenger and Arsenal for the ‘rugby’ comments. What a snivelly little…
Eddie Waring, BTM? Where did you dig him up?
Last I heard he was dancing with Michael Jackson in the Thriller video.
‘Fatso’s first 15 strolled out to scrum down’….., haha, funniest thing i’ve read all week.
Great result today. Walrus put in his place. Does anyone else think Pulis is far more despicable character than Fat Sam?
Its not enough to win, its important that the enemies lose too. Thanks LWC for a magnificient result
“Try given” shouted the ref……….
“We would, but City won’t sell him” replied Arsene.
Yet to see the second half, but was impressed in the first half by closing down.
Theo is an awesome finisher, his goal took me by surprise.
Cracking win, now we go into the interlull full of confidence. Bring it on!
http://cescandthecity.blogspot.com/
Surprised no one has given a shout out for Song today, a couple of wayward passes apart, I thought he was everywhere and was very impressive.
Kos had a nightmare first half but settled well in the 2nd half.
Diaby frustrates the hell out of me – whilst he had some moments of brilliance is it just me who thinks he deliberates over every pass and takes too long to move it on? (I expect Snir will be after me now).
That’s my only minor grumble – hopefully we can take some confidence from today’s performance for when we come up against the next crowd of hammer throwers (when exactly do we play Stoke?).
Yes, pleased with the start to the season, and can’t wait for Bolton, my first visit to the Emirates of the season. 🙂 🙂
Very good, Russian 🙂
I can’t be reading long posts, however good they are.
Song’s hair looked like something he had omitted to wash off in the shower. Other than that, I am most satisfied with stuff
This photo sums the game for me:
http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0dKibzk3t18Gi/1000x.jpg
(credit to whoever posted it on the Arses)
Song looked like one of the zombies on michael jaksons thriller video!! Cracking performance today by the team, alot of teams(including the arsenal team of last season) would of buckled under the constant ariel bombardment in the first half but we stood firm and did our stuff!! I think Sam Alardyce should be credited with creating a new sport……..it’s called Hoofball! cos they sure as hell don’t play football!
The carling cup who really cares.we have bigger fish to fry
Song for Pulis, the balding, middle-aged, baseball cap wearing, naked rucking, care in the community case who is about to join the unemployed.
Sue, you plum, sue!
‘Holic – I really like your commenter Chris R. Excellent stuff.
I thought Sagna and Diaby both had a pretty good game. I really wanted that third goal, but not having it made it interesting to the last.
Cescyboy, feel free to ask before spamming. Good manners cost not a penny.
I agree that it was surprising that Chamakh didn’t start. That was a clear indication of his spot in Arsene’s pecking order. It’s a good problem to have.
I sometimes think I watch a different match to other people. I thought we were a bit lucky to come away with 3 points. In the second half, much of our passing was careless and sloppy, we kept losing possession and at 60 minutes I was screaming for Cesc to be taken off. I thought he was off colour and only hope that it’s a matter of fitness and not homesickness. Am I alone in these views?
Ashish
Let’s not get carried away about Wilshere. The missed tap-in was forgivable, losing possession shortly afterwards on the edge of the box in injury-time wasn’t. And it’s not for the first time this season. However much the EDL brigade at Arsenal wants to build him up, Jack needs to learn he’s not as good as he thinks he is and he needs to keep things simple, especially on 92 minutes on the edge of his own box.
That said, both Cesc and The Song were guilty of some uncharacteristic slackness with their passing today, so Wilshere wasn’t the only one. But if Jack gets put on as sub ahead of the likes of Eboue and Gibbs, he has to realise that’s cos the boss trusts him to be able to get in the game, keep possession and keep the ball going forward better than them. On today’s evidence, that was a bad call. Ditto Rosicky, who was always a bad bet to get up to the speed of that game quickly – despite his last two brilliant performances.
Anyway, today was nothing but positive and if that was Manuel’s last game for the club (for a while at least), then it was a tremendous bow for a fantastic, unheralded club servant, and fitting that he should go out with the captain’s armband on his arm, and the true support’s ovation ringing in his ears.
Good strong performance, first to admit I was doubting Theo had it in him but he is playing really well…hopefully this summer of training made him this hungry. Sagna deserves credit again…endless endeavour….if this was Almunia’s last game as first choice what a way to go out. I’m off the opinion that he is good enough (*with a better defense in front of him) and when we’ve had good runs he barely gets mentioned.
