Yes it's that time again. The time where two London Clubs set aside any other ambitions to wholly focus on one. It's North London derby time again. That means that we as Arsenal FC almost set aside our title ambitions to channel all our energies on the annihilation of Totscum, while our less worthy opponents try and avoid the drop. Heh! It's going to really something, and it more often is . And don't let the league positions fool you. It will be all hammer and tongs. It may pale in comaprison to the mayhem that goes on in Galatasaray and Fenerbache derbies or indeed Independiente and Racing Club in Argentina, but heck, it's our derby and the need to win this one is as good as any other in the world.
Tottenham have been through hell and they will be looking to get their season back on track and could there be any other way than beating their bitterest rivals.They need a bit of impetus. There's no such impetus as beating Arsenal at their home ground for our disillusioned neighbours. Their pride has been hurt immeasurably, some of it though can be salvaged.
We on the other hand can hand them out a thrashing, they never would have received at their mother's knee. And prove, as we have done time and time again of their gross inferiority. Arsenal fans as you can imagine have been at the forefront of taking the piss out of the recent misfortunes of Tottenham, and another Tottenham disaster will give us the licence we have never really needed to go overboard with the dissing. Oh wouldn't that be lover-ly!
It's also time to wipe away those memories of the 5-1 Carling Cup defeat, it was the kids I know, but still we need to dish it out today. The good thing about it too, is that we really will, in my opinion there's no way the Scum could weather the storm. Totnum are just back from their most important result all season. They're first win, they also have Harry Redknapp pulling the strings as coach. But is it going to be good enough to beat an Arsenal side at Ashburton Grove. Naw! I really don't think the Spuds have it in them.
We know they want to beat us so bad, so that's enough for us to piss all over them! Fab gets it going pre-match saying that Spurs would find it tough going to beat our ladies side, and there's stuff about Ade winding them up too. And if you ever need to be reminded of our dominance in this particular fixture have a gander here.
Then again anything could happen in these sorta games. Only one way to find out now innit? It's a 20.00 kickoff at the Grove and so turns out to be a 1.30 kickoff in India and it's live on ESPN in the region.
Let's kick the shite outta Spurs!!
Come on you Gunners!!
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Monday, 27 October 2008
3 points and we are back in the mix!
Apologies for no game preview blog yesterday. My internet connection was acting up yesterday and that put paid to any attempts to get anything up . Was a bit of a laboured Arsenal performance yesterday at Upton Park. All three points nevertheless and that's all that matters.
We started brightly enough in the opening minutes yesterday, enough for the Arsetard to think that we were going to run riot. But that was not how it panned out. Van Persie and Theo came close on occassion and Almunia had to make a fine save off Bellamy who was put in by Scott Parker I think it was, to completeley open us up. Another shot from distance brought about another fine save from our number one. A super run by Theo on the right channel ended up with him in the box and hitting the bar. Another time we came close was when Fab floated a ball in for RVP in the box to beautifully chest down for Theo to beat the keeper, but Green pulled out a decent save to deny us. A couple of half chances for us and some pops from distance from the home team meant that the half time score remained at nil. I think it was more a case of us being less penetrative than West Ham being overly good. We did pick up the pace towards the latter stage of the first half, but nothing was forthcoming. Our central defensive pairing of Silvestre and Gallas did have theior "moments" but I would have to admit it was much better than most.
We failed to pick up from where we left off in first, we were bossing the possesion but failed to produce too many clear cut chances. RVP hit the post from a free kick and that was pretty much it until Ade who came on in the 67th for one of the two wingers who were both substituted, the other player to come on was Diaby. Ade danced his way into the box, past a couple of defenders to put in a cross/shot which Faubert turned into his own net for the opener. And you will have to admit it, Ade was the spark we needed to get the win and he proved it with a well worked second after a sublime pass from Bendtner, who didnt have his best game by any stretch of the imagination.A more detailed match report is here.
