The Big Two Clash Again!
Nov 1st, 2007 by 'holic
It has to be said it is some time since I last looked forward to a match with the same levels of excitement and anxiety as I am experiencing about the clash of the big two on Saturday.
Arsenal are once again playing wonderful football, and after a couple of years of transition appear to have returned to challenge the team with whom they have virtually dominated the Premiership years.
I’m sure it was an Arsenal fan who invented the term ‘big four’ to ease the pain of the last two seasons, the only seasons in which we have not finished first or second since Arsene Wenger was in charge for his first full term in 1997-98.
Chelsea may have purchased a couple of titles whilst boring their owner to tears, and Liverpool may be finally hoofing their way to a regular Champions League berth, but the Premier League is all the better for the two senior protagonists contesting the big prize.
After a hesitant start the reds from Salford have started scoring goals for fun. The aesthetically-challenged front pairing of Rooney and Tevez are feasting on the supply of Ronaldo. Although the Mancs failed to beat Reading, Portsmouth, and Manchester City in their opening three fixtures a single goal triumph at home to Tottenham was the starter for eight consecutive wins.
As a result of that run they only trail Arsenal on goals scored, although the Gunners have played one match less. United will also be only too aware that last season the Gunners did the double over them, courtesy of an Emmanuel Adebayor strike at Old Trafford, and goals from Robin van Persie and Thierry Henry at the Grove.
Thus far the truce that seems to have existed between the rival managers in the last couple of years has held, although I have my doubts that it will last until kick-off time. Fergie has mellowed and been more complimentary as we have waned over the last twenty-four months. He has already acknowledged however that we are the main threat to his side this time around.
Thankfully there are no new injuries to report from the Gunners camp. Robin van Persie and Philippe Senderos remain unavailable, and the eleven changes made for the Carling Cup clash in Sheffield suggest Wenger is considering playing an unchanged side from the draw at Anfield last Sunday.
He will only be seriously considering two potential switches. He could revert to a 4-4-2 formation by playing either Eduardo or Walcott instead of Emmanuel Eboue. I have to say I think that unlikely, although my heart would prefer such a move.
The other question exercising his mind will be in central midfield. Matty Flamini has been outstanding, but his performance has just slipped marginally in the last couple of games. Gilberto showed his value to the club with an exemplary display at Bramall Lane and will be in contention for a return to the side. Again, I have to say I think he will start on the bench, although my personal preference would be for the World Cup winner on this occasion.
The key to the contest may well be the way the young Gunners react to the expected treatment from United’s ‘senior professionals’. Let Robert Pires explain, “In the dressing room before a United game, Wenger would have one message every time.
He would just ask us to be calm and to play with our usual style and not to be affected by the opposition.
Specifically, he would tell us not to enter into wars with people like Roy Keane, Wayne Rooney or the Neville brothers.”
Others have tried to bully Arsenal this season and it doesn’t appear to work any more. I don’t believe that the pressure cooker atmosphere on Saturday will do anything to change that.
The fluid 4-4-1-1 formation will work if Alex Hleb maintains his astonishing run of form, and the ‘holic pound will be recklessly planted on a 3-1 win for the hosts. That’s my gut feeling. I’m fully aware that this game really could go either way. About the only scoreline you could discount is a goal-less draw because there is simply too much attacking quality on view.
I’ll be back with a report on Sunday. Until I get on the train on Saturday morning I have to find some way of tempering this excitement. Now where is that whisky? Cheers.
Come on you Gunners!
8 Responses to “The Big Two Clash Again!”
At this point in time I am well and truly crapping myself (as only a game against Man Utd can do to you) and I can’t honestly see the situation improving before Saturday.
I’m telling you, one of these games will be the death of me!!
cheers gunners
Where are all the Gooners today? Downing a few drinks to steady the nerves I’ll bet. I’m about to crack open a few myself, the tension is killing me!!!
Paul i understand fully what u going through because i got no finger nails anymore,every game even the youngster’s games(carling cup) jus seem to push me over the edge,its an early kik off so sleeping is no longer an option….come on you Gooners!!!
come to think of it i mus have a whisky in here somewhere that needs some close attention,on some blogs i herad people debating over the idea of having both Berto and Flamster playing giving Hleb n Rosicky a licence to go out there n produce,what does anyone think?????
You come in here with your whisky and don’t pour a glass for the host?
Good job I don’t a.) drink, or b.) take offence!
😉
I actually don’t think that idea is too bad casicky. Bert & Flaminho can make an impassable wall infront of the defence freeing Cesc up to go were ever he wants. Also prefer Hleb on the wing to Eboue.
Great result, Gallas is the saviour!
anybody still doubting arsene desicion to make gallas captain?
WE’RE STILL TOP OF THE LEAGUE!!! Well done the Gunners , did us proud as ever.