Moment of the match though was surely Wilshere paying no heed to Samba’s size and tearing into him only to have the monster fall on top of him. 3 points such as these make a season….
A Shiraz and something for my sore throat please. A great football song and a nod to Wilshere ~
whoops…the song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYNHZnohxlU
Diaby was rubbish most of the game today, as usual: Rosicky just had a bad game and never had his coffee.
Nicky – We were watching the same match, but it sounds like you were hoping for a win with style, whereas others are so happy with the result that it overshadows some of the concerns you’ve expressed. I’m just hoping that this team peaks at the right time, and if they win in the meantime, I’m chuffed.
Evening ‘holics
I enjoyed that game, although I would of prefered it if we made it safer with an extra goal, those last few minutes were detrimental to the freshness of my underwear.
Still, not gonna complain after what was a very satisfying result against the kind of team you have to beat away to be serious title contenders, not many teams come away from Eeebygumwood park with all three points and as an extra bonus all limbs still attached (I have a feeling RvP was carrying that niggle into the game)
I was impressed with Song, (not his barnet though) Diaby looked hungry and Sagna played his part. I wonder if Hansen will be having his humle pie with whipped cream or custard tonight on MOTD as the boy with no footballing brain conspired to outsmart the Blackburn defence time and time again.
In your face those of little faith, Arsenal showed we’ve added a bit of steel to our silky game, times they be a changing.
Can’t possibly sign off with out calling out to all my fellow ‘holics and issueing a cry of “let’s all laugh at the Spuds”, as Joshua pointed out in the previous drinks, the Young Boys must of wore them out. (oo-er) ‘Arry has just proved himself tactically inept by fielding the same XI.
It’s good to be a gooner.
Cider please sir.
Cheers.
I’m indebted to one in another place. I am way out on the Robbo stat.
That’s 59 goals it would appear. I can only have missed a couple of games too 🙂
A great way to sign off before the international break, Cesc still looks quite off his game but then on a day when we win against Fat Sam and Sp*rs lose to the 20th placed team in the league, I aint complaining!
Comments 17 & 31. are you two out for a bet, I `ve just got back from the game, Diaby was fuckin quality. best player on the park by a mile. You herberts must have been watching a different match to me.
Nobody is giving credit to Sagna. Definitely my MOTM
Without him, we would have conceded more and, the assist for the second goal, brilliant!
Johnny – I thought Diaby was good today, but he divides opinion like none other.
It’s all about opinions Johnny – you may have had a better appreciation of what was going on than I did on 42 inches of LCD – I ain’t for falling out with fellow Gooners following a good away win.
I certainly didn’t think Diaby was rubbish as the other poster stated but I think that he is ponderous on the ball in a lot of situations that call for it to be released quickly. I think he could be a magnificent player but he does frustrate me.
As I said opinions.
I hpoe the lack of proper pre season is the real reason for Fab not to be at his best. I always had faith in Theo , because most footballers start maturing at the age of 21/22 years of age. And this is happening with Theo now. Diaby is too slow in his decision making. He take for too long to release the ball to another player. And this is no good for us when be want to hit the opposition on the counter break in away matches. However, he fought very hard today for us and I am quite pleased with his desire to mix it up.
Good stuff ‘holic. Gonna be a fine night at the swamp. You up for it?
I doubt whether some of you guys commenting here watched the game. Diaby was exceptional …..
I need to be in better shape than I am now, Esso 😉
good stuff ‘holic
good clash of footballing cultures today for the most part, and I’m all for people playing the game according to the cut of their cloth as long as its within(ish) the rules. Annoyed with Diaby trotting to get back for their goal and would have liked Kos to get a yellow for kicking that snake diouf into the stands instead of letting him past………..hey ho, I’m of a different breed to most modern gooners. Loved the steel we showed but wasnt sure if Blackburn were just poor or if we stopped their play in the second half, prob a bit of both.
Gonna be an interesting ride this year, the big test will be how we man up against chelsea and utd who can match our skilfull game but have shown more attitude and desire in recent seasons. bring it on…..
Re. Zicoinexile, No bother mate. I dont want to fall out either, we ground out a hell of a win today, massive 3 points. I just feel that some of our fans see Diaby as an easy target, today he was immense. He will always get caught in possesion now and again, mainly because he is always trying to make something happen. However, today there were times we were nearly overran and it was Diaby holding things together, that kept it together. If you want to be critical of a player, maybe you should look at Cesc`s display, very worrying in my opinion.
