Morning all,
Well what an eventful weekend it was wouldn't you agree? In my pre-match preview I mentioned would it be too much to ask of Arsenal to pull off a convincing win in which my heart dosen't appear in my mouth for once. You bet it fucking was. It concerns me a bit that we are making work of the lesser teams this season. More on that later but now to the action.
Everyone knew before hand that this was a must win game. Lose or draw and we were staring down the barrell of a 8 point gap between ourselves and Chelsea aswell as the unthinkable amount of critisism that would have come from our own fans and the cunting media. We started the game reasonably well, Arshavin making a few darting runs (rare I know) but failing to really trouble Robert Green. Probably the best move of the match came when Song played Sagna through, he pulled back for Cesc and his goal bound effort was brilliantly saved by Green who seems to suddenly turn world class everytime he sees the Arsenal jersey. The early signs were positive, we were the ones doing all the pressure. Mark Noble tested Fabianski with a 25 yard shot but the Pole was on his game once again and dealt with everything the Hammers threw at him which was rare in all fairness. Before half-time Alex Song had a decent effort saved by Green and Squillaci had a header tipped over the bar. It was truly backs to the wall stuff now for the Irons.
In the second half I was hoping we would break the dead lock early on, I felt it was important just to calm the nerves and also it would open the floodgates. Moments into the half Scott Parker completley took out Denilson and somehow escaped without a yellow card at least. It was poorly mis-timed and the Brazilian was lucky to escape without injury. We continued to look for openings, Sammy Nasri took it upon himself to open the scoring and very nearly did, his 35-yard free-kick with barely any run up came crashing off the bar. It was a fantastic attempt and deserved a goal. As the half went on the crowd became more and more anxious which is understandable being an Arsenal fan. The team kept pushing though and Arshavin attempted to win a penalty when there was a coming together with Da Costa but in my opinion there was nothing in it and he was looking for it. People critisised Arshavin for his performance but I don't think you can fault his committment, he did try and although nothing really came off for him, effort is all you can ask of a player at the end of the day.
Anyway back to th action and it was Arshavin himself who provided the next chance. His inswinging free-kick was met by Chamakh who's header was straight at the keeper despite claiming to have been held by the defender. It was getting to the desperation stage now and Wenger inevitably brought on Theo and Bendtner, off went Denilson and Arshavin and we now had fresher legs going forward. Walcott made an immediate impact as his pace allowed him to latch onto Fabregas' through ball only to see his effort come back off the post and into the fortunate hands of Green. This was followed up by a Cesc snap shot which was again well saved and at this stage I had become resigned to the fact that we would only take a point. Then the ball fell to Clichy out on the left wing, he cut inside Faubert onto his right-foot where not many people would have bet he was going to produce something with but he did. His cross with his RIGHT FOOT was met by the head of who else but Alex Song, the man who has been questioned by some fans for going forward too often but I don't think theres a fan in the world who will now. The Emirates erupted, those that had stayed and kept faith in the team were rewarded and it was great to see. I personally nearly broke my couch when I kicked it with joy, something I would later regret when it swelled but fuck that, it was all about Arsenal and we had nicked it right at the end.
After the game there were nothing but scenes of releif around the stadium, the players knew they had got off the hook, Arsene was also a relieved man as he shook his fist to the fans.
Now to the player ratings and here they are:
Fabianski: 7 - Didn't have much t do but was assured when called upon and made some good punches.
Sagna: 7 - Solid game, put a few good crosses into the box.
Squillaci: 7 - Wasn't troubled by Piquioinne or Cole but was solid too.
Koscielny: 7 - Again, wasn't really bothered but cleaned up where necessary.
Clichy: 7 - Provided the cross for the winner, thats all that matters.
Song: 8 - Was lively throughout, always a threat, accurate passing and of course got the all important winner. Man of the match for me.
Denilson: 6 - Looked a bit tired as this was his third game in a week, he covered well while Song went forward.
Fabregas: 7 - Not his best game but he was playing on with a hamstring injury. Despite that he created opportunities and could have scored twice, credit to him.
Nasri: 6 - Wasn't at his creative best but gave 100% and almost scored a scorcher of a free-kick.
Arshavin: 6 - Put in the effort today but nothing came off for the man.
Chamakh: 6 - Couldn't get any space as the Hammers put 10 men behind the ball, took part in decent team moves though.
Thats about that as far as the game is concerned, a crucial three points in the bag and at teh end of the day a win is a win.
Now, there was brilliant news announced yesterday as the official website confirmed Jack wilshere had signed a new long term contract, he even announced it himself via his Twitter which is becoming quite handy these days. For me he is the future of this club. I was saying yesterday that when Cesc was 18 I didn't think for one second that he would be the player he is now, seeing what Jack produces on the field now gives me goosebumps of what he will be like in a few years time. Arsene also announced that he wouldn't call up Aaron Ramsey to first team action until December and rightly so. We need to be cautious with bringing him back, because we have seen what can occur when you rush players back from serious injuries.
Anyways, enjoy your Tuesday I'm hoping to be back with a Shakter preview, if not heres to three points!
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