Evening all,
Well I'll start by saying I fucking hate snow. It has completely ruined what was meant to be an exciting weekend of football. I woke up this morning with a real buzz and felt if we beat Stoke it could turn out to be a fantastic weekend for the Gunners. It wasn't to be. I switched on Sky Sports News to see a list of games that had been postponed and the fixture I was dreading to read was right at the top. Not all the games were called off, I passed the day by watching Sunderland vs Bolton and Blackburn vs West Ham. Not the most entertaining of games but better than nothing I suppose. As frustrated as we all are at our own game being postponed, we need to take into consideration the safety of the fans and of course the players wouldn't be able to play their best football if the ball was being caught up in four inches of snow would they? We'll have them scumbags from up north another day.
Now back to Monday night. I didn't get a chance to give my thoughts on the game because my internet was going on and off mainly due to the non stop snow and wind. Anyway, as I mentioned leading up to the game, it was a great opportunity to actually go to Old Trafford and get a win. Our away form this season has been fantastic, we possessed bags of quality up front and it was clear the players were pumped for it. You could be excused for having a little bit of optimism. I was reasonably confident during the weekend but as the game drew closer I was ready to ruin my boxers.
United played their usual 4-3-3 which worked so well against us in the past so it was going to be a test to see if we had come up with a strategy to come out trumps this time round. Szczesny was given the nod ahead of Fabianski as he failed a fitness test due to a hip injury. A lot of fans saw it as a huge blow before the game. I held no such fears, we saw what this boy can do in the Carling Cup and he's not short of self belief. That's what you love to see in a keeper. Fabianski has obviously had issues overcoming the physcological aspects of whats required to play at the top level but he's made it at last. I've no doubt he's going to have to be on his toes to retain his number one spot though.
Back to the game now and the atmosphere was simply incredible. I was particularly impressed with our away fans. They sang their hearts out, you'd have never thought the game was on at Old Trafford. I'd just like to give a massive big up to those travelling supporters, you've been brilliant all season, keep it up!
The opening stages of the game saw us put in some real tough challenges. I was expecting us to get to grips with the game early on as we did at Stamford Bridge. Instead we let the hosts have it and there were a few late tackles. I feared we would pick up an early yellow that would put that individual under pressure for the rest of the game (Song springs to mind). In recent years we have been the victims when it came to wreckless fouls and rough treatment. It gave you a sort of proud feeling to see our players standing up for themselves, in particular little Jack Wilshere who layed into the mouthy Evra and then stuck up for Chamakh when Fletcher tried on his usual bitching techniques.
As much as I enjoyed the physicality on our part, we weren't playing well and United were looking far more threatening than we were. Szczesny was put under unnecessary pressure from a few short back passes from Sagna and Clichy looked a bit streched at times but wasn't helped by Arshavin's inability to track back. Minutes before half-time we were made to pay. Nani again found himself in space before running at Clichy, his cross was half blocked by teh full-back before Park somehow headed in over the keeper. Call it what you want, fluky? Clever? It dosen't matter, the main thing is that we were losing to another big team and we didn't look like scoring at all. I was relieved to hear the full-time whistle as United reapeatidly came at us. It was a chance to regroup and make what changes were necessary.
We came out in the second half with a bit more enthusiasm. Our passing was better despite the bog like pitch. Our best chance of the match came when Nasri's shot was parried by Van Der Sar but Chamakh didn't react quick enough and his rebound was blocked by Vidic. It was a magnificent opportunity to stun the hosts, the type of chance you know Van Persie would have gobbled up. Speaking of the Dutchman, he and Fabregas were soon introduced as we looked for some more creativity at the expense of Rosicky and Wilshere. It left us more open at the back but it was a risk that we needed to take.
