Monday, September 24, 2012

Arsenal Grabs Important Draw; Man U Get's a Little Help from a Friend

Yesterday, the Gunners dominated the first half against Man City and found themselves down 1-0 on poor goalkeeping and a great header from Citizens centre back Lescott. In the second half they were largely outplayed until the final ten minutes but scored on a centre back Koscielny finish for the ages and thus grabbed a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Man City at the Ethiad. It was an important point for the squad that could very well launch them on a viable title bid. Some will be upset that we didn't win the game, as Gervinho returned to form (or lack thereof) in the most important game of the year so far -- missing two gilded opportunities to score. The first was in the opening minutes when he was set free by a lovely ball from Ramsey (who put in his best performance of the season by far) before a horrific first touch sent the ball into a thankful Joe Hart's hands. Then late on he had a lovely two touches to get across two defenders and leave himself with an open shot at the 18 yard line, which he sent horrible right and high leaning back as he connected. This is the Gervinho we have gotten used to in the past year plus and one hopes it is merely a one-game blip after he scored three in two heading into the clash. 

But there are many positives to take from the game. Arteta was great again in controlling the midfield and pushing the ball forward and Diaby played more than adequately, though he seemed to tire in the second half. Mertesacker again showed the major improvement in his form from last year, with a number of key interceptions and strong defending on set pieces. Jenkinson continued his growth as a player, looking dangerous moving forward and defending back well against the dangerous City strikers. Gibbs was more than adequate and had some lovely forward play, but when Giroud entered, I'm not sure why no one tried to get him the ball crossed in the air. Arsenal must adjust to his aerial threat when he's on the pitch, at least as another option. Cazorla was great as usual, in the first half, but gave the ball away often in the second before picking his game up near the end with a strong shot that was barely kept out by Hart and the corner that led to Kos's goal. Kos looked strong in his return and ready to compete with Mertesacker for time on the pitch. The weakest performance of the day, besides Gervinho, came from goalkeeper Manone who, upon realizing he could become the new number one, appeared to make the case that he is not yet ready by coming out weakly on the Silva corner that put the Citizens up 1-0, with one of their few threats after the first few minutes of the first half. But an important point for the Gunners, who can move even closer to Chelsea with a win at home Saturday. 

On to Liverpool v. Manchester United, a game that was filled with deep emotion in the wake of the new report exonerating the fans of guilt in the 1989 tragedy. The game was dominated by Liverpool early on and, even after going a man down, they looked the stronger squad throughout much of the match. But as is a perennial problem that anyone challenging United for the title has to deal with, they were gifted yet another game by a referee. It is truly tiresome though no longer surprising to watch them get call after call in close games, but three in one away from home is hard to swallow (lest us forget they were almost gifted the title last year by at least four game-changing bad calls in the run in). It all started with the Shelvey send off, on a 50/50 challenge where Evans also went in spiked up. At most, there should have been a yellow for Shelvey or double red. The ironic thing, is Evans had all but tackled the Liverpool striker Borini in the box earlier in the game without anyone seeming to notice in what I felt was a clear penalty. Then there was the absurdly soft penalty call on Johnson for cleaning the back of Valencia's shirt as he fell down before Evra was somehow clean when he stepped on Suarez's foot in the box later on. 

Terrible refereeing, which sees no abatement from last year seems to continue unabated. Everton should feel even more aggrieved after they had two clear goals disallowed in a disappointing draw with Newcastle Monday, before getting their own bad call, when Fellani handled the ball while passing through to Achebe for the first goal. Everton went on to win that one 4-1 and look like a squad with real potential to cause anxiety at the top this year. And Tottenham seemed rightfully apoplectic after they had three goals disallowed in one game and had to settle for a 0-0 draw in a game they clearly felt they won. Luckily goal line technology is on its way, as too many goals have been missed (or ghost offered as in the FA Cup last year), but something has to be done to set a better standard for when reds are given -- as it seems to happen too often in big games. 

To close the post, I think that Arsenal have a real chance at the title this year, with some serious luck and more scoring prowess from Giroud and/or Gervinho. Next week against Chelsea is a big match, as a victory there would show everyone that we are for real. Chelsea looked brilliant early, but less impressive in the blown Champions League win, the loss of the Super Cup and Community Shield earlier in the campaign and in their rather fortuitous win against Stoke. We should be able to win if we simply clear our lines and stay tough defensively, as Chelsea is certainly porous in the back this term. Man United look less than impressive to me, except when the ref gets involved, but as has been the case for the past two seasons plus, continue to win games somehow. Man City seems to be in a lull, but still haven't lost in the EPL this season either, and almost pulled off a great upset of Real before collapsing in the last 10. It should be the most exciting EPL race since, well, the end of last season (though all four big squads are in the hunt this time around). Go Gunners!

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