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Saturday, 12 February 2011

Arsenal 2 - Wolves 0: Dominant But Wasteful Gunners Back on Track (UPDATED with Player Ratings)

Arsenal 2 – Wolves 0: Dominant But Wasteful Gunners Back on Track (UPDATED with Player Ratings) - The Offside - Arsenal blog

« Arsenal – Wolves Match Thread | Home | Arsenal 2 – Wolves 0: Dominant But Wasteful Gunners Back on Track (UPDATED with Player Ratings)By: Martin | February 12th, 2011
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Well, we certainly could have done better converting the chances we created, but all in all, we have every reason to be happy with that performance.

We were dominant throughout, and we really could have won by a lot more. van Persie opened the scoring in the 16th minute with an absolutely fantastic goal. Cesc had the ball and did well to cut back and find a bit of time/space, and then floated a ball into van Persie in the middle of the box. Showing a great striker’s instinct, van Persie had drifted into a few yards of space (Wolves defenders got caught ball-watching) and took the ball out of mid-air with a super first time shot with his “chocolate” leg. Goalkeeper Hennessey got a hand to it, but RvP took the shot too hard and too fast for him to do anything but parry it just inside the far post. 1-0 Arsenal.

We had several other very good chances in the first-half. A floating corner went through Hennessey’s hands and fell directly to Arshavin, who must have been so shocked that the ball came to him that he wasted an easy finish into an open net. Not too long after that, a beautiful ball was played to Theo Walcott, who had pretty close to an open goal to shoot into, but his shot into the center of the goal was just too tame, and Hennessey made a very good save. The rebound fell to Cesc, whose side-footed shot inside the far post was cleared off the line by a defender. It was definitely one of those “how in the world did we not score there?” van Persie also had a very good shot right before the half-time whistle blew. Easily could have been 3 or 4, but somehow we went in leading only 1-0, and given recent events, you just didn’t feel comfortable at all.

We started out the second-half very brightly, and probably should have doubled our lead right after the break. Theo and van Persie both had great looks from the center of the box, but both missed the target. Theo’s in particular was a very bad miss.

But in the 56th minute, we finally broke through and doubled our lead. It was a picture perfect counterattack. Possession was recovered deep in our own end, and played to Cesc Fabregas, who played an absolutely beautiful long ball to Theo Walcott in the center-right of the pitch. van Persie was a bit offside but slowed his run down exactly right to get back onside when Walcott played a ball across the pitch in to him. He got it a perfect position, one-on-one with the keeper, and slotted the ball in cool as you like for a 2-0 lead.

We had several other chances to make it 3-0, but just couldn’t get the ball into the back of the net. We subbed off van Persie and Arshavin for Bendtner and Chamakh, and partly due to that, partly due to an increased sense of urgency on their part, Wolves really seemed to crank up the pressure for about a 10 minute spell from the 75th to 85th minute. But even then, though they got the ball in and around the box, our defense stayed organized and disciplined, and they never truly threatened. We then managed to take back control of the match for the last 10 minutes, controlling possession and killing off the match. 2-0 Arsenal, final.

Final Stats:

Possession: Arsenal 51% – Wolves 49%
Shots(on Target): 21(7) – Wolves 4(0)
Corners: Arsenal 3 – Wolves 6

It was a dominating performance, we always looked comfortable, we kept a clean sheet, and it will be a good confidence booster for us after last week’s capitulation and ahead of the mid-week first leg match against Barcelona. We created a ton of chances, and Wolves didn’t manage a single shot on goal. Obviously that lack of finishing touch could prove critical to any chances we may have of beating Barcelona, but I hope and expect we’ll be more focused and cutting edge on Wednesday than we were today.