Diaby can never be a gud player,ashavin impres m! cesc was rum.theo superb.sagna xlent.diaby-nasri who is better
Evening barman …
Like Ned Flanders I’ll have a white wine spritzer.
Excellent win .. We are not the only top team to have problems with Blackburn away check last years stats for proof. I would also like to thank Alan Hansen for his well timed words ..Theo has really set out to prove him wrong. Diaby was quite excellent, made the blackburn boys look well stupid when they tried bullying him.
That’s a good one ‘Holic 23. Looks like someone is ‘moaning like a drain’ to deflect attention from defeat. Talk about bad loser.
Another three points in the bag which is great news – two trips to the north west under the belt already – quite a tricky start considering our record in that region-
i thought the team were very efficient today all over the park apart from Kos’s slight error in the first half – he made up for it with his 2nd half performance!
@ 11 Nickpinkboots … Tony Pulis gonna sue AW for his comments about ryan shawcross which in his opinion is out of order- well in the words of Mr Pulis himself after the assault on Ramsey in Feb -‘He can keep his opinions’
What a twat!
What to say!? I heart THEO, Arsharvin is getting some groove on, and our boys have grown into men!
I feel for Almunia because he had a good game today.
Oh almost forgot, Song’s hair style is whack!
I’m sorry ette, down with the kids though I am you are going to have to explain to me if whack is good , bad, or wicked 😉
The management wanted to know why he looked like an old lady! No sense of style, the poor lass!
‘Holic, ‘whack’ is really bad – bordering ‘crazy’. sorry i brought nairobi’s street talk on here – heh (when shall you all learn ours anyways?) 🙂
What a good player Chamakh is.
Van Persie and Cesc were a bit off the pace today and I wondered whether it was wise to bring both back, maybe it was too risky but the hour or so Cesc got was an investment to get him match sharp.
Rosicky has started well bit unlucky not to start but an obvious plan worked well to bring him on fresh for Cesc and that worked well. Walcott on top form and Arshavin as well. Goals from wide positions is something I noted we needed more of, too reliant on strikers and Cesc I felt last year. Walcott has already beaten his goal tally from last season and Arshavin has two as well.
There seems more calm, measure about our play especially in defensive situations and being able to know what to do to see a game through. Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen and Clichy looks a good unit. I never felt that Toure and Gallas were ever part of a unit, I think now we have one and the central pairing is key platform for that. All four are at a good age and Laurent will grow in his role and develop.
We’re a better team than last season.
Too reliant on Cesc and Robin last term, but not today. Feeling confident about our prospects I must say.
I’m happy, plain happy with the recognition Diaby gets, he’s an immense player with maybe the most potential on this team.
Walcott- I apologize AGAIN!!! I slaughtered him and said he’s not worthy of a spot in our best 11, and he’s giving Chamakh/Arshavin a hell of a fight for the spot in our “best” 11.
Zico – I actually think it’s something AW tells Diaby to do, to delay the passes cause he wants the defense to change pace to a slow pace and then have AA/Cesc/Robin/Walcott change pace and have a 1-2 at a blistering pace. It happened a couple of times today on the left flank with Arshavin – It seemed as if he was walking and then all of a sudden – Boom, he’s in the penalty area.
Who was commentating? He was Arsenal through and through 😀
Good write up Hilc, was at the game and I thought Diaby and Song were top quality. As for Theo? The lad is on fire right now!
Great result, 3 points and RvP can miss Hollands games so wont get a serious feckin injury playing for them.
I thought Rosicky came on and played really well.
Unbelievably nervy last 10 minutes or so and we really ought to have scored another!
As for Pulis, that scum bag can fuck right off, he should be worrying about his gorified pub teams position in the league. I really hope they go down.
And the icing on todays cake; WIGAN BEATIN THE SPUDS!!! Hahahaha!
Brandy and coke for me.
Arsenal are back.
When you say coke, Mug… 😉
Indeed Mr Hat, with a vengeance.
Haha! Well, if I’d known it was one of those parties…
fantastic 3 points, we fronted up well against bullies for the first time in a long time, maybe going back to the keown, adams,bould veira petit spine of the team and wenger rectified his mistake of directly replacing ches with rosicky by bringing on wiltshire in central midfield/ worryingly the new central defender was shown up big-time by diouf and brushed aside relatively easily,
triple brandy and port for me barman and put it on wengers slate, he can afford it with the reported £6million a year new contract
Blimey Visionary. Are you the same man? 😉
Guve Koscielny a break mate! This is his 2nd game in England and both of em have been away and in todays opponents, I doubt nhe’s ever experienced anything quite like Blackburns brand of anti-football before!
