Good morning all
Let me start off by saying what a fantastic performance yesterday!! GET IN!
Yesterday was very enjoyable, after watching the Old Firm game my appetite for the Arsenal game was huge. And it didn't let me down. I thought we were very good, against a very useful City side.
Man City started the game well, with Djourou challenging Tevez too softly, allowing the striker to cross for Silva to flick goalwards, producing an excellent stop from Fabianski. We had yet to settle, but the game would soon turn in our favour. Cesc released Chamakh and his pace troubled Boyata, who proceeded to chop down the Moroccan (not literally, he still has use of both legs!) As Chamakh was last man in the final third, the referee had no choice in sending off the youngster. This changed Man Citys impetus, as Yaya Toure (quite impressive going forward, I might add) dropped in at centre half. That sending off set the game off. A few crude tackles were brought out. Many slate Arsenal for being soft. Yesterday, we were far from it. In the first half, our trio of central midfielders were all on yellow cards.
The first Arsenal goal was quite delicious. Samir Nasri played a one-two with Andrey Arshavin and smashed the ball past Joe Hart. Great goal. Thats 7 in 7 for the Frenchman, and indicates what a phenomenal player he has become. Well worth the £12 million (roughly) we paid for him. Just before half time, Cesc won a penalty. How Kompany could quite dispute it was very laughable. Clear penalty. My gut reaction was that our skipper would miss. And sadly, Cesc produced a fine save from Hart. A sense of deja vu settled in. Would we live to regret that miss? Well, a resounding no.
Again, Man City started the half well. The commentators were waxing lyrical over City, though I don't know why, what do they expect them to do? Just give up!? Even though the midfield were on yellows, they took the game by the scruff of the neck. Fabianski made a couple of great saves from Silva and that former Arsenal reject. I felt we needed to score a second, and soon at that. And we did. More intricate build saw Cesc lurking outside the box. He then threaded the ball through to Chamakh. Wayne Bridge intercepted the pass, but then fell kindly to Alex Song who smashed a wonderful finish high past the helpless Joe Hart. Alex Song has somewhat adapted his play. Due to the midfield understanding, we no longer have a set defensive midfielder. I've no such problems. Variety is also good I feel.
As the game wore down, Theo and Bendtner replaced Chamakh and Cesc. When coming off, Cesc clapped the away fans. And rightly so. They were frigging awesome. I've said it before and I'll say it again; best away fans in the league!
Samir Nasri chased the ball out wide, managed to keep it in and played in Nicklas Bendtner. As he neared Joe Hart, he produced a deft finish into the back of the net, announcing his return in style! 3-0 Arsenal, and finally a big win against a big rival. 'Cause that's what City are, or will be soon, a rival.
A brilliant result from Arsenal. It really was. The sending off helped us. But, the Man City defender was at fault. No one else. I thought Fabianski was excellent. Caught well, saved well and his distribution on the whole, was great. Song and Denilson were very solid. What I love about football is the difference of opinions. Yesterday, people felt Denilson was poor. I thought he was excellent. His passing really is important in our team, especially when we're leading.
Nasri was once again a delight. His dribbling is quality. He can pass the ball to death. And this season, has end product. Far and away our player of the year so far. I liked Arshavin yesterday, his passing was a bit sloppy but I felt he upped his work rate. Fabregas was excellent. As was Chamakh.
That really has lifted the Arsenal spirit! Now to a big game at St James Park on Wednesday, bring it on!!
Thanks for reading, have yourselves a bearable day at work!
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