Despite the introduction of our two best players, we were unable to find openings. Arshavin was then withdrawn for Walcott. The pacy winger was quick to get involved and gave United something to think about but they were resilient at the back. It was going to take either a moment of magic or a big cock up in their defence. As we looked for an equaliser United hit us on the break, Anderson spreading the ball wide to Nani who's cross was blocked by Clichy and his second effort hit the Frenchman on the hand and Howard Webb pointed to the spot. It had to have been one of the worst decisions of the season. Clichy was on the ground, there was nothing he could do to get his arm out the way. Up stepped Rooney but he hilariously blazed over. Justice was served and we were given a second chance. Rooney was presented with another opportunity shortly after but his attempted chip was brilliantly saved by the ever reliable Szczesny. We pressed for an equaliser but nothing materialised and the full-time whistle meant we had fallen in a big game yet again.
It was a dire affair with both sides keeping it tight. United worked their socks off, we looked intimidated at the prospect of going forward which is understandable considering how we've been ripped apart against the big sides on the counter attack in recent seasons. On a postive note, we were organised. Squillaci and Koscielny who have come under cristisism were as solid as you'd have liked although certain fools will come up with reasons to blame them. Clichy has received severe slack for his performance. I know he had a tough time but what exactly do you expect when you come up against one of the in form wingers in the Premiership and you get absolutely no protection from the winger ahead of you? After the goal, I felt he did quite well, got tighter to Nani and nicked the ball off him a few times. Song and Wilshere sat in front of the defence and did a good job at it. Nasri was isolated on the right wing. I honestly don't know why Arsene played him out there. We see the best of him in when he's just behind the frontmen. I know Rosicky works hard for the team but he can do a job on the right wing too and will track back. It seems we have to learn lessons from every game these days. Here are my player ratings:
Szczesny: 7 - For a Premier League debutant at just 20, he was superb. His kicking was dodgy but he gradually improved and pulled off some great saves. My man of the match.
Sagna: 7 - Gave everything and kept Park quiet.
Squillaci: 6 - Nearly gifted Nani an early goal but did well in general.
Koscielny: 7 - The best of the four defenders. Still improving too.
Clichy: 6 - Hard night but critisism of him went over the top.
Song: 6 - Didnt contribute a whole lot but held his position well.
Wilshere: 7 - Gave 100%, not overwhelmed by occasion.
Rosicky: 6 - Gave his all but nothing came off for the Czech.
Nasri: 6 - Isolated but lively when in possession.
Arshavin: 6 - Not the Arshavin we know.
Chamakh: 6 - Received no service, crosses were poor. Had one opportunity to level.
Subs:
Van Persie: 5 - Very quiet.
Fabregas: 5 - Lively but failed to threaten.
Walcott: 6 - Tried but couldn't materialise anything.
In my opinion this defeat means we go into next week's game against Chelsea needing a win. The players have to prove to us the fans and more importantly to themselves, that they can win the big games. It would give them a huge mental boost and give them the belief to go on and win the Premier League. We can do it, whether we will turn up with the right frame of mind and performance remains to be seen.
Now to the Champions League draw. Did we honestly have to watch it? It was inevitable that we were going to be paired with Barcelona. Everyone including some of our own fans have written us off already. I'm not one of those fans. I'm no fool, obviously it's a huge task to overturn the best team in world football at the moment but like Arsene said, it's "difficult but possible". We've got to believe in ourselves. Don't forget we went to the Nou Camp last season with a squad down to it's bare bones and a defender who should have been paying us to play instead of the other way around (ahem Silvestre ahem). Look at it as if we've got nothing to lose which we don't in all honesty. People are saying we'll get hammered which should spark the players into a reaction. One things for sure, it will be another exciting affair.
Finally for today, we've snapped up Japanese prospect Ryo Miyaichi who will officially sign in January. He's 18 and caught the manager's eye in a trial with the club earlier this year. I've got high hopes for this lad, Wenger seems to too. If he can make progress with us and fulfill his potential, think of how much his reputation will enhance back in Asia hence benefiting us financially.
Think I've said enough for today. I could be back next week, if not have yourselves a very happy Christmas. Till next time Gooners.
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