Three points in the bag…..that was a relief wasn’t it? It was definitely not the greatest performance I have seen but right now performances can wait, we need the points with Everton creeping upon us.
I think its important to emphasise that the team never gave up yesterday and I’m happy to say their heads never dropped, even when we missed chance after chance to score. Big Adebayor had two great chances yet somehow failed to score. Firstly he was denied by some heroic defending by Distin (who we are linked to) in the first half when Diaby put him through. Secondly in the second half, James made a right mess of things and Ade was unmarked, he somehow blasted the shot wide. I don’t want to be too hard on Ade today, he seems to be lacking sharpness in matches, maybe he needs a break.
I was happy with the goal because it came from a set piece and this shows we have another dimension to our game, besides the one touch magical passing we are use to. In the 80th minute Denilson curled in a free kick, James completely missed the punch and Gallas bravely headed the ball in. I know I have been hard on Gallas in my last posts, but I was impressed with him yesterday. All he can do is to show why he shouldn’t have been stripped of his captaincy; as long as he keeps us clean sheets and scores vital goals like that I will be impressed.
It was interesting to see David James’ performance yesterday, he made one or two vital saves but he seem to be constantly flapping on high balls and crosses. I read an interview of James once, he admitted that Liverpool finally sold him as he admitted to his manager that his lack of concentration which conjoined up his reputation as ‘Butterfingers’ was due to his late night computer sessions. I suspect he was surely playing too much ‘Pro Evo’ and was still in the festive mode before the Arsenal game. Thankfully the Arsenal players realised he kept flapping at crosses and took advantage of this.
Another positive was the performance of Nicklas Bendtner, he was playing out of position on the left hand wing but done very well. He may lack pace and flair, however he put in a lot of effort and did some nice passing in my opinion.
Arsene Wenger said after the game:
“Yes it was a big three points for us because we gave a lot physically but in the end only got a disappointing point at Villa. It was important to get the three points today because recently, no matter what we do, we are always reading bad headlines. It is important for the belief of our team to come away with three points today”.
There was something of a positive in yesterdays match programme.
Wenger said
“The transfer window opens (on Thursday) and, although we are not close to signing anyone at the moment, if we do buy I think what we need is maybe someone with a bit of experience,”
“Cesc is a long way from playing again, so are Tomas Rosicky and Theo Walcott, and these are three creative players that we count on at the start of the season. So what we might need is someone who can create a little spark.”
Zenit St Petersburg star Andrei Arshavin has been mooted as a target, but Wenger has refused to divulge the names of his potential recruitments.
“I don’t need to announce a name,” Wenger said with a smile when asked by the French television channel Canal Plus about Arshavin.
“Because when you do that there is 50 per cent less chance of making the signing. But I need a creative midfielder and eventually another midfielder, because we are short”.
The News of the World yesterday announced we are interested in signing Given, Taylor and N’Zogbia at Newcastle, however this is just speculation and tabloid creativity in my opinion. I cant see it happening, I wouldn’t mind Stevie Taylor though, he can give us an English spine we need!
Another rumour to mention is Zenit St Petersburg defender Ivica Krizanac is interesting Arsenal. The Sunday Mirror says Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is considering a £7 million bid for Krizanac, 29.
Also…
Leeds boss Grayson insists Arsenal, Newcastle target Fabian Delph who is a young winger is not for sale
Newcastle have already had a bid rejected for the teenager, while Arsenal have been linked with a £6million New Year swoop.
However, Grayson says he has been assured Delph will not be leaving Elland Road and has been impressed by the youngster since he replaced Gary McAllister as manager last week.
“Fabian has a big reputation and he has worked ever so hard for me in the last two games,” said Grayson. “He showed his sheer quality with the goal.
“I have been assured he will not be sold, and that is where we are at.
“We do not need to sell him, we do not need to sell any of our players.”
12 Comments
December 29, 2008 at 16:29
Some good points made amigo.
We need some ’spine’ in the squad.
December 29, 2008 at 16:32
Cheers……advertise my blog on your blog matey! I will do the same for you when I learn, I am finding it a bit complicated and confusing!
December 29, 2008 at 16:40
if you keep on producing these high-quality blogs you’ll be right up there with the best arsenal bloggers m8
December 29, 2008 at 21:19
Thank you…..much appreciated. Check out my blog on a daily basis and spread the word.
December 29, 2008 at 16:46
does he have the money. If he does why did he not spend it in the summer(lost three good experienced midfielders- Hleb, Flamini and Gilberto and signed Nasri and Bischoff– where is he?)Is trying to prove a point or does not have the money
December 29, 2008 at 21:22
Bischoff was signed for Arsenal in the summer but was injured. He is still recovering from an injury and will slowly be eased back into the team. I think Wenger wanted to prove that the kids of the team were good enough for first team football, players like Denilson and Song have vastly imporved this season. However, he could not predict the long term injuries to Rosicky and now Fabregas. As I wrote in today’s post, Wenger states he will move for at least one midfielder in January.
December 30, 2008 at 01:01
I agree with this post, i think you are an inspiration to all
December 30, 2008 at 20:26
Kemal, you are a clown and clearly know nothing about football, how can you say denilson has improved when he cant pass for toffee, cant run and is weaker than any other player in the prem. I love the Arse, but that statement was utter bollocks.
December 31, 2008 at 14:14
I didn’t have to approve your comment, but I have. Although I feel Denilson and I’m sure many Arsenal fans agree with me, is not ready for first team football and is only playing first team football due to injuries. I feel and agree with Wenger that he has vastly improved this season. I am sure many Arsenal fans here would agree with me but you have your own opinion. I don’t appreciate remarks such as ‘you are a clown’. I can see you go University; behave like a student, not a child.
Thanks for reading!
December 31, 2008 at 14:38
Arsenal are not the team they used to be. Being a arsenal fan myself, dissapointment is an understatement. Were conceding far too many goals and not scoring enough. As you said in one of your other blogs, its doom and gloom here onwards unless arsene makes some drastic changes.
December 31, 2008 at 19:21
John Smith aka Tanyel, you are a spurs fan! Its nice to know I have many spurs fans reading my blog!!!
January 1, 2009 at 14:35
So you realised that John Smith was Tanyel, but not that Steve Smith was the one and only Paul Taylor, PS, YOU ARE A CLOWN