After the game Arsene remarked that we couldn’t afford to drop points today
“It is a big win for us because if we had come out of it with a frustrating 0-0 draw, we would have felt that we had wasted an opportunity to get closer to the top.
For us it was important not to make a mistake and to take one of our own chances. We gambled a lot and fortunately we had some strikers on the bench and in the end that made the difference.
We knew before the game that we couldn’t afford to drop points today but I must say that West Ham can feel frustrated because they defended very well and gave absolutely everything today. In the end we got a little opening, maybe they got a little bit fatigued in the last 20 minutes.”
So three vital points it was, especially since two of the usual suspects dropped some this weekend. We are now 4 points behind Liverpool who conquered the Russians in their own backyard, 1 behind the Russians and 1 ahead of the Manks who dropped two points at Goodison on Saturday.That puts us right back in it. We did drop points early on this season but we are hanging in there, tough games await us and we will have to step up.
Before that howeever its the rejuvenated Spuds up next at Ashburton. Our meek North London rivals picked up their first win and will be rearing to go when we take them on this Wednesday. More on that later.
So long mates!
Cheers!
We started brightly enough in the opening minutes yesterday, enough for the Arsetard to think that we were going to run riot. But that was not how it panned out. Van Persie and Theo came close on occassion and Almunia had to make a fine save off Bellamy who was put in by Scott Parker I think it was, to completeley open us up. Another shot from distance brought about another fine save from our number one. A super run by Theo on the right channel ended up with him in the box and hitting the bar. Another time we came close was when Fab floated a ball in for RVP in the box to beautifully chest down for Theo to beat the keeper, but Green pulled out a decent save to deny us. A couple of half chances for us and some pops from distance from the home team meant that the half time score remained at nil. I think it was more a case of us being less penetrative than West Ham being overly good. We did pick up the pace towards the latter stage of the first half, but nothing was forthcoming. Our central defensive pairing of Silvestre and Gallas did have theior "moments" but I would have to admit it was much better than most.
We failed to pick up from where we left off in first, we were bossing the possesion but failed to produce too many clear cut chances. RVP hit the post from a free kick and that was pretty much it until Ade who came on in the 67th for one of the two wingers who were both substituted, the other player to come on was Diaby. Ade danced his way into the box, past a couple of defenders to put in a cross/shot which Faubert turned into his own net for the opener. And you will have to admit it, Ade was the spark we needed to get the win and he proved it with a well worked second after a sublime pass from Bendtner, who didnt have his best game by any stretch of the imagination.A more detailed match report is here.
After the game Arsene remarked that we couldn’t afford to drop points today
“It is a big win for us because if we had come out of it with a frustrating 0-0 draw, we would have felt that we had wasted an opportunity to get closer to the top.
For us it was important not to make a mistake and to take one of our own chances. We gambled a lot and fortunately we had some strikers on the bench and in the end that made the difference.
We knew before the game that we couldn’t afford to drop points today but I must say that West Ham can feel frustrated because they defended very well and gave absolutely everything today. In the end we got a little opening, maybe they got a little bit fatigued in the last 20 minutes.”
So three vital points it was, especially since two of the usual suspects dropped some this weekend. We are now 4 points behind Liverpool who conquered the Russians in their own backyard, 1 behind the Russians and 1 ahead of the Manks who dropped two points at Goodison on Saturday.That puts us right back in it. We did drop points early on this season but we are hanging in there, tough games await us and we will have to step up.
Before that howeever its the rejuvenated Spuds up next at Ashburton. Our meek North London rivals picked up their first win and will be rearing to go when we take them on this Wednesday. More on that later.
So long mates!
Cheers!
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Arsenal 5 - Fenerbache 2, shite defending and commentary to match
Greetings Gooners, quite a washout it was then yesterday huh? What with seven goals being scored,and all that. A win at Istanbul against the Fenerbache is definitely something to savour, and we will.
