Another late report, but hey, I needed some time to savour this win, because this is exactly what was needed in this time of doom and gloom that seems to be following Gooner fans everywhere we go. I’ll admit, I can be a doom merchant myself, but I need to say it as I see it, I don’t live in a delusional fantasy where people are telling me “to be calm”, and “everything will be OK”. But last night, in the second half of a game that could have been oh so different, I saw glimpses of the old Arsenal. The Arsenal that usually goes into Europe and destroys opposition for fun, until we meet teams like Barcelona in quarter or semi finals and we get robbed by corrupt UEFA officials.
Yes, the first half saw us ride our luck yet again. Udinese were lively and at times looked dangerous. In fact they hit our post twice within the space of five minutes, both moves started from Sagna’s left back area. Once again he played out of position, and at times it showed. Hopefully Wenger wakes up and actually tries to sign a decent left back. So when Di Natale finally scored with a looping header, I could only think that it was deserved. We had our chances to, the best falling to Walcott after being set up by good play from Gervinho. At ten yards out he should have scored, but the Udinese keeper came out quickly and made himself big.
Frimpong started the game, and although I gave him a hard time on Saturday, I should’ve mentioned that he’s actually a very promising prospect. Last night he seemed more controlled, but strong and aggressive in the tackle, just what we’ve been missing from our midfield. Even Song doesn’t seem to have that strong bite that Frimpong does. Wenger subbed him at half time for Rosicky. I don’t know if this was because we went in a goal down and we needed a bit more creative spark in the middle, or this was his intention all along, simply because Rosicky has not been fit of late. Whatever the reason, it worked. Rosicky brought some much needed movement and energy to the midfield and I saw glimpses of the player we signed all those moons ago.
- Forget about little girl slaps to the face. If any of them wind you up, slap ‘em in the ass, then punch ‘em in the gut.
54 minutes in and the Udinese right back made the mistake of saying to Gervinho “Go on son, beat me on your left, you haven’t got a left foot”, to which Gervinho replied “Yes I have”, promptly skipping past the player with ease into the box, and setting up RVP nicely for a tap in. At 1-1 we could relax a little, but this is Arsenal we’re talking about, and nothing has been straight forward for a few seasons now. Gervinho is starting to look the part, and I can’t wait for him to continue progressing and developing his relationship with the team.
As expected, UEFA attempted to rob us by giving a penalty which looked very, very, soft. I guess the useless goal line assistant has to earn his money, man’s got to eat and all that. These guys remind me of the lonely sociopaths that come and stand by your goals when you’re at the park playing football with your mates. You know the ones, they come in their full kit and just stand there watching you for 15 minutes, before eventually asking if they can play. To which you reply “Sorry mate, we got enough players”. But the real reason is everyone knows the local park psycho, and he’s also not a particularly good player.
So back to the penalty and the boy Szczesny showed why he is considered by many to be the Numero Uno at Arsenal, no need for a new keeper now. Apart from another solid performance, when called upon he pulled off a stunning save from a well struck Di Natale penalty. At which point I screamed “You Effing Legend!” This was a major turning point in the game, because who knows what might have happened if we had conceded.
Not long after, a nice move between Sagna and Walcott led to Arsenal’s second of the night, the former playing a lovely ball through into space for Theo to run into. The Italians had pushed up the pitch leaving acres behind them, and the pace of Walcott left him one on one with the impressive keeper Handanovic. This time though Theo gave him the eyes and a sweet finish to the near post. Lovely. Almost shades of Thierry Henry. Excuse me while I wipe away my tears of nostalgia. Once that went in the game was effectively over, and all to Udin-Easy. Sorry about that, I’ll just get my coat.
The Champions League group stage draw has been done as I write, and to me it looks like a nice, easy group, providing we spend the money. We have Marseille, Olympiacos and Borussia Dortmund. No one particularly scary and I would expect to beat all of these teams on our day. But please Arsene, let’s get some experience in the squad and actually look like we can win something. Please. S’il vous plait.
In other news $amir Na$ri completed his move to Manchester City, but many people wish he would just shut his greedy money seeking cakehole. I’m not too impressed with some of his quotes, and maybe he should just be thankful Wenger made him the world class half a season performer he is today. In any case, the Arsenal fans have changed the words to his song, so we look forward to the day he plays against us. Let just say the chant is not suitable for children and involves words used to describe female genitalia.
Samir Nasri: He has shown his loyalty
A lot of fans are very annoyed that he left, but I for one am not that bothered. Fabregas was a far bigger loss, and when we consider Na$ri’s stats, it’s no big deal. In fact I’d say it was pretty good business from a purely statistical point of view. So in 3 seasons and 125 appearances for Arsenal, he could only manage 27 goals and 16 assists. That’s just 9 goals on average per season, and just over 5 assists per season. That’s all competitions. He’s got nothing on Robert Pires. He’s not even fit to clean that man’s boots. Excuse me while I wipe away another nostalgic tear.
So once again, after a good night in Europe, and managing to rob Man City out of even more money, I beg Arsenal FC to please spend some effing money. S’il vous plait.
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