My guess is, he will learn from today and be even better for the experience. Here’s hoping anyways. Vermealen made a couple of mistakes and there were a few miss placed passes, but thats to be expected this early in the season.
You gotta love Shearer – he just ripped ‘Al a new one! And ‘ol Links even had good words to say about Walnut!
I’m not going to call Hansen a Scottish wanker. That my dear friend is an insult to our Scottish bretheren 😉
AFC1974 – thanks for that – he is a wanker though.
Great game a bit too nervy at the end I reckon, however THREE points are more than we deserved today.
We showed a lot of grit today, there were few misplaced passes as well but overall we were the better team, Wilshere should of killed it off but we all know he’s learning the trade.
Sagna gets MOTM for me, he was everywhere today, it seems he can go forward with greater easy these days and defends like a lion!
Cesc a bit rusty but I’m sure he’ll find his form soon. Chamakh hold the ball well and chases the ball too, Arshavin had a decent game too, hopefully that goal will get him scoring in evry game now. Theo got another goal, no doubt Hansen will again find the negatives ( I can’t stand that bloke)!
COME ON YOU REDS!
Barman a large glass of your finest Merlot please 😉
Believe and you will Achieve.!!
3 down,9 to go.!!
Zico – aye he is at that 😉
Good win. But best move of the match was Blackburns goal…..Samba surprised eeryone with that nice touch of skill and through ball, though they didn’t do much else apart from long ball tactics again.
First half was quite even and maybe just edged on chances by Blackburn but the second was all ours. Dont know if Blackburn burnt-out or we improved but it was ours to win in the second half. Wouldnt have complained at a draw overall though at Blackburn.
Great 3 points today !! Very optimistic for the rest of the season. Didn’t see what happened with Almunia and the Arsenal supporters after the game can anyone tell me what happened exactly?
2 full weeks to ruminate on victory. Beats the alternative though I wasn’t overly impressed with our performance.
Nice to see Hansen, Shearer and Lineker laughing over Wolves’s style of play. Hypocrites. Although it was happening to that scumbag Barton so fair dos I suppose.
Ochh come on Nasri – a win against Fat Sam is a win. I’ll take those in whatever shape they come!
Brave move to pull our skip off. Though in fairness I thought he looked uninterested and playing well within himself (which is still better than any of those despicable Blackburn players. Do we still have a World Cup hangover?
Cesc has had sod all pre-season and this was his 1st start, to say he was uninterested is wrong, for me. Next you’ll be coming out with the “his mind is in barca” cliched bollocks! 😀
And 8 Ball, you seriously need to lighten up mate! It was a solid performance, a few misplaced passes and Koscielny letting Dioff do him aside.
Now that you mention it Mug, apparently it’s (Barca) in his DNA 😉
Body language looked wrong coming off. Let’s hope he’s just annoyed with himself as his own standards are on a different plateau to most others.
He’s just easing himself back afc1974 I think. You can see in tha photo of Arsehavin celebrating his goal he is all smiles! Plus it was his shot that rebounded off Theo for Arshy to score.
I thought Cesc was uninterested last week for not congratulating Chamakh when normally he’s the first to do so, but it was probably the score line.
I thought he was uninterested today but this picture told me otherwise and I’m confident he’ll do his best this year.
http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0dKibzk3t18Gi/1000x.jpg
Arsenal dance, two, Samba beat . . .
Here sits one very optimistic AKB after a show of steel in Fat Sam’s yard.
This looked like a different kind of Arsenal today – tough, together and thoughtful.
Other than that, you said it all with skill and style ‘Holic – enjoyed the read, instead of watching it again on Football First, as Sky are defaulting my every attempt to select Screen 4 back to the bleeding Spuds v Wigan.
Thrilled with the 3 points, not our best performance but that made taking 3 points off Fat Sam all the better, although I got a little nervous in the last 15 minutes.
I thought Song looked a little rusty with his passing and Cesc was a bit off but the team stepped up and I really think Diaby has turned a corner, he’s looked excellent this season so far.
Late to the party, I see. Was it just me or did the boys seem to have that more incisive, effective creativity that the 04-05 team had? I have a real good feeling about things right now. I really like the team we got- well done Wenger and well done to those who’ve worked hard to get where they are. And Chamakh and Czech the Technique looked superb, even more on form than their starting counterparts, I’d say.