We set up with 5 in midfield, with Ade the lone man up front. The back four consisted of a central pairing of Song and Silvestre, while Eboue (thankfully) slotted into right back, and not midfield. It was good strategy by Le Boss to strengthen the midfield and it did pay dividends.We settled pretty early on in the piece. Fabregas setting Ade on his was for the opener after some nifty footwork by Diaby. The second came literally seconds after when Theo was sent bounding down the right by our young Spanish maestro, to slot home. 2-0 Arsenal, and really it was just what we wanted to shut up the home fans. Easy -peasy, really. If we thought our defence was shite then we have to be thankful we don't have Fenerbache's.
Feberbache though were not completely on the backfoot, some solid goalkeeping by captain on the night, Almunia ensured that our 2 goal advantage was preserved. Our defences, however were breached when Guiza's shot was deflected past a hapless Almunia, and you were thinking hmmm. But we were back in it, this time Diaby made a run down the left and whacked it home with aplomb. 3-1 , to the away team, but we were always under pressure with our slack defending. It was very nervy at times.
We scored early in the second through Song and at 4-1 we were cruising. You'd have to think it would have to be some sort of out break of the Ebola virus at the back to let this game slip. We controlled most of the possesion in the second period, but we were in dangerof conceding at times when we played a high line, and one such time we were caught by Guiza and paid the price. But we were no real danger of losing the game even at this stage. The cherry on top moment was when young Aaron Ramsey made it 5 for us when he scored in the closing minutes. 5-2 and that's that! A full match report is here.
A fine win, especially with the record that the Turkish team have at home. But that said the defending left a lot to be desired. It was really nerve-racking at times. And you really wonder if we would survive with a performance like this against stronger opposition. In a way it was the same old Arsenal , brilliant going forward, but not so great at the back. I know it was this back fours first time out, but we need to sort out the defensive frailities now.
Besides that I think Diaby had a fine game, the 5 man midfield suited us well and Almunia was worth his weight in gold at times. And Cescy was beginning to find the form we all know him for and Theo was dazzling again with hi9s pace and movement. 7 points, that gives us. and top of the table. We play Fenerbache in the reverse fixture at Ashburton Grove in two weeks time. Our next 2 matches are London Derbies - an away trip to West Ham and then the Shite come a visiting. Should be a real cracker, what with them being the bottom dwellers we always knew they were. Ha!
The commentary on Zee Sports yesterday was horrendous! Absolute rubbish it was , worse than the Fenerbache defense. Sub-standard nonsense and we also get step-motherly treatment by the networks in India. The Manure and Chelski games always, always get prominence over ours. They even have the original commentary, but we had to settle for some leftover drivel by some nincompoop, who kept seeing RVP on the pitch every time Cescy or Nasri was on the ball. It was just a joke. The commentary added nothing to the game, he had no extra information to add to that which we could not see or decipher for ourselves. And will leave it there not going to waste anymore spittle on that. I'm never envious of Manure or Chelski fans, but this time I am. Heck, no way just kidding you! Never jealous of that lot, no way!
I'm in a real hurry so will resort to linking you to Arsene's post match comments, what Ade and Almunia had to say.
And that will have to do for now. 5 goals scored, 2 let in. A big win but our defence is just not the most assured. It's hard not to be pleased after a win like this, but we definitely need to work out our defense. That's something Arsene can think about while he celebrates our win and his 59th birthday.
Happy birthday Arsene!
and im outy!
We set up with 5 in midfield, with Ade the lone man up front. The back four consisted of a central pairing of Song and Silvestre, while Eboue (thankfully) slotted into right back, and not midfield. It was good strategy by Le Boss to strengthen the midfield and it did pay dividends.We settled pretty early on in the piece. Fabregas setting Ade on his was for the opener after some nifty footwork by Diaby. The second came literally seconds after when Theo was sent bounding down the right by our young Spanish maestro, to slot home. 2-0 Arsenal, and really it was just what we wanted to shut up the home fans. Easy -peasy, really. If we thought our defence was shite then we have to be thankful we don't have Fenerbache's.
