and a memorable goal by a Dutchman very on form. Sounds all a bit familiar doesn't it?
1-0 to the Arsenal was the score, on a day where we celebrated our 125th anniversary. Watching the celebrations, with legends like Charlie George and Frank McLintock taking to the pitch highlights how every step Arsenal take requires bags of class.
If truth be told, I was slightly concerned that the occasion might overshadow the game, but thankfully two moments of brilliant, creating one goal, sealed three points. Alex Song's pass was out of this world. Deserving of a finish. And Robin van Persie came up with the goods. Watch the goal over and over again and admire the technique. I play football, well I try to, and skill like that just cannot be taught. Absolutely world class. The legends watching on from the stand will be waiting for the day Robin van Persie joins them as one of the elite Arsenal players. He is just that good.
It raised more digs from the media etc over being a one man team. This really pisses me off and is disrespectful, if not hypocritical. Remember the Arsenal who played glorious football yet had no end product? The Arsenal who walked the ball into the back of the net, who had no cutting edge? Well right now we are creating chances for van Persie and he is finishing them off with aplomb. Are Barcelona, rightly considered the best on the planet, a one man team due to the exploits off Lionel Messi? Not at all. The 10 players supporting Messi provide him the base to perform on. And van Persie is our very own Lionel Messi.
Important? Of course. Carrying this team? I wouldn't say so.
The midfield triumvate of Alex Song, Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey display a potent mix in the middle of the park. The understanding between the three is absolutely outstanding, and the injured Jack Wilshere faces a real fight to win his place back. And that statement right there shows just how well the three of them are playing right now. They are dominating games which is what I love to see.
We lined up with four centre backs playing across the back four, and for a minute I thought I had missed the part where Tony Pulis became the new Arsenal manager. I jest of course. Injuries forced that move, and you'd have to say the strength in depth is a real bonus this year.
The main worry is upfront. van Persie is performing miracles at the moment, and his replacements aren't up to the task. I am bewildered by the form of Maraoune Chamakh. Something has happened. His confidence has been shot to pieces, and he needs a run of games for his form to return. Sadly that shouldn't be at Arsenal, and I wouldn't bet on him leaving in January on an initial loan move, most likely back to Bordeaux. Still, least he didn't cost £35 million. or £50 million. Ahem.
I'd love us to sign Lukas Podolski in the January window. In World Cups and Euro Championships he is a real explosive player, a match winner. It hasn't quite happened for him at club level, but we have a special man in charge who gets the best out of attacking players. And with Mario Gotze supplying him, I'm sure he will do fine for us ;-).
Everything is looking rosy for Arsenal, we are back in the top four and deservedly so. Honestly, do not underestimate the recovery we have shown. Absolutely outstanding but the hard work doesn't stop here. In fact, this is just the start for a team with the right balance.
Our special neighbours who have enjoyed their best start in a long time, find themselves ahead of us by 2 points and a game in hand. Amazing huh?
Oh, did I mention we suffered our worst start to the season in a long long time? My bad.
I think young Jacky Wilshere will be the winner of his bet against the Tottenham fans.
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