Also, I just point this out because, as anyone who has followed me on Twitter the last week or so know, I am at my wit’s end with paranoid Arsenal fans who are always looking to blame everything on someone else, and think the entire world is out to get us. But in the first half Wolves got the ball on the edge of the box, their player cut in and ran along just inside the top of the box, when Djourou lunged in, missed the ball (which was played away a split second before Djourou got there), and definitely appeared to get the leg of the Wolves player, who went down. I think if it had happened anywhere else on the pitch, it was a foul, and therefore should have been a penalty against Arsenal.

Again, normally I just say “these things happen,” because they do. But Arsenal fans lately, in the wake of the Newcastle game, have completely lost their minds and think that the referees have banded together to get back at us for some perceived slight. So there’s one call that should have gone against us, that went our way. It was a lucky break. Next time you hear Arsenal fans bitching and moaning about the injustices of the world, remember that one, because that would have put it at 1-1 and could have completely changed the complexion of the match. To be clear, I’m not defending the competence of the referees — they can be pretty bad. But I don’t think they’ve done anything that merit questioning their integrity — they are just guys trying to do a job, who aren’t very good at it sometimes. Just like the rest of us, I suppose. But I suspect the “everyone is out to get us” brigade will conveniently forget this break Arsenal got next time they start talking about how all the referees’ decisions go against is, as is their wont.

But it’s a good result. We stay 4 points behind United, and solidify our hold on 2nd place, as we’re now 4 points ahead of Manchester City with a match in hand. We go to 9 points clear of Spurs and Chelsea, although both those teams have a match in hand on us so could close it back to 6. We’ve got a very advantageous run of matches coming up, one in which we’ll need to keep taking 3 points to close the gap on United going into the last couple of months of the season. This is a good start.

On to the player ratings:

Szczesny 6.5 Pretty much had the day off. A couple of decent punches on set pieces, and generally looked assured, but didn’t have a single save to make all afternoon.

Sagna 6 He was still decent, but I thought Sagna had one of his poorer games in recent memory. A couple of absolutely atrocious crosses, not very much support of the attack, etc. He covered his area generally pretty well. He is suspended for the midweek, so we’ll have Eboue playing anyway in case fatigue is to be blame. I expect this to be nothing more than a blip.

Clichy 6.5 Had some crossing issues of his own, but did his job pretty well otherwise. I expect he will keep his place on Wednesday.

Djourou 8 Didn’t miss a beat, and showed no ill effects from his bruised knee. Barcelona will be a massive test for Johan, but I sure feel much better with him in the lineup than I would have without him.

Koscielny 7.5 Very assured. Dealt with several balls into the box well and looked good in the air. Another one who is looking a massive test on Wednesday.

Song 7 He wasn’t at his absolute best today, but he did his job. The difference between Arsenal with him in the lineup and Arsenal without him is as apparent as it is large. He takes the ball off people so well, and has really improved his judgment — he now makes clean tackles where he used to concede stupid fouls. Wilshere also feels free to edge up a bit more when he knows he has Song before him. I actually think Song might be our single most important player in the Barcelona tie — he will have the primary responsibility for getting in the pocket of Barca’s midfielders and keep them from getting too far forward.

Wilshere 8 He just seems to keep getting better and better. Superb at making long passes and runs from deep, supporting the attack, all without getting caught too far upfield. But for God’s sake, Jack, shoot the ball — several times he had the ball facing the goal in the box but opted for a pass instead. It’s nice that he’s a team player and deferential, but he’s got to start shooting more. Cesc had the same issue his first couple of seasons, so I have no doubts he’ll get it figured out. In so many ways, he has become the engine that drives this team — crazy to think that many if not most Arsenal fans wanted to send him away on a season long loan just 6 months ago, a notion that seems unthinkable now.

Cesc 8 Excellent performance from the rudder of the Arsenal. Pulled the strings well — assisted on the first goal, and was really the architect of the second, as his perfect long ball to Theo was what really set the events in motion. Had several chances he probably could have converted, but all in all, he’s in top form heading into a game he must certainly be extremely excited about.