Feberbache though were not completely on the backfoot, some solid goalkeeping by captain on the night, Almunia ensured that our 2 goal advantage was preserved. Our defences, however were breached when Guiza's shot was deflected past a hapless Almunia, and you were thinking hmmm. But we were back in it, this time Diaby made a run down the left and whacked it home with aplomb. 3-1 , to the away team, but we were always under pressure with our slack defending. It was very nervy at times.
We scored early in the second through Song and at 4-1 we were cruising. You'd have to think it would have to be some sort of out break of the Ebola virus at the back to let this game slip. We controlled most of the possesion in the second period, but we were in dangerof conceding at times when we played a high line, and one such time we were caught by Guiza and paid the price. But we were no real danger of losing the game even at this stage. The cherry on top moment was when young Aaron Ramsey made it 5 for us when he scored in the closing minutes. 5-2 and that's that! A full match report is here.
A fine win, especially with the record that the Turkish team have at home. But that said the defending left a lot to be desired. It was really nerve-racking at times. And you really wonder if we would survive with a performance like this against stronger opposition. In a way it was the same old Arsenal , brilliant going forward, but not so great at the back. I know it was this back fours first time out, but we need to sort out the defensive frailities now.
Besides that I think Diaby had a fine game, the 5 man midfield suited us well and Almunia was worth his weight in gold at times. And Cescy was beginning to find the form we all know him for and Theo was dazzling again with hi9s pace and movement. 7 points, that gives us. and top of the table. We play Fenerbache in the reverse fixture at Ashburton Grove in two weeks time. Our next 2 matches are London Derbies - an away trip to West Ham and then the Shite come a visiting. Should be a real cracker, what with them being the bottom dwellers we always knew they were. Ha!
The commentary on Zee Sports yesterday was horrendous! Absolute rubbish it was , worse than the Fenerbache defense. Sub-standard nonsense and we also get step-motherly treatment by the networks in India. The Manure and Chelski games always, always get prominence over ours. They even have the original commentary, but we had to settle for some leftover drivel by some nincompoop, who kept seeing RVP on the pitch every time Cescy or Nasri was on the ball. It was just a joke. The commentary added nothing to the game, he had no extra information to add to that which we could not see or decipher for ourselves. And will leave it there not going to waste anymore spittle on that. I'm never envious of Manure or Chelski fans, but this time I am. Heck, no way just kidding you! Never jealous of that lot, no way!
I'm in a real hurry so will resort to linking you to Arsene's post match comments, what Ade and Almunia had to say.
And that will have to do for now. 5 goals scored, 2 let in. A big win but our defence is just not the most assured. It's hard not to be pleased after a win like this, but we definitely need to work out our defense. That's something Arsene can think about while he celebrates our win and his 59th birthday.
Happy birthday Arsene!
and im outy!
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Everton review and Fenerbache preview
Hello again! How goes it wherever you are? Much better after the real footbal back and the Arsenal win against Everton on Saturday. Wasn't the most convincing win by any stretch of the imagination. But three vital points and we hopefully can get our season back on track after the stop start stuff so far.
I think a big factor which is going to determine if at all we are successful at all this season is mental toughnesss. And Van Persie deals with it here -
"At this time, in football, the mental aspect is really important, maybe more than 30 or 40 per cent [of the game]. If you look at the matches against Bolton and Blackburn, the mental aspect was more important than the way we wanted to play.
While the lads did have to come back from a goal down, to win the game, it wasn't by far against the toughest of opposition. We were sluggish in the opening exchanges and indeed for most of the first half. It was only in the second half that we began to take control after the crucial goal by Samir Nasri. Maybe it was all the international travel, but maybe it was lack of real thrust and drive. And thats what I think will determine if we do win any cups this season. Do we have the drive? The team still needs to convince me of it. Again I am nit-picking a bit especailly after they came back to win against Everton. But I can't help but wonder if we do have have a determined driven bunch at the moment. We need some heads with real character to lead the young 'uns. To say we have no experienced campaigners in the squad will be stupid, but then again will they step up sufficiently? Well I haven't seen enough of that yet. We are just into the season, but we could have had a better starts, and can't afford too many more slip ups in the Prem. We need to show that we have real character from here to bomb on, even this early on.