Guinness, please, barman. Sorry on the 12/1, I thought of you as Theo passed to Wilshere… oh well. Victory is sweet as it is!
Decent win but again if we’re going to be up there we need to beat this “up and under” shit. I felt the defense did very well especially the amount of long balls they had to deal with in the last quarter of an hour. Plus Samba was playing as a center forward for most of the half as well. A bit pissed about Van Persie starting in a game he didn’t need to nor does it suit him. At least the injury comes on the front end of an international break.
Our performance was gutsy and skilled enough at key moments but judging by the high standard we will have to display to win the league I seriously question if it was good enough unless we improve. But it was a big away win and confidence booster so I take a good measure of positives out of the day.
bt8bbnn – You’re way too critical.
I assume you did see Chelsea’s away form last year and they did win the league. They were awful, horrible, a joke!
I’m really proud of the team.
Great Stuff!.. I’m a newcomer to the blog but I’ll be a frequenter for sure.
I wasn’t impressed with today’s play as much as the heart of the team. It was certainly a tough match and the lads stuck with it, but it wasn’t their best showing.
I thought Diaby played the best he has in a long while.
If the other boys up front keep finding Theo on those lovely runs he could be atop the league in scoring.
Finally, I thought Manny-boy played fantastic. I didn’t see him flopping around on the ground like a beached tripe for once, aside from when he headbutted the frame of the goal. Might be time we get behind the clown and build up a bit of confidence because we’re running out of time.
I’ll drink to the 3 points, Theo tied for top scorer, Fat Sam and the belly rub he’s getting from Mama Diouf, and another 6-0 win over bolton after the break.
Great win for us – the boys hung tough, I think these type of wins give good confidence and help build mental toughness, we put the ghost of last years visit to that hell hole to rest.
Big ups to guys that have had alot of flak in the past – Diaby and Alumina, they really stood firm today – especially Alumina standing up to “Papa” Diouf. Some moments like that in the game show that the Gunners are gettiing some steel and serving it up back at them – Wisheres tackle on Samba was quality! Diaby I thought was causing alot of problems for them with his strength, kept the ball well and was pretty good defensively. If Diaby can continue to build on his defensive abilities and improve his passing he is going to be a very good player…
Walcott is also on fire great to see him in the game from the off, ups to the Prof for showing the confidence in Theo to go and smash up their net…
Overall a good solid early season game performance, sure there are areas that can be improved but a great win in any case.
One of the best things about the last two games other than the 6pts was that clown Eboue did not play one minute in either of them.Maybe Wenger is now seeing the light or then again
I think it was a really good game overall on our part. Almunia was absolutely brilliant, he refused to let himself be bullied and was 100% focused and did not make a single mistake all game.
And Jack Wilshere is for real. He has got massive potential, and despite being rather small he is not afraid of getting into physical battles.
A bit hungover today after having had ten pints of Boddingtons yesterday, so just some sparkling water for me!
@85 gooner Paul – personally i would have thought the best things about the last two games are, variously, the style and new found steel that we have demonstrated.
Granted that 2 years ago Eboue was a clown and, at times, less than honest in his attitude on the pitch. But he has changed. He is a decent fill-in for Sagna, and when use wide right in midfield, really drives the team forwards and goes at oppostition defences.
He apparantly also does a lot for spirit around the training ground and is very popular with the other players.
He’s not the world’s greatest, but maybe deserves a bit more leeway?
Just 41 goals to go to make it a century, then! Do think we have to hurry, Mrs Robinson is getting older. Oh well, hopefully we’ll get to put a few past him at the Grove.
A propos of ankle knock to RvP and Ray’s comment (no.3) that we are already down to “just two strikers”, what is the situation with Wellington Silva?
Will Wellington be eligible to play as a striker for us from January 2011?
Just read Tony Pulis’ comments about AW;
“‘He’s entitled to his opinion. We’ve fought two world wars to be a free country. We’ve all got different opinions and we must let people say what they say. Whether you agree with it or disagree with it, that’s a different matter. ”
Leaving aside the ridiculous and emotive comparisons…. it does beg the question – if we have freedom of speech, why is he threatening to sue for AW exercising that right?
I doubt that his brain could cope with giving an answer. What a twat.
Clerkenwell,
Wellington is promising, but is a long way off first team capability. He’s behind JET, Watt, Sunu in maturity and talent. Put him out of your mind for another couple of years. He wasn’t even starting for Fluminese when he left them.