Theo 7.5 Was wasteful a couple of times, and his finishing let us down. But his deep runs troubled Wolves all day long, and he assisted well on van Persie’s second goal. He played the entire match, but I would be stunned if he weren’t in the first XI on Wednesday.

Arshavin 7.5 Is really rediscovering his form. Had one shocking miss, and there wasn’t really any end product to what he did today, but he looked bright and motivated, skilled and energetic all match long. I have to say I had a lot of doubt as to how he would respond to fans doubting him and being dropped, but he’s put his head down and done everything that we could have asked of him — an impressive show of character.

van Persie 8.5 Man of the Match. Is there any striker in the world in as good a form as van Persie at the moment? The first goal was an absolutely sublime strike, and the second was a cool bit of finishing as well. It may sound ridiculous, but when he’s healthy, I’m not sure there’s another striker in the world you’d rather have.

Bendtner 5.5 Pretty putrid, giving the ball away and stumbling around like Frankenstein’s striker. He can talk all he wants about how he should be playing, but surely even he has to realize that performances like this aren’t going to see him move up the depth chart.

Chamakh 6 Only slightly better, working hard and trying to hold up the ball so we could keep possession. But tried a few too many tricky passes when a simple back pass would have been better, and I’m still not convinced he’s out of his run of bad form.

Denilson 5.5 Brought on solely to help keep possession. Almost immediately, Wolves embarked on their best spell of possession and aggression of the entire match. That just about says all you know about it, doesn’t it?

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Some Related Stories:West Ham 0 – Arsenal 3: Dominant Arsenal Coast to 3 Points (UPDATED with Player Ratings)Everton 1 – Arsenal 2: Efficient Gunners Do Enough to See Off Toffees (UPDATED with Player Ratings)Blackburn 1 – Arsenal 2: Gutsy Gunners Get 3 Points (Updated with Player Ratings)Arsenal 2 – Tottenham 3: Second-Half Meltdown Dooms Sorry Gunners (UPDATED with Player Ratings)Arsenal 2 – West Brom 3: Baggies’ Dream Season Continues with Win over Sorry Gunners (UPDATED with Player Ratings)

Category: Arsenal News, Fixtures, Match Review, Premiership, Wolves

Tags: Arsenal News, Fixtures, Match Review, Premiership, Wolves
Tweet « Arsenal – Wolves Match Thread | Home | third eyeWilshere's development is like a deja vu... Fabregas started his career playing like a Dm and was so good that he was offered the number 4 for Patrick Viera (but he took it because his idol was Guardiola)... Then, with time, he developed his attacking skill: speed, finish and positioning... Now, he is an offensive midfielder.

I bet that the same shall happen to Wilshere...Darren_V" It may sound ridiculous, but when he’s healthy, I’m not sure there’s another striker in the world you’d rather have. "

I have been saying this for a few years, its just that no one has been listening.
JGRyo Miyaichi has scored his first goal in his 2nd appearance for Feyenoord, definitely one to keep looking at in the future!MartinYep. Apparently got a standing ovation from the sold out crowd there, too. A good sign.Kenny Johnsonfabregas -> theo, goals like the second are going to be key this week. we won't dominate possession.Arsenalisto"crazy to think that many if not most Arsenal fans wanted to send him away on a season long loan just 6 months ago, a notion that seems unthinkable now". We gotta be grateful we have a manager with such vision as Wenger, day after day things prove him right over many.Sairax2 goals, clean sheet, good performance. Best the players didn't exert too much energy if they didn't need to. Now focus on midweek. Well done Arsenal :)Junichi Ezechiel Bennett"I actually think Song might be our single most important player in the Barcelona tie — he will have the primary responsibility for getting in the pocket of Barca’s midfielders and keep them from getting too far forward. " I disagree a bit. You can't put that responsability -that is to take the ball from Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta- one one single man. All the team will be as involved as him as all the Barcelona team is involved in the build up of the play. Arshavin will have to check on Alves and I already see the disaster. Barcelona will play with Messi as a center forward, so actually with no center forward. The difficulty will be to deal with him, and our defender wil have to check him without follow him. That means, Messi will roam from our defenders to our midfield. I already see Kos following him, leaving a big gap in his back. Etc.