Post Everton Le Boss speaks about Samir Nasri, who I think is one strong character and a vital cog in the present set up. Wenger is pleasantly suprised to note that he is settling down so well, saying-
"When you look at the impact he had already here you can say he’s ahead of what I planned for him.
I think a big factor which is going to determine if at all we are successful at all this season is mental toughnesss. And Van Persie deals with it here -
"At this time, in football, the mental aspect is really important, maybe more than 30 or 40 per cent [of the game]. If you look at the matches against Bolton and Blackburn, the mental aspect was more important than the way we wanted to play.
“I do not think it is a real big problem for us but every single time we have to prove it again.
“Last season we played fantastic for three-quarters of the season and then suddenly everything fell down.
“I do not know if the reason was mentality, maybe it was a bit of everything, but we learned a lot from last year.
“The season is long. We've lost some points but we've won some as well so we just have to stay positive.”
While the lads did have to come back from a goal down, to win the game, it wasn't by far against the toughest of opposition. We were sluggish in the opening exchanges and indeed for most of the first half. It was only in the second half that we began to take control after the crucial goal by Samir Nasri. Maybe it was all the international travel, but maybe it was lack of real thrust and drive. And thats what I think will determine if we do win any cups this season. Do we have the drive? The team still needs to convince me of it. Again I am nit-picking a bit especailly after they came back to win against Everton. But I can't help but wonder if we do have have a determined driven bunch at the moment. We need some heads with real character to lead the young 'uns. To say we have no experienced campaigners in the squad will be stupid, but then again will they step up sufficiently? Well I haven't seen enough of that yet. We are just into the season, but we could have had a better starts, and can't afford too many more slip ups in the Prem. We need to show that we have real character from here to bomb on, even this early on.
Post Everton Le Boss speaks about Samir Nasri, who I think is one strong character and a vital cog in the present set up. Wenger is pleasantly suprised to note that he is settling down so well, saying-
"When you look at the impact he had already here you can say he’s ahead of what I planned for him.
"He’s 21, goes from France to England, and I must say I’m quite pleased with his attitude and his performances. He’s doing extremely well and he is already becoming an important player for us and that is why you do not want him to get injured."
Fabregas dismissed speculation that he had refused a contract at Arsenal with this here, read all about it , if you haven't already that is.
It's back to CL action for us tonight as we take on Turkish powerhouses Fenerbache in their own backyard. The fans there really create a 'cauldron' like atmosphere and is one of the toughest places to go to. I think we should be able to deliver there though, and I fancy us to come out on top. While a draw won't be too bad, I really think we can do one better.
The complete squad for this game is available here. We will have Djourou and Bendner back for this one, but missing all but Clichy of our starting back four. That could mean a Djourou and Silvestre partnership at the centre, while I really hope that Arsene deploys Eboue at right back, if he gets into the team at all that is. We all know that Eboue will though.
That's about that for now. A win today will put us well on track and restore a lot of much needed confidence. The game is a 1945 kickoff Uk time and a 0015 kickoff for viewers in India, who can watch it on Zee Sports.
Come on you Gunners!
Saturday, 18 October 2008
Everton today as the real football returns!
Greetings fellow Gooners! I arise from the every depths of the international break to salute the return of real football. And it's the Arsenal once again in action, Everton provide the opposition this time.And needless to say we need all three points. The mood in the camp understandably has been better.
And all that had definitely got our midfield general thinking.The man who rescued a point for us last time round, Cesc Fabregas had stated earlier in the week that this team probably was too young and not as skillful as earlier teams. But he 'clarified' those statements saying-
“Arsène has built an unbelievable squad here,” said Fabregas.
“We have great spirit and I have complete trust in the manager’s policy.
