Arsenal 2 - Everton 1

Arshavin 70                   Saha  24
Koscielny 75


Despite the best efforts of the match referee, Arsenal overpowered Everton scoring two goals in the second half to claim victory at the Emirates. The game was a high-energy affair with plenty of physical play. Moyes sent out his team with instruction to press and disrupt the Arsenal flow, but the home side was up to the task and responded with equal determination.


Second half substitutions included Diaby on for Song(injury), Arshavin and Bendtner on for Rosicky and Wilshire. 


Arshavin was brilliant and appears to be on the road back. His confidence on the ball producing wonderful opportunities, and his goal well-deserved. The back four handled a barrage of long balls and set pieces while coping well with the tricky Saha.


The opening goal was allowed to stand despite Saha being in an obvious offside position when the ball was struck.


Great character exhibited by the Arsenal kept everyone on the pitch and spirits high. The focus remained on equalizing, then pushing hard for the second tally. With Man U and Chelsea winning it was imperative the Gunners earn all three points. The victory, and the manner in which it was accomplished are a testament to the great spirit and determination within this Arsenal team.


Victoria Concordia Crescit

...Missed

Manchester United  1  -  Arsenal  0


This season has produced several results which left many Arsenal fans questioning the players desire. All sorts of skill but focus and effort lacking. Tonight, the Gunners expended huge amounts of energy but were let down by errant passing and poor touch.

Neither team played particularly well, and though the statistics and many Man U fans may suggest otherwise, the final score was in fact the result of a fortunate deflection. To be fair, Park's header required quick and instinctive reflexes, and it floated up and over the outstretched hand of Sczezny clearing his gloved hand by inches. Nani was going for goal, but as so often this evening, Clichy was there anticipating correctly and getting his foot to the ball. Unfortunately that deflection sent the ball in front of goal and Park reacted quick enough to deflect it again, this time into the upper left corner.


Other notes:


Webb wasn't at his worst, but there were several inconsistencies and the call by the linesman to award Man U the penalty kick clearly a response to the pressure being applied by the home fans.


Wilshere was excellent. He handles the big stage like a seasoned pro.


Cesc and RVP are still rusty.


Sczezny absolutely has what it takes.


Clichy contained Nani, taking the ball away from him in several one-on-one situations. He had the toughest assignment defensively and performed well.


Clichy, like many others, were often let down by their indecision when they had a moment on the ball. "One-touch" became two or three and advantage lost.


Song seemed "out-of-sync". He had one of those games where every attempt to anticipate left him out of position and chasing.


We appeared much too reliant on Nasri to create some magic. 


Ferdinand deserved a yellow for his waist-high-leading-leg-shirt-cutting-superman impersonation.


The general feeling seems to be that despite the final score, there must be some satisfaction in the performance defensively. In addition, we have completed our away fixtures against Chelsea, Man U, Man City and Liverpool, and home wins against all of them a very real possibility.


Tough result, but not the end of the season.




Victoria Cocordia Crescit

Thinking the Unthinkable

At the weekend we witnessed the Unthinkable with Samir Nasri demonstrating pure genius, propelling Arsenal to the top of the League and himself to the top of every Player of the Season list.


Arsenal fans that have been following his career cannot be surprised at his ability, perhaps only the dramatic increase in goals not entirely expected. The absence of Cesc has allowed him to blossom, and despite my admiration for the Spaniard, it is my opinion that Nasri is the only Arsenal player capable of fitting into the Barcelona squad. His pace is the key. He has the close control skill of Hleb, the speed of Walcott and the "trickery" of Arshavin, mixed with a feisty intensity and desire that all great players must possess. Onward and upward Samir.


And likewise Arsenal. Written off amidst a dazzling start by Chelsea, the tradition of Man U and the expected rise of Man City, the top of the League was considered unobtainable by so many pundits. Yet here we are leading the pack in the month of December. The defensive frailty that has even ardent supporters concerned may wreak havoc on the heart, but it is a problem without a singular or definitive cause. Caught up in the momentum of misguided opinion, blame has shifted from goalkeeper to the new center backs and now to Song. But, as with all things great and small, perspective is needed.


A look back reveals that a missed penalty kick and one "brain freeze" handball have had at least an equal impact on our season than all of the supposed shortcomings in personnel. The Rosicky effort at Sunderland should have sealed the game and three points rather than just one. And the mental mistake by Cesc denied us at least one point against Spurs, and possibly three as we chased a third goal rather than play for a draw. At a minimum, three points given away needlessly. Of course those three points do not offset the poor performance against WBA. Two goals at home should be enough. But the result against Newcastle cannot be blamed on the defense, an abysmal effort that hopefully will be the low point of our season.


Of course we would all like to see Arsenal dominating teams week in and week out. But the League is a much different one than we enjoyed 6 or 7 years ago. No team is doing that today and may never again. Chelsea was considered a shoe-in for the title just a month ago, a team so full of talent, experience and strength it was considered naive to question their expected dominance. Yet, here we are, at the top of a very crowded table with more contenders for the crown than ever.


