Boll-acks to Steven Gerrard’s ‘Wounded Animals’ – We are back in the title race

by Felipe Hassin Pinto

Maddy’s Note: You have got to envy this guy. Really. He sadly wasn’t at the Grove last night. Then why envy him you ask? The reason for this uncustomary absence is that my mate Felipe is in sunny Rio for the biggest annual carnival in the world. (Yes, fellow Indians, the one we all catch a glimpse of, on Discovery Travel and Living). Still nothing could make him miss the Scouser game. Here he is with his usual piece of genius. Elaborate, Expansive, Insightful, Expressive, Passionate and Admiring. Enjoy.

Last night I confess I could not sleep properly. In my dreams, images of an own goal coming from Martin Skrtel and one more through Tomas Vermaelen wandered inside my head while I was rolling all over the bed. Given our lack of good performances against the big teams, summed up with the fact Liverpool were on red hot form in their last seven League games, I confess I would not have put my money on Arsenal had I been invited to.

Oh, how I wish I was still in London. I know the Carnival will be good and everything, but being at the Emirates tonight would have been even more special. While I sat lonely and shirtless on my couch, my good old friend Frank, texted me from inside the Emirates, telling me how cold the weather was. And somehow I missed that cold breeze kissing my face; the Arsenal was playing. I quite do not remember the last home game I did not attend. It was strange to see the Emirates from such a high angle and I spotted my empty seat, although Mr. Stubbs and Charlie were right there occupying theirs, right beside mine. Needless to say I was way more nervous than usual.

And as the first half started, I feared for the worse. All I could see was a nervy Arsenal side, missing countless, countless passes, giving away simple balls and losing precious possession. Liverpool, on the other hand, looked composed; though they were comfortably sitting deep and waiting for counters, like Benitez affirmed his side would play. It is true no big chances were created during this half, but there was commitment being displayed by our lads. It was clear that they were up for it and were hungry for the victory – that would come later.

The second half started way better. Both teams were putting more and more pressure on each other, making the most of the few goal scoring chances. And when we were playing our best football, David Ngog was brilliantly assisted thanks to a marvelous through ball. And when Vermaelen was already beaten and I was lying hopeless on the sofa; just like Almunia, though on the pitch; a phoenix came back to life from the ashes before throwing his foot in front of the ball, blocking the shot fired by the Liverpool players, saving our arse. Billy Gallas gave us an example of the never-give-up spirit. Sensational, stunning, beautiful and some more adjectives I do not know can describe his efforts.

Seconds after that, the ball was with us and we were attacking. A quiet Andrei Arshavin found an unmarked Rosicky, who broke into their box from the left flank, just face-to-face with Reina. When he was preparing to cross to Bendtner, on the penalty spot, his left foot betrayed him as it tipped the ball out of his possession. Had The Little Mozart scored that goal, it would have been one of the most inspiring Arsenal moments of the decade; from almost one-nil down to one-nil up in matter of seconds. A pity, though I must admit I cursed Rosicky while watching the game. We were not finding any spaces, and when we do, he does that! Oh, my!

He was lucky, though. Minutes later, Abou Diaby, on the midfield, passed the ball to Captain Fabregas. Cesc raised his head, tapped it to Nicklas. The Dane striker did try to cross the ball, but luckily (thanks, God) the ball ricocheted on Gerrard. The ball then returned to Bendtner. He, now more calm, saw Rosicky running fast coming in from the right flank. The ball was quickly given to the Czech midfielder. The number 7 raised his head before finding the head of the same player that created this goal scoring chance from the heart of the midfield, seconds back. Diaby’s header was perfect and that gave us the lead. 1-0 to the Arsenal, the winner was there.

After that, those were the longest 20 minutes of the year. Liverpool were determined to grab the equalizer, and with Cesc’s handball I have doubts about our victory. But, you know what? I don’t give a damn. Liverpool would have been tremendous lucky had that ball really gone in; which I strongly think Almunia would not have allowed to happen, heh. We were the better team, even after two miserable defeats, and that victory could not have come at a better moment. We had just done the double over Liverpool.

What a game! What a victory! The marathon finally ends, and now we can manage to breathe a bit more freely. What a committed performance that was. For the first time in ages Almunia managed to put a decent one, saving that rocket fired from Babel. Eboue; wow, what a game by him. He was superb; finally I saw Arsenal both defending and attacking properly through their right back. Clichy, too, finally put in an impressive performance. In the midfield, Song, the monster, once again did his job, pocketing Stevie-G. Diaby, the winner scorer, looked quiet on the telly, though I would have loved to have watched him more freely had I attended the game. Cesc did his job. He was everywhere, shouting, screaming, pointing and, most importantly, doing his job as a true Captain; complaining to the referee and disturbing Gerrard before the final set-piece. Things big and experienced leaders like Terry and Rooney do. Up front, Arshavin had his first disappointing game against Liverpool, Nasri went out injured -+ which I hope is not serious – and Bendtner had a very, very good game. You must be wondering why, but if you watch the game again you will see a physical centre forward, someone who can outmuscle some defenders, shield some balls before passing it to one of our wingers; just everything we were in desperate need of, up front. Of course he was not at his best, but here is to Nicko improving his game until the end of the season. Sagna, Theo and Rosicky came as subs, though they were quiet even though Tomas managed an assist today.

And last but not least, what can I say about Vermaelen and Gallas? The Belgium international started the game with stretches all around his eyes and Gallas was my man of the match. William was simply everywhere. Jumping, heading balls, trying to score goals, complaining, shouting, throwing himself in front of balls, tackling and putting his head in where most of the players do not put their feet; a proper unsung hero that I really, really do not want to see leaving the N5. Legendary stuff from him tonight.

We have put ourselves in the title race again. Chelsea lost. Man United were held at Villa Park and will now play an on fire Everton side! Liverpool are now eight points behind us and Tottenham, well, they are Tottenham as the mighty Wolves do the double over them. Epic! The gap between us and the leaders is now shorter with them still having to play each other and the likes of Everton and everything. I strongly expect them to drop more and more points from now on whereas Arsenal are in a very comfortable position now. No more Chelsea, no more Man Utd., no more Liverpool, no more Everton and no more Aston Villa, though we still excitedly wait for Adebayor’s return to Ashburton Grove. Oh, and by then there will be no Carnival, no nothing that will make me lose this game.

And, well, it feels strange not to have a pint right after the final whistle. And as I picture the pubs at north London full of red & white shirts, cheering while chanting, I also can see Steven Gerrard feeling like a ‘wounded animal’ somewhere moving toward the Merseyside.

Good luck with the Europa League, boys. See you next year!