“Arsène is the best at giving youngsters a chance. No-one else comes close to him for that. He doesn’t care how old you are, as long as you are good enough, and has the confidence to give young players a chance.
“Anything said to the contrary is simply not true and I would like to reiterate to all Arsenal supporters that I am 100 per cent behind the team and the manager.
Well it's plain to see that Cescy shares the same opinion that we all do as stated earlier this week. But like him we have to get behind the team and get some spirit going. A win today will be a good start, if not we could be in for a long season.
Le Prof is well aware of the situation we are in saying-
"I believe that this is a new start,” he said. “In fact it is the real start of the season because there is now no interruptions anymore. It looks like to me there is a new championship starting.”
I watched the Invincibles DVD yesterday, and was reminded that the 49 game winning run started from a disappointment. They stated thir run as if they were beginning a new season and thats what this present lot has to do as well.If we can capture some of the resolve and consistency into this team, then I think we can go a long way this season. I definitely agree with all the opinion out there that central defence needs some chopping and changing and that we need a DM. But besides that I think the squad is all in place. Most of all though, we need some unshakeable steel, once we get that then I think we can be unstoppable. Maybe im getting a wee bit carried away after watching the Invincibles. But heck, they proved that anything is possible!
We are walking a bit of a tight-rope from here on in. Arsene adressed that saying-
“I think if you ask me how many games I think we can lose I would say zero. I always start a season thinking you cannot lose a game, but we have lost two already and we are in a position where we have given ourselves a handicap."
“I still think it is manageable to get back to the top. I know that there is not a lot of margin of error left but I still think we can do that.”
Hmm a long way to go come may and rot like that, but we need to get our act together pronto. And It could all begin today for us.
We will be missing Gallas, Sagna, Bendtner and Djourou all out through injury. So this will mean plenty of mixing and matching with the back four and will also provide Sylvestre a chance to slot in and show us what he's got. On the good side of things though,RVP ( quick galnce upwards and 'thank you' to the heavens) has returned unscathed from the international break and Cescy should play with a broken nose. And what do you know ! Diaby is fit again. Could he be be the missing ingredient in our deficient midfiled? Well we'll just have to see won't we.
The game is a 1500 kickoff in the UK and therefore is a 1930 kickoff here in India. A couple of mates and I here in Bangalore are really trying to unite all the Gooner faithful in Bangalore and eventually the whole nation. To begin with join the Google group (link alongside on the right) and come over to SBX Sportsbar in Gopalan Mall on Mysore Road to watch the Everton game. Even if you can't make it this weekend, join the group and maybe we'll catch up later for a game. But game watching is not all, we have plenty of other grandiose plans, so do sign up and you will receive regular updates and much more. This is your chance to be part of an Arsenal Community in India.
Hope to see you at the game and Come on Arsenal!!!!
And all that had definitely got our midfield general thinking.The man who rescued a point for us last time round, Cesc Fabregas had stated earlier in the week that this team probably was too young and not as skillful as earlier teams. But he 'clarified' those statements saying-
“Arsène has built an unbelievable squad here,” said Fabregas.
“We have great spirit and I have complete trust in the manager’s policy.
“Arsène is the best at giving youngsters a chance. No-one else comes close to him for that. He doesn’t care how old you are, as long as you are good enough, and has the confidence to give young players a chance.
“Anything said to the contrary is simply not true and I would like to reiterate to all Arsenal supporters that I am 100 per cent behind the team and the manager.
Well it's plain to see that Cescy shares the same opinion that we all do as stated earlier this week. But like him we have to get behind the team and get some spirit going. A win today will be a good start, if not we could be in for a long season.
Le Prof is well aware of the situation we are in saying-
"I believe that this is a new start,” he said. “In fact it is the real start of the season because there is now no interruptions anymore. It looks like to me there is a new championship starting.”
