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

Time to Begin the Build Up

Tonight: Arsenal v Everton.


At home the Gunners should be looking to correct the course. The match against Huddersfield was a warning. Let your foot off the gas and even the least likely will do their best to catch you.


A good run is needed, with a return to form and the confidence that will bring to the squad. Barcelona is on the horizon and the next two games need to be seen as a "ramping-up" opportunity.


Good support from the fans is crucial and a solid win tonight will go long way toward improving the sometimes restrained displays of encouragement echoing through the Emirates.


We will miss Nasri, but have the personnel to cover in his absence.




Victoria Concordia 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