That said, I think te key will be our ability to hold the ball. And for that, the key players arre Wilshere, Cesc, and our two winger, who I suspect to have a tendency to lose the ball easily sometimes.MarloneiousHas anyone else noticed that Kos is pretty fast when he has to cover for Djourou?blog comments powered by Disqus

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Sunday, 16 January 2011

West Ham 0 - Arsenal 3: Dominant Arsenal Coast to 3 Points (UPDATED with Player Ratings)

West Ham 0 – Arsenal 3: Dominant Arsenal Coast to 3 Points (UPDATED with Player Ratings) - The Offside - Arsenal blog

« West Ham – Arsenal Match Thread | Home | West Ham 0 – Arsenal 3: Dominant Arsenal Coast to 3 Points (UPDATED with Player Ratings)By: Martin | January 15th, 2011
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Well, that was fun, wasn’t it?

A 3 points richly deserved from Arsenal today. It’s easy to say it’s only West Ham. But West Ham have played us pretty tough the last couple of seasons. We are on a bad run of form, whereas they’ve been playing okay lately. And they were playing to save the job of Avram Grant, who by all accounts is a popular manager among the players. Winning way 3-0 in the Premiership is always, always a good result now, and we got it. And we earned it.

The first half was pretty much all Arsenal, and it looked from the beginning like we were ready to push on from the last couple of weeks and push on to try to win the league.

We were in control from the outset, getting and keeping possession in and around the West Ham box, although we were having trouble turning that into clear cut chances — Walcott fell one time when on the ball in a dangerous position and we had several scuffed shots.

But we broke through in the 13th minute on a beautiful goal. Cesc sent the ball out wide to the right for Theo, who had plenty of space and time to send a perfect ball into the middle of the box. Nasri had run into the right side of the box, and the ball came directly to him. But he had the presence to know that Robin was directly behind him on the edge of the six-yard box. The ball came straight to him, and Robin reminded us all of what a lethal striker he is, taking the shot absolutely brilliant first-time (with his “chocolate leg,” no less) just inside the near post, leaving Robert Green no chance. Beautiful team goal, and it was 1-0 to the Arsenal.

We had a couple of other chances pretty soon after that. Wilshere, in particular, should have done better when he received the ball in space on the edge of the box, but his nerve and touch failed him, as he accidentally booted the ball too far ahead of him into the relieved arms of Robert Green.

But we very nearly let them back into the game in the 22nd minute. Djourou, who has generally been very good lately, had a brain lapse and sent a terribly soft back pass to Wojo under pressure. Carlton Cole pounced on the ball and had only Wojo to beat. Fortunately, we saw the best of Wojo on the play, as he used his size and aggressiveness to come out right on Cole and prevent him from getting his shot away. But the rebound fell back to West Ham, the ball was put into Zavon Hines, who had the angle exactly right and had Wojo beat, but his shot was just high. It was a huge let-off for Arsenal.

We nearly doubled our lead a couple of times in the ensuing minutes. In the 27th minute, there was a great ball put into the box for van Persie, but he played it back into the middle of the box for an onrushing Alex Song. It was an inch-perfect pass, and Song got a boot through the ball well, but some great last minute defending by Tomkins meant the ball never reached the target.

Then, in the 31st minute, Arsenal broke well, Nasri played a beautiful ball out left to van Persie, who was by his man and through on goal. van Persie took a very good shot at the far post, he had Green beat, but the ball just hit the inside of the far post. Three inches inside and it would have been a goal, we were unlucky to only be up 1-0 after that.

