It's My Party And I'll Cry If I Want To!
Apr 13th, 2008 by 'holic
I’ve been here before. For nearly an hour Arsenal were in complete and utter control of the game at Old Trafford. In the final half hour it was an even contest. Yet those who made the journey to the north-west are once again coming home disappointed.
The texts have come rolling in on the mobile. Yes, actually, I am at Arsenal’s end of season party tonight. It started the moment I, and the other Gooner in the local, saw the team selected.
One could argue it was potentially a master stroke by Arsene Wenger to include Jens Lehmann after his very public protestations in the week. ‘Go and win us the game’, said my mate. Like Almunia at Anfield the German had the chance to earn us something if he could save a penalty. He couldn’t. Almunia wasn’t even on the bench. I’m not altogether sure after this decision that we won’t be looking for two goalkeepers in the summer.
That very strange selection will detract from a what was almost a tactical masterstroke. The inclusion of Song was another gamble, but one that almost yielded rich rewards. I had argued beforehand that this was not an occasion for Senderos. I didn’t expect the fella with the crazy hair to drop into his position and play so well.
Gilberto would not have started in my selection, but the Brazilian rolled back the years with a solid display. He was a large part of why we were so dominant in the opening half and beyond.
Such dominance requires a reward though. Surrounded by Mancs, my mate and I agreed we should have been two or three up at half-time, and would pay the penalty. We weren’t, and we did, despite fortune smiling on us when Adebayor had a hand in putting us ahead.
It was no more than we deserved, but the hand of Gallas ensured parity was restored. The jury is out on this man’s contribution. I actually like him as a player, but as a captain I’m afraid I think he is seriously lacking. That is an argument for another day.
A free-kick from Hargreaves snatched away the point that was the very least our spirited display deserved. For once even Ferguson admitted as much. “I think Arsenal have been unlucky not to get something from the game. You couldn’t ask for more from a team than Arsenal produced today and we’ve still managed to win.”
Wenger was understandably philosophical. “In the last two months we have had a blip, but we have not had much luck either and you could see that again today. I believe this team is good enough to win things and our biggest target now is to keep the group together.”
That final sentence is interesting, and hints at some concern that one or two players he wants to keep may be moving on. I hope rumours of Flamini’s imminent desertion are exagerrated, and after today I also hope that Almunia will not be more inclined to listen to offers from elsewhere.
14 Responses to “It's My Party And I'll Cry If I Want To!”
Almunia had a wrist injury according to Sky.
I believe Almunia was injured. Cant really blame him for the recent collapses. Although I did hope that Lehmann returning would tighten up defence but I dont think theres much between them actually. If anything Almunia is better with the ball at his feet. People always talking about a new goalkeeper but to be fair to Almunia he probably makes fewer gaffes than most other keepers – although probably not as many spectacular saves either. I’d like him to stay.
It was an exceptional display from Arsenal today and yes we should have won, but once again, poor finishing and the fact we can’t hold on to a lead was our down-fall.
I believe the players have learned so much this season and the experience will be invaluable next season.
Some questions have to be asked and I believe we need a top drawer keeper, a midfielder if Flamini does a Campbell, and a winger.
We do create the chances but Adebayor has been hit and miss this season, his belief he could become the next Henry was pathetic and he should have concentrated on his strengths rather than the media hype he was the next Henry.
The team has done better than anyone imagined, so roll on next season as I believe it will be the start of our time.
A player representing my biggest regret for the team sprang to mind right after this match, Jose Reyes. I believe the a player of his stature is imminent for the squad next season.
We are not a million miles away from any of our nearest rivals, so I’m not completely downhearted. We’ve only lost out through small margins and hopefully the team will have learned loads from the events of the last couple of months.
I don’t think Wenger’s post-match comments are anything new, he’s been saying this for a while. If he can keep the team together, he will only need to add 1 or 2 players, but if more players leave, it will impact on how many he needs to bring in and how long they need to settle in before we can start winning things. This current team is so close to doing something big, it would be a real shame to lose any of the key members.
P.S. well done Alex Song – I also never expected Wenger to play him and certainly not at centre-back, so well done for coming into such a high profile game and not looking out of place.
wenger is gradually becoming a failure!
Iman how can you say that when we outplayed the mancs and were unlucky not to win.
Green Hornet you are insane. Jens is a way better goalkeeper. He saves the goals that Almunia has never saved
stonroy, jens WAS a better keeper, his is not now. Neither Jens or Almunia are good enough as 1st choice keepers for Arsenal. Plus how can you save a goal?
Hello ‘holic.
That is all.
the game we played seems decent but where it went wrong? in my opinion AdeBADyor is not a competent main striker. Eboue is not a winger but a full back. Toure is not a right back but a center back. Song might be able to be a center back but he is still young and inexperienced, he should not have been put in the position last night but could probably fill in the vacancy Flamini left, in combination with Gilberto in midfield to form a 4-2-3-1 or 4-5-1 formation. if people pay tribute to Mr. Wenger for Arsenal’s success then, it’s all Mr. Wenger to blame because we will win nothing, especially we could have won something this season.
What a result!!!!!! Come on you ‘real’ reds
Inability to finish and defensive (mental) frailty; those are the two issues that need addressing.
Every player gave all he could; the only thing one could ask more of the players is to be mentally tougher, especially when we have the lead.
Ooh, a real life United fan. You must be from Wiltshire…
😉