I watched the Invincibles DVD yesterday, and was reminded that the 49 game winning run started from a disappointment. They stated thir run as if they were beginning a new season and thats what this present lot has to do as well.If we can capture some of the resolve and consistency into this team, then I think we can go a long way this season. I definitely agree with all the opinion out there that central defence needs some chopping and changing and that we need a DM. But besides that I think the squad is all in place. Most of all though, we need some unshakeable steel, once we get that then I think we can be unstoppable. Maybe im getting a wee bit carried away after watching the Invincibles. But heck, they proved that anything is possible!
We are walking a bit of a tight-rope from here on in. Arsene adressed that saying-
“I think if you ask me how many games I think we can lose I would say zero. I always start a season thinking you cannot lose a game, but we have lost two already and we are in a position where we have given ourselves a handicap."
“I still think it is manageable to get back to the top. I know that there is not a lot of margin of error left but I still think we can do that.”
Hmm a long way to go come may and rot like that, but we need to get our act together pronto. And It could all begin today for us.
We will be missing Gallas, Sagna, Bendtner and Djourou all out through injury. So this will mean plenty of mixing and matching with the back four and will also provide Sylvestre a chance to slot in and show us what he's got. On the good side of things though,RVP ( quick galnce upwards and 'thank you' to the heavens) has returned unscathed from the international break and Cescy should play with a broken nose. And what do you know ! Diaby is fit again. Could he be be the missing ingredient in our deficient midfiled? Well we'll just have to see won't we.
The game is a 1500 kickoff in the UK and therefore is a 1930 kickoff here in India. A couple of mates and I here in Bangalore are really trying to unite all the Gooner faithful in Bangalore and eventually the whole nation. To begin with join the Google group (link alongside on the right) and come over to SBX Sportsbar in Gopalan Mall on Mysore Road to watch the Everton game. Even if you can't make it this weekend, join the group and maybe we'll catch up later for a game. But game watching is not all, we have plenty of other grandiose plans, so do sign up and you will receive regular updates and much more. This is your chance to be part of an Arsenal Community in India.
Hope to see you at the game and Come on Arsenal!!!!
Saturday, 4 October 2008
Sunderland today and all three points please!
Back to Premier League Action today it is for the Arsenal after the 4-0 histrionics against Porto in midweek. Our opponents this tine 'round are Sunderland, as we visit the Stadium of Light today.
I'm really pressed for time, so will point you in the direction of all the stories, and on the double. First up team news, it looks like we will have Alexandre Song back for selection and Silvestre as well. Fair play to the Cameroonian, he's looked good so far this season in the opportunities presented to him. And that's seems to be all as far as team news goes. Le Prof talks about passing on his philosophy and there's a fuller match preview here.
Needless to say that we can't afford to lose this one. We will be expecting a strong showing and all three points please. Roy Keane is not the easiest of adversaries and the boys will have to do more than just show up like they did against Hull. We are a two points off the top and we'd like to be there and there abouts atleast till February or so and then look to kick on.
The game is a 1500 kickoff in the UK which makes it an evening kick off at 19.30 for viewers in India and it's live on ESPN. A couple of my mates and I are watching the game at the Sports Bar at Cosmos Mall in Marthahalli, Bangalore. It's opposite Brookefields ( HLL office). We'd like it if more Gooners, or any one else interested dropped by. We are trying to get a regular place where fans can come together to watch week in week out. So do drop by if you are interested. And oh, we checked with the management at the Sports Bar, they ARE showing our game.
And that's about all. Hope to see you at the game!
Cheers!
Come on you Gunners!
I'm really pressed for time, so will point you in the direction of all the stories, and on the double. First up team news, it looks like we will have Alexandre Song back for selection and Silvestre as well. Fair play to the Cameroonian, he's looked good so far this season in the opportunities presented to him. And that's seems to be all as far as team news goes. Le Prof talks about passing on his philosophy and there's a fuller match preview here.
Needless to say that we can't afford to lose this one. We will be expecting a strong showing and all three points please. Roy Keane is not the easiest of adversaries and the boys will have to do more than just show up like they did against Hull. We are a two points off the top and we'd like to be there and there abouts atleast till February or so and then look to kick on.