But we did make it 2-0 in the 40th minute. Clichy played a very good ball ahead to van Persie, who got to the byline with some space, and sent it back across the 6-yard box, where Theo had run in and got a foot in to tuck it beautifully into the top of the net from point-blank range. We owe a big assist to Wayne Bridge on that goal — his laziness played van Persie onside, and his failure to get onto van Persie’s ball and sniff out the danger allowed Theo to flare across the goal mouth and score the goal. Thanks, Wayne!

Worryingly, though, we nearly gave a goal back again. Sears sent a perfect cross in for Carlton Cole, who is generally a very good header of the ball. But Cole missed it from as good a position as you can ask for, and it was once again a bit of a let-off from Arsenal. But it was 2-0 Arsenal, into the break, and Arsenal fans were in good spirits, singing “You’re getting sacked in an hour” at Avram Grant.

First Half Stats
Possession: West Ham 33% – Arsenal 67%
Shots (on Goal): West Ham 5(2) – Arsenal 12(7)
Corner Kicks: West Ham 2 – Arsenal 4

It was still pretty back and forth out of the break. We had some chances — van Persie forced Green into conceding a corner with a cannon shot from a poor effort, Theo put a shot wide, van Persie put a hard shot from outside the box over the bar, and we had a couple of other incidents of possession in the West Ham box. van Persie took a good free kick from a dangerous spot and deflected off some West Ham defender’s backside. We didn’t score, but that guy won’t be able to sit down until Wednesday. Nasri was put through on goal, but he was just a fraction offside.

But then West Ham had a couple of chances. They broke on the counter, and Sears either shot or crossed (I think it was actually an errant cross), which floated back in towards the far post and forced Wojo, who was in caught in no man’s land a bit, to push it outside the far post for a corner. The ensuing corner pinged around and took an awkward bounce for Wojo, and he fell as he caught it — and just for a second, it looked like he was going to spill the ball or possibly even fall back over the line himself. But he held it and kept it on the right side of the line, and we kept our lead.

Neither team created much of anything in the way of scoring chances until the 74th minute, when a long ball was sent into to the top corner of the box. Theo and Wayne Bridge were in a foot race to the ball, and Theo got there just first. But Bridge went in for the ball, and in the process, brought down Theo with a front leg. It was a very stupid penalty to concede, because Theo was about as far from the goal as you can get and still be in the box, and running away from the goal. But it was a clear foul, it was in the box, and this isn’t ‘Nam, Smokey, there are rules. Andre Marriner (who had a pretty good game) pointed to the spot, and van Persie stepped up and converted perfectly to make it 3-0, Arsenal.

We very nearly made it 4-0. Nasri made a trademark run into the box and had the ball in great position on his right foot, but Matthew Upson did very well to get his foot in front of it and block it. Just a minute or so after that, Wilshere had the ball in space on the edge of the box and lined up a very good shot, but Robert Green did well to get down and push it around the post. West Ham didn’t create much in the final minutes, and it would end 3-0.

Full-Time Stats
Possession: West Ham 30% – Arsenal 70%
Shots (on Goal): West Ham 9(3) – Arsenal 21(11)
Corner Kicks: West Ham 4 – Arsenal 10

All in all, it was an excellent performance, and washes the bad taste out of our mouths after a pretty abysmal last couple of weeks. The Arsenal that played today really looks like a title-contending team, but the question is whether or not they can play like that week-in, week-out. But it’s a good performance, and puts us just 2 points behind Manchester United. They have 2 games in hand on us at the moment, but if they drop points tomorrow the gap becomes pretty narrow, especially with some of the road matches United has to play the rest of the season. We’re certainly still in this, people.

I think Arsene made a pretty clear statement of intent for Wednesday’s match with his substitutes. Even with Arsenal up 3-0, he didn’t rush to get certain players off. Cesc came off for Denilson in the 81st minute, Nasri came off for Gibbs in the 87th minute, and Theo came off for Arshavin also in the 87th minute. I have to think that if he had really wanted to deploy those players against Leeds, he would have looked to sub them off earlier than that. So I suspect we’ll see a lot of rotation, particularly among our front 6, which may be close to entirely changed on Wednesday. It will be interesting to see if it’s enough.

