The minimum requirement for me last night was to get three points. In title races its easier to chase than lead and we're up there and keeping up the pressure.
Going one down was not in my wish list, Everton are a tough side to break down and despite us having a large share of possession I was getting twitchy (and not in a 'Arry 'wheeler-dealer' Redknapp' kind of way)...more of a squeaky-bum nervous way...
We went in for half time without pegging them back. My half-time/full-time predo was shot so it was just hoping for a great comeback.
It was sparked between Fabregas and Arshavin. Cesc hit a lofted pass, it was deflected on by Rodwell and the much-maligned Arshavin pounced to finish well. Super pleased for the little Russian.
At that moment all doubt left me and it was cemented when Koscielny headed home a great RvP corner. He's doing well at the moment Kozzer, at both ends.
ManYoo also won last night, but they will have tougher games and we will have a chance to leap-frog them if we keep turning in performances like last night.
WG
Wednesday, 2 February 2011
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
Passing interest aside, lets chew toffee!
I watched the drama unfold yesterday with a passing interest, the purchase of Andy Carroll for 35 million is either going to be a huge success and great business or just another massively over-hyped, over-priced transfer, the like of which hasn't been seen for a while..Of course I jest.
Onto more important things, Our yoof are scattered across Europe in an adventure to gain first team football experience at various clubs. I wish them well.
Tonight we face Everton, a team who I've always had a soft spot for because they always punch above their weight. They never have any money to spend, they're always scraping the barrell, but they do always put up a good fight.
Without Nasri tonight, I'm hoping Arshavin is feeling on the up and up. We need his creativity and vision to off-set what we've lost in Nasri.
I expect the line-up to look like this..
|
Sczcesny |
||||
| Sagna |
Koscielny Djourou |
Clichy | ||
|
Wilshire Song |
||||
| Walcott | Fabregas | Arshavin | ||
|
RvP |
||||
I'd really like Chamakh to get some game time. He's looking rusty and I felt for him against Huddersfield. He's a great player and he deserves it. Also with Rosicky back to fitness he might start in the place of Arshavin or Walcott...rotation is the key this week.
For now, I'd put money on Arsenal to win both halves. Also, Betfair has a great multiple on ManYoo, Chelsea and Arsenal.
WG.
Monday, 31 January 2011
When its not going right...
At what point is under-achieving acceptable? Is poor form an excuse?
Point a) Arshavin, for what he is paid should be burying chances like he got against Huddersfield. Flipside Point b) Arshavin, who has admitted is suffering poor form and a lack of confidence showed excellent work-rate and desire and is still giving 100% to try and drag himself back to form.
For me, I'm firmly in point b. The very least I expect is for Arsenal players to compete and fight to win. Arshavin didn't give up for a second and worked hard from the second he stepped on the field. His defensive block surely denied a goal-scoring opportunity and showed his determination to get his diminutive frame in the way.
My colleague suggested that its still not enough. We should still expect more for what we pay him.
I'd love to hear what you guys think, everyone I speak to seems to fall between these two points so it would be great to try and work out what the general blogosphere think.
WG.
Fortunate to escape a replay - Squillaci is a goon.
All teams need luck to be successful. Yesterday we were very lucky. Huddersfield pressed well and deserved their goal.
To Sebastien Squillaci, what an absolute Goon. I can't tell you how frustrating that decision by Squillaci was. He was always going to get carded for that and 8 times out of 10 it will be a red. It was arguably the most cynical, blatant professional foul I've seen in ages.
The positive, he's suspended for 3 games. Lets hope Djourou and Koscielny can keep up their good form.
Wenger's gamble on Nasri got found out and now we are without the mercurial French wizard for at least 3 weeks, with the possibility of him missing the first leg of Barca a strong one. Arsene has said that he wanted to play Rosicky in his place but he was still too week following illness. A reasonable gamble and not one to be blamed (unless there was prior indications that his hamstring was fatigued and at risk). I feel for Nasri and hope that his recovery is speedy and he can make it back for Barca.
The important thing to remember is that we avoided a replay that we couldn't afford. Now we need to focus on our next game and work on getting our key players fit. I wonder how far off Vermaelen is?
WG
Sunday, 30 January 2011
Nasri Hamstring injury!
Super Samir looks to have injured his hamstring during a sprint against Huddersfield.
Further news on the injury to follow
WG
Arsenal v huddersfield
Almunia, Squillaci, Chamakh, Diaby and Eboue in another rejigged Arsenal line-up in this must not lose or draw FA Cup game against Huddersfield.
Its a game that I expect us to win with the quality we have out on the pitch.
I expect a simple win from us, win it early and demoralise. Its an important game for Diaby and Squillaci to settle back in and produce a performance to dispel any negative criticism.
I hope victory can be achieve through harmony and I expect it.
WG
Thursday, 27 January 2011
So its the Brum!
So we've been drawn against the Brum! To be honest, its what I wanted! West Ham would have been playing for their last hurrah before relegation and we don't need that!
We've proven this season that we can cope with Birmingham, so its just another game and just another performance required.
For now though, focus needs to switch to Huddersfield this weekend for our FA cup tie.
Benik Afobe has been cleared to play against us and I'm intrigued to see how he's developed. He's a talented, rugged, technical striker and he's got a bright future if he works hard.
For me, I just want to get the win and get back to Prem business.
WG
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