Satisfied

And well we should be. The Arsenal showed grit and determination in the sort of game critics usually point at to explain why the title is beyond our reach. City were physical and the atmosphere electric but to a man we held our ground, soaking it all up and even dishing it out.


Early anxiety was relieved with the sending off. Not so much at the thought of City down to 10 men (as we know from recent efforts not the walk in the park most assume) but more of an indication that the officiating was up to the task. De Jong amazingly seemed to be the only one on the pitch who was immune to review. His "body block" on Cesc was disgusting and subsequent "fouls" which earned yellow cards for players on both sides looked tame in comparison. The commentators even had the audacity to imply that Song was the man who should have been chastised earlier in the game, suggesting that his yellow card should have been his second and thus sent off. In a game filled with so many cards it is puzzling how De Jong could end the game without censure.


One of the many positives from the game was the "quiet" surrounding our defense. Squillaci did little wrong and generally was where he needed to be to interfere with the fired-up Tevez. Djourou was my early concern, finding himself on the wrong side of player and ball meant he was forced to play catch up too often. He can't match the speed of Clichy and Sagna and that meant others had to be positionally aware, shifting to fill openings. It was a relief not to be relying on offside traps to contain the City surges.


Perhaps the missed penalty is the only low note. Cesc telegraphed his intentions very early, leaning back as he approached the ball there was only one direction his shot could go. Maybe a petition sent to Wenger demanding that Nasri be the designated penalty kick taker is in order. His ability to disguise direction and pace, as demonstrated in the build-up and subsequent goal to open the scoring, is ideal for spot kicks.


Well done Arsenal. Carling Cup next and a game at the weekend which will require no let off in concentration. Momentum must be maintained.




Victoria Concordia Crescit