Next up in the league is hosting Wigan on Saturday. Shouldn’t be too difficult, but then again, it shouldn’t have been too difficult to beat Wigan at Wigan, but we couldn’t do that, so nothing can be taken for granted at this point.

Not too much else to say — no apparent injuries, some great attacking play, and a comfortable, well-deserved victory. It doesn’t get much better than that. Hopefully this momentum can carry over to the FA Cup match on Wednesday, and lead to a good run of matches that put us right back into the title picture.

On to the ratings:

Wojo 7 Had a couple of nervy moments, but bottom line is that he made the plays he needed to make. And the game may have gone very differently if he hadn’t made himself so big when Carlton Cole was put through on goal by Djourou’s terrible backpass.

Clichy 7 Very good match, maybe Gibbs’s emergence is good for Gael. Dealt with West Ham’s attacks down the flank well, and it was his lofted through ball with put van Persie by the defenders to assist on Walcott’s goal. Supported the attack well a couple of other times, as well.

Eboue 6 Looked better than he has recently, but I still felt like it was pretty clear that he was our vulnerable spot, as West Ham got behind him a couple of times, and when he got forward with the attack he didn’t really contribute all that much. But certainly streets ahead of where he was the last few appearances.

Koscielny 6.5 Still struggles with physical portion of game at times, but was aggressive and had perfect timing virtually every time he was called upon to do something. Has adjusted pretty nicely to the Premiership, and may really be hitting his stride.

Djourou 6 Solid performance with the exception of the back pass, which easily could have led to an equalizing goal. Has to show more focus and concentration than that.

Song 7.5 Energetic, and reminded us of how good it can look when he plays his new role well. He never seemed to get caught out of position, yet still contributed to the attack, and very well could have scored a goal had Upson not gotten his foot in at the last second. Is it safe to go back to calling him world-class yet, or should I wait a while?

Wilshere 7.5 Real quality from Jack today — seemed to pop up everywhere in the midfield, and supported the attack extremely well. Very nearly scored against the club he supported as a boy when he forced Green into a good save late. Excellent throughout.

Cesc 7.5 Wasn’t at his very best, but was awfully damn good. Involved in most of Arsenal’s attacking moves, and was distributing the ball both out wide and through the middle. He just adds so much to the side when he’s pulling the strings like he was today.

Nasri 7.5 Good again. His dummy to lead to van Persie’s goal was great, as was his ball out to van Persie when van Persie hit the post. Had a good run and shot which was blocked, and another great run that would have led to a one-on-one was just offside. Dangerous and energetic all match long.

Theo 8.5 Co-Man of the Match. In his 100th Premier League appearance, you couldn’t help but reflect on how much he’s grown as a footballer in that time. Despite what the critics say, that was a very intelligent, assured performance today. One great assist, one great finish for a goal, and another drawn penalty — he was integrally involved in all 3 goals today. Top-class performance from a young man rapidly becoming a player who produces top-class performances on a consistent basis. He now has 9 goals and 4 assists in all competitions this season in 21 appearances. To put that in perspective, he had 6 goals and 5 assists in his previous 63 appearances coming into the season.

van Persie 8.5 Co-Man of the Match. Reminded us of just how great he is. Great at holding up and distributing from deep into West Ham territory. That first class was an incredibly good finish, so much harder than it looked. And his pass for the second goal was top-class as well. Added a well-taken penalty to boot. Was inches away from a hat trick when his well-taken shot in the first-half ricocheted off the post. I almost hesitate to say it — but if he can just stay healthy and keep playing like this, we have a real chance to win the league this year.

Denilson, Arshavin, and Gibbs came on late, but they all came on so late and had so little to do that I can’t really give them any kind of rating.