My point would be that while we all may have strong opinions with regard to strategy and squad strength, we must respect that Wenger has chosen to play for goals. Lots and lots of goals. Risky? Yes. Exciting? Certainly. Potential for greatness? Absolutely. Goals change games. Scoring first and scoring often means that the opposition must adjust their game and the advantage is gained. So, while others may cry out for more defense, I align myself with Wenger and push forward.


Now as the Gunners prepare to meet Partizan at the Emirates, we are discreetly forced to think about a much different "Unthinkable". This time not of glory, but rather of the potential for humiliation. No time for complacency, the ramifications of not qualifying for the next round are tremendous. Certainly in regard to financial reward, but more importantly to the psychology of the players. The confidence of the players would take a huge blow, the negative press that would ensue a daily reminder.


It could also have a long term impact on player personnel as witnessed at Liverpool. Established players find themselves traveling to strange places for matches in pursuit of a trophy that pales in comparison to Champions League glory. Suddenly the grass really is greener on the other side of the fence.


So a good effort is in order. RVP may start which may be his opportunity to regain his star status. His build-up play has been exceptional and he should feel quite satisfied, but at the heart of the Dutchman is a goal scorer who thrives on putting the ball in the net. Let's hope he announces his full return with such glory.




Victoria Concordia Crescit

Test 1, 2, 3

Back from the US just in time to watch Nasri and Co take apart England. Samir and Sagna both played well and more importantly went uninjured (though arseblog is cautious regarding Sagna who was subbed late in the game). Gibbs looked rusty but considering he has been out for a while that was expected. RVP played 45 minutes for the Netherlands and by all accounts did well and looks healthy. Cesc had 45 minutes of frustration as Spain got spanked by Portugal. Hopefully the bitter taste will remain and he will be fired up for Spurs, while Chamakh maintained his taste for scoring, notching another for Morocco.


All things considered, the Arsenal have weathered the storm well enough this month. The defeat to Newcastle was painful, one of those games where you watch and wait, hoping that what you are seeing is some sort of dream being played out in the dark corners of your mind. Losing in and of itself is not the problem. Playing so poorly most certainly is. The game at Everton righted so many wrongs and, combined with results for Man U and Chelsea, left the Gunners in a very healthy state.


This weekend will be difficult. Spurs are a strong side, with attacking potential and the midfield will be put to a serious test. As much as I have enjoyed watching Song getting forward, restraint will be required Saturday.




Victoria Concordia Crescit

The Week Ahead

Early reports indicate that Fabregas and Song will miss the trip to Shakhtar for our Champions League match up. While the rest for Cesc and his hamstring will be welcomed, the quick succession of games that follow will serve as an accurate measure of his recovery.


Hamstrings are notoriously difficult to shake. Even worse is the affect it has on the player as, unlike a sore ankle or twisted knee, the hamstring doesn't send out a continuous stream of pain data, choosing instead to spring it's painful surprise in heated moments. Like Freddy Krueger, just when you think you have it beat, the claws come out. It messes with your head. Every run, every leap, is considered rather than instinctively pursued.

No word yet on why Song will be missing. Maybe Arshavin, tired of seeing Alex moving up the list of goal scorers this season, has hidden his boots. Or at least messed with his hair dye. Oh wait, he already did that. Anyway, he, like Cesc, will be missed.

The fan's choice to fill Song's role is probably Wilshire. A bulldog of a player, immune to injury and always willing to mix it up, the only position we may never see him play is Goalkeeper. Nasri, showing that his desire to play centrally is not wishful thinking, stepped up in the West Ham game to become playmaker, covering for the increasingly hobbled Cesc.

The month of November will be busy, the competition diverse, and the potential for reward immense. A victory Wednesday against Shakhtar will allow us to fully focus on the league fixtures. With four Premiere League games in a two week period before the return to Braga for Champions League action, Wenger will not want to be concerned with conserving energy. Four games, each offering a different dynamic but all feisty and physical.

Robin Van Perise, we anxiously await your return:

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/859783/van_persie_free_kick_against_sunderland/

Victoria Concordia Crescit

Delirious Song

Arsenal 1 West Ham 0


Quick notes:


Not a great game by our captain, but Nasri comfortably took over in midfield.


Walcott on the right makes space for those in the middle.


Chamakh needs a rest.


Bendtner is a hungry player.


Song is the new Verminator.




One of those games where the play was good but luck against us, particularly with our shots on goal, the near misses made Robert Green look very good. It may have been the West Ham game plan, or just a typical Scott Parker-inspired effort, but the match was tinkering on the brink of a foul-fest. How he finished the game without at least a yellow card is beyond belief.


Hopefully the victory will further boost the Gunners confidence, particularly in light of the Man City loss to Wolves. Onward Arsenal.




Victoria Concordia Crescit