What a performance by Arsenal today. That was a much needed win which might I add, keeps our slim title hopes alive. All players worked fantastically and to win 1-0 against United without Fabregas after a terrible run of games is amazing. The only disappointment is that we weren't closer to Man United so we could really challenge for 1st place.
Was Fabregas missed?
 |
| Is Ramsey the new Fabregas? |
With our number 4 having to miss this game through a thigh injury, it was up to Ramsey to step in. To begin with, the decision to leave out Fabregas is strange. This was a massive game and so why not take a risk. Even if Cesc had got injured in the game he would've only missed three other games before the season ends. The only answer to why the captain was absent is because, and i know some fans will hate me for this but, the reason may have been to see how well we play without him. Everyone knows he wants to go to Barca and so if Wenger has given up on the Spanish midfielder, he needs to know whether to buy a replacement or play someone else in that position. That 'someone else' could well be Ramsey who got the only goal of the game. He and Wilshere seemed to have a great relationship on the pitch and with him being British, it adds that determination to win more than what Fabregas offers. Not only that but his passing was very accurate and the way he plays allows Wilshere to go forward more. So Cesc wasn't missed today and if he was sold it would give us £30million plus to spend and allow Rambo to step into the first team.
The penalty shouts
On 32 minutes, Walcott burst down the wing and played a great ball in. It was going straight to Van Persie only for Vidic to touch it away. A corner was given but Van Persie was furious and after a replay so was I. Some how the linesman failed to spot a deliberate hand ball by the United defender. Because a corner was given, the linesman knows Vidic has touched it, but to think it was with his head is stupid. Vidic's hand is at least a foot away from his head. Now had the linesman seen this a penalty would've been awarded and the Serbian would be walking down the tunnel. Just another example of why football needs video technology. It took sky sports less than 30 seconds to see the hand ball in a replay and so why can't this information be given to the referee?
The other penalty claim was towards the end of the match. Michael Owen tried to turn into the box but at the same time Clichy had a foot on his back leg. Chris Foy immediately waved it away, possibly under the influence that he'd already given one wrong decision.
Both incidents were penalties, the only difference being one would have seen red. It doesn't matter in the end though and Fergie would be stupid to complain as his side should've played 60 minutes with 10 men.
Amazing Andrey
When Nasri went off injured at half time and Arshavin came on, I became a bit more nervous. The Russian winger isn't known to track back and with Fabio at right back, Clichy could've been in trouble. Instead, Arshavin had one of his best 45 minutes in a long time. In that period he won 3/3 tackles, made 2 interceptions and 2 clearances. That's very impressive for someone who just two weeks ago got a huge cheer for tracking back against Liverpool. Some supporters have questioned Arshavin this season but if you look at his goal and assist tally this season, it's one of the best in the league. Hopefully by August, we will see the Arshavin that played so well at the Euro 2008 tournament and scored 4 in one game vs Liverpool. What remains for the rest of the season
With all the pressure off we could see a good end to the season with just Stoke, Villa and Fulham remaining. 3rd is likely to be our position at the end of the campaign but could it be better, or worse than that. We are 6 behind United, 3 short of Chelsea and 5 ahead of City who have a game in hand. Next weekend Chelsea go to Old Trafford in what is a title decider. If Chelsea win they go level on points with United (73 points) and if the Gunners beat a Stoke side with their mind on the FA Cup final then we will be 3 points behind both. I know it would be a big ask for Wenger's side but should this scenario happen then 1st is still a possibility as Chelsea play Newcastle (H) then Everton (A). United face Blackburn (A) then Blackpool (H). All four of those games will be tough. Chelsea drew 1-1 in the reverse fixture of their games so could drop points. As for United, both clubs are fighting for survival. I know it would be highly unlikely but while the chance remains so does the hope, especially when there's no pressure on the squad.
Alternatively we could find ourselves battling for 4th. This is equally unlikely despite City having a game in hand. They go to Goodison Park next weekend then play Spurs midweek. Mancini could accept a point against Tottenham as a trip to Wembley follows. I'm sure if you asked him today would you take 4th place and a FA Cup, he would bite your hand off.
Another way to finish the year is a 2nd place. If Chelsea lose (preferably by 2 or 3 goals) and Arsenal win at the Britannia then we would only be 3rd on GD (or even 2nd providing Arsenal score a few). Even if it meant the title went to Manchester, it would be our best league finish since the move to the Emirates.
No comments:
Post a Comment