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Category: Arsenal News, Fixtures, Match Review, Premiership, West Ham

Tags: Arsenal News, Fixtures, Match Review, Premiership, West Ham
Tweet « West Ham – Arsenal Match Thread | Home | Bringmescreamstwo* hahaBringmescreamsMan utd still have to play chelsea (home and away), the Spuds tomorrow,man city,and Liverpool so they have a long road to go to win the title even if they do have to games in hand on us. So hopefully they drop points throughout those games. GO GUNNERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!ARSENAL TILL I DIE!!!bapdumit was great how van persie after the game actually went over to the fans and showed his appreciation. pure classSquash2034This isn't Nam, Smokey!!! Hahaha brilliant! Love your writing.
Need Chelsea to take 4 points off Manure. Those will be fun games to watch. I have never supported Chelsea in any game.degerosI thought Walcott was inconsistent because apart from his involvement in all three goals, he actually had an average game. He had several unsuccessful dribbles, a few bad choices and a really bad scuffed shot. RVP and Wilshere were fantastic though!Fred Jacobwell atleast he help on all 3 three goals if he does that every game then we will be fine and if he does not then cesc and nas can helpHomey_MillsI guess we won't have an ongoing debate about whether we should be starting Chamakh or RvP at the moment.Homey_MillsSeeing Avram Grant today reminded me of a debate I had with Mrs. Homey a while back. She told me I should wear a scarf. I insisted it's not manly attire. What does the group think?MartinI was never a scarf guy, even when I lived in New England, because I felt largely the same way, and didn't think it actually made that much of a difference as to whether you felt warm or not. But then MLSF knitted me a scarf for Christmas and I felt like I had to wear it when it was cold out, and I actually got to like it a lot. And she also knitted me a red and white Arsenal scarf that I absolutely love and usually wear or keep handy whenever Arsenal is playing. So I guess I've gotten to be pro-scarf in my old age.Darren_VIt's ok if it's an Arsenal scarff. That's what I wear.Fred Jacobwith Norveit in the team Moenchengladbach was able to keep a clean sheet and win the game hope he can keep them from getting relegated
Henrytheo14I liked Nasri today and ClichyleedstheoffsideGot nothing to do with your report, which was good once again but Sanchez Watt was top class today for Leeds hope we can sign him off you.SKno. watt is future RVPJ___VNo you can't!leedstheoffsideSurely Wenger is not going to be using him?RedCapedWonderOf course he is...Darren_VI think Wayne Bridge should be Arsenal's man of the Match considering he was at fault for all 3 goals.
Eboue looks like a defender who got to play in an advanced position, and now that he has to play defense again, he doesn't really want to just defend. So he cheats in hopes of helping the attack and keeps getting caught too far upfield and simply hoping the man is offside or that Djourou will cover for him.
I called RVP to get a brace on twitter today, so he should really credit me with his two goals. Just saying! :)Tom Burns1) I was saying we should give Wayne Bridge the MotM award on twitter, too, so I'm right with you there. Dude did so much to help The Arsenal win, it'd be an absolute shame to not recognize it.

2) Eboue looked terrible to me, for the reasons you're stating. I didn't think he was much higher than 5, maybe 4.5 if I felt like arguing how bad he was. He's a huge, huge weak spot when he plays for Sagna (who might be the most consistent player on this team).

3) nice job!Ashwin91"That first class was an incredibly good finish"
You mean goal :)BertrandWe need Van Persie!
Bertrandwhat a player..SairaxThese are the types of games that we should be bossing and winning, though usually we find ourselves taking our eye off the ball and letting things slip. Very pleased with today's performance :)Darren_VThis is where the blue birds come out and say 'It's only West Ham!'blog comments powered by Disqus

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Saturday, 12 February 2011

Arsenal 2 - Wolves 0: Dominant But Wasteful Gunners Back on Track (UPDATED with Player Ratings)

Sunday, 16 January 2011

West Ham 0 - Arsenal 3: Dominant Arsenal Coast to 3 Points (UPDATED with Player Ratings)