Underneath the yellow lights

Written by Paul Williams on Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Results

Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
26 Oct	4:00 PM	P	West Ham United (A)	2	0	Win

I thought the performance at Upton Park, whilst lacking in zip, was a controlled performance and probably just the kind of performance needed as we kick into "a game every three days" time. Yes, we had to go to the bench to win the game, but that is what a bench is for. Had the rub of the green gone our way a little earlier, then the game would probably have been over by half-time as Rob Green should have been sent off before making two great saves from Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner. I think Bendtner clattering into Green as he handled the ball probably didn't help the linesman. Not that linesmen need any encouragement not to give us a decision these days.

Denilson dropped out of the squad completely yesterday, seemed Arsène thought he needed a rest too, whilst William Gallas returned to give his strongest performance for some time. I thought he was awesome. It was interesting to note a few things up front. The first is that without Emmanuel Adebayor; we hardly had any offsides, the second, without Adebayor we looked pedestrian and finally, how much of a kicking Robin van Persie gets whenever he plays. No wonder he's injured so often.

And yes, Robert, you're dead right, Ade's cameo yesterday was just the way to win me back. Hopefully he can carry on from here, because I love to see performances like that. It could be said our opening goal was fortuitous. I would counter that by arguing that when you end up defending on the edge of your 6-yard-box, you're asking for an own goal like Faubert's to happen. Luck hadn't been on our side when van Persie's sumptuous free kick smashed off the post either.

Sumptuous would sum up the ball played by Bendtner for the second goal too. A real peach and it was great to see Rob Green left high and dry as Ade roared onto it before slamming it home.

I think the sending off was ... well, opinion was split on the Sky sofa, what I would say is that I've seen worse tackles on Arsenal players this season not punished like that. So it seemed harsh, but I could understand it. Not that it would have made any difference, of course.

So, one day till Tottenham, a new manager, a win under their belts I reckon they probably think they're gonna stuff us now. The thing that was keeping me awake at night was the fear that we'd suffer the humiliation of being the first team to lose to them. That's not going to happen now, perhaps it will do us good if they come feeling a little more confident, and so come to play. We really should have too much for them either way.

User Comments

5

Alza

Posted on 30 Oct, 2008 at 12:57 AM - Reply

@ Steve L

What do you say now?
Clichy's blunder means we draw against the Spuds.. Just proves that unfortunately we cannot trust this team to get the job done - it's a temperament problem

4

kodosh2002@yahoo.com

Posted on 29 Oct, 2008 at 05:03 AM - Reply

well said

3

Jav

Posted on 28 Oct, 2008 at 05:23 PM - Reply

Spot on assessment of the game.

I would add that Silvestre was also good, solid and no-nonsense and therefore Gallas' game was improved with a centre back that complimented his style.

I may get flamed for this but am I the only one who thinks / isn't afraid to say that Fabregas has so far been shit this season. He has played 10 games with only 1 goal and 2 assists. Denilson, who although criticised by many gooners has been the better central midfielder of the two.

Nasri had a quiet game and it was disconcerting to see how easily he was contained. It is becoming apparant that whilst he is a pretty good dribbler, he lacks some pace. I am still bemused why we went for him rather than Hatem Ben Arfa, a genuine speedy left-footed midfielder who play wide left. I would say that Nasri looks to be more of a creative midfielder who likes to play centrally. Does anyone know what is going on with Vela? This guy should be playing on our left wing. After watching his antics in Spain, I feel this guy should be playing on the wings rather than centrally where we have an abundance of striking options.

Digressing slighty, I follow Pompey also as they are my home town and have been watching Armand Traore play for them and if/when he comes back from his loan spell I would like to see this guy play on our left wing and combine with Clichy. It is a mouthwatering prospect as our left hand side will be so solid and pacy with this pairing.

After making so many glaring misses of late, it is pleasing to say that Van Persie is getting his shots on target and even better to see Ade and Bendtner being able to play on the same pitch after last season shenaningans. Although I do wish he would acknowledge his team-mates who create his easy tap-ins.

2

Steve L

Posted on 28 Oct, 2008 at 02:27 PM - Reply

We SHOULD beat Spurs ??!!? Come on..... One win by the end of October. 5 points. If we can't stick a hatful past that pile of mince at home we may as well pack up. Even if they weren't such an atrocious side of overated misfits their keeper alone guarantees they can not win. If he's not laughably slapping at the ball when any other keeper would simply catch it he's jumping in the air and kicking out at the head of any opponent that dares to cause him panic by coming within six foot of him. Bring them on and lets humiliate them once again, get it over with before getting back to proper games against teams that matter. Too easy.....

1

ryan

Posted on 28 Oct, 2008 at 02:02 PM - Reply

i really want to say the big bit of news for the past week in my opinion is actually adams being appointed pompey boss. i was really pleased o hear it and will be paying extra close attention to them now- COME ON POMPEY!

did anyone else notice that ade didn't appear to ackowledge bentdner at all for his assist? ade was good when he came on and made the difference, but let's face it you'd expect a decent striker to be able to round the keeper and score when totally unchallenged outside the box. considering the quality of the pass it reminded me a bit of when theo set him up vs liverpool and ade claimed all the credit. i didn't see so much as a look his way on tv (and i watched the whole goal again to double check).

i hope he did and it was shown on tv because that pass was 10x better than the finish and i'm sick of seeing ade claim all the credit for only 20% of the contribution

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