The game is a 1500 kickoff in the UK which makes it an evening kick off at 19.30 for viewers in India and it's live on ESPN. A couple of my mates and I are watching the game at the Sports Bar at Cosmos Mall in Marthahalli, Bangalore. It's opposite Brookefields ( HLL office). We'd like it if more Gooners, or any one else interested dropped by. We are trying to get a regular place where fans can come together to watch week in week out. So do drop by if you are interested. And oh, we checked with the management at the Sports Bar, they ARE showing our game.
And that's about all. Hope to see you at the game!
Cheers!
Come on you Gunners!
Wednesday, 1 October 2008
Porto 0 - Arsenal 4
Yesterday's 4-0 whitewash of Porto was just what we needed to get the Arsenal spirits back on an upward spiral. I'm sure the community is well satiated with the performance at Ashburton grove in the matchday 2 encounter at Ashburton Grove.
2 each for the frontmen Adebayor and Van Persie. And it was nice to see them both get well amongst the goals early on this season. Four scored yesterday, but really it could have been so much more as we created a whole truck load of chances especially in the second half. I may sound a little harsh but, I'd like to see us more clinical in the final third.
On to the performance and now as must be clear was much improved from last Saturday. The lads looked up for it and wanted to atone for the disappointment against Hull. We dominated the play from the 10th minute of playonwards or so. But we were never quite penetrative enough. Theo was a live wire on the pitch and was wreaking havoc in the Porto ranks. His lightning pace is really something to behold, incredible. Porto were dangerous on the counter though a rasping shot from long range prompting a diving save from Almunia, and another corner which was not dealt with resulting in a frantic goal line save from Clichy and clearance from Ade , helping out the defence. The openner came in the 31st when Adebayor was put in by Cesc, who squared for an on rushing RVP to slide in past the Porto keeper.1-0 to the Arsenal, as Arsene got off the bench to celebrate. Arsene was all smiles and he had a look of satisfaction writ large on his face. He spoke about feeling 'physically sick' when the team do badly and now we could see the opposite. Back to the goal, it was super instict that saw RVP at the right place at the right time to slot home the goal, absolutely brilliant! The second came when RVP took one of the many corners in the first period, a nice delivery which founds it's way to our big Togolese striker , who then headed it into the ground to beat a flapping Porto GK and the man on the line. 2-0 and we were cruising, and in to the half time break we were comfortable.
All we had to do is probably ride out the early storm from a seasoned Porto side, who are no mugs. The storm was not forthcoming though, as we increased our lead through RVP. a loose ball picked up by Theo (?) who played it into the path of RVP who powered his way into the box to poke home for his second. A wonderful goal, and something we are not accustomed to seeing too much at Arsenal. 3-0, and if there was any doubt of the game being sewn up, it was made completeley clear that it was. We were completely in control of the game by this stage, the game being completely played in the Porto half. The fourth came when Bendtner who came on for RVP around the 60th had his legs taken in from under him. Ade stepped up and delivered from the spot . 4-0. We created a whole lot more after this, but sadly no more goals were forthcoming. One note of caution though-It was not the most assured performance at the back though, and we really need to clear this up.A full match report is here from .com.
After the game Arsene said-
“We were focused. I thought at times we were a little bit too tense, especially at the start of the game. But we were focused and at that level, whether it is the Premier League or the Champions League that is vital. I believe that on Saturday we were caught by a lack of focus.
“I think the team is maturing and there is big potential in the side. We want to be intelligent and in the end you measure that on how well we do together.”
Well the Arsenal rollercaoster goes up again. Good to get back to winning ways again. We needed a commanding performance yesterday, and the lads delivered, and really theres not too much more you could ask for after a 4-0 performance. We needed a response yesterday, and we got it. I'm going to leave it here for the time being, work calls and rot like that.
Have a good one, Gooners!
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