By Felipe Hassin Pinto a.k.a The Man from the Grove
It is true we normally do not deliver an imperious performance before a vital Champions League game, but it was very positive to see how the lads responded after a very turbulent week; first Aaron Ramsey gets seriously injured; then we had the international break that clearly affected our preparation; then we welcomed a very defensive-minded side that was exclusively concerned on defending and sitting deep. Despite everything, the lads were mature enough to win the game.
Walcott started very well. He had countless chances on the right wing and had he been playing more often his passes would have been more precise. Eboue and Fabregas created a very good chance thanks to a flicked ball from the Ivorian and Cesc almost broke the deadlock. And then Samir Nasri popped up. He took the responsibility, saw Fab running between the Clarets toward their goal. Samir found the captain with a well-timed cross just before Cesc shot it past Jensen. Class finish, just like a cold striker. And when we could have make it two, a very poor mistake from our defenders allowed Nugent to break between Silvestre and Vermaelen. And as Almunia was too, too high for a keeper, the Englishman just lobbed Manuel to equalise the game.
And then, when things got more difficult as the Clarets sat deep, the on pitch player with lowest first team minutes this season received a ball on the left flank. Just like a fearless and match-winner winger, he cut some defenders once and twice before smashing a curling shot past Jensen. Va-va-voom. Simple as that. Two clear cuts and a deadly finish. And the boy who had been criticised by the press on Wednesday had won us the game. Before the final whistle, though, Arshavin, who was brought in with 30 minutes to go, still had time to score his. Nice to see Andrey on the scoresheet again. And even more pleasant to see, yet again, a winger coming from the flanks to score such a goal. Here is to carry on like that and returning even more hungry for the rest of the season.
And, well, I know you have been waiting for this moment: Nicklas Bendtner. I find it way too harsh to criticise the lad for one, one below-average performance. The lad scored crucial goals since returning from injury. Equalised the game at Stoke, scored for Denmark midweek and, in my opinion, had a nice game in terms of creation and participation. He was everywhere, very well positioned. It is true he could have scored a hat-trick, but as Wenger said in his post-match interview, there is no need to remind him he should not miss so many chances because he, inside his own head, is certainly very, very frustrated. And as a determined lad I am sure he will raise his head and score at least once against Porto on Tuesday – and here, please, mark my words.
It was good to see Diaby coming from the bench playing that well. And though Nasri was probably my man of the match, Walcott is the one who deserves to be praised. Capello loves him. He is going to the World Cup for sure. He started the game against Egypt even with a few days after returning into full-fitness, being choen ahead of legends like David Beckham and on-fire players like James Milner. So, it was vital for him to be trusted by Wenger, who is a genius. The Professor gave him the chance not only to start, but to play the whole game. He was patient enough not to replace him, which could have costed us not only the winner, but the self-confidence of a crucial and talented player. The result is now clear and now I doubt Theo will not fly high and play a vital role for us until the end of the season, going to South Africa as one of the best players in England.
Manchester United won, okay. But a terrible performance, was it not? That proves how much they depend on Rooney. We, on the other hand, are on the brink of winning the title without Robin van Persie, who was, at the moment he got injured, our best and most important player, and, of course, Fabregas, who had to be replaced early yesterday – and will definitely play against Porto, trust me. United are class and quality, I do not doubt them. But my point is: the momentum is ours. They will welcome Fulham next week, a very tough and solid team that might make life very, very difficult for them. They also have to play the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham. As for Chelsea, they are a ruin-minded team. First the Terry episode with Vanessa Perroncel (and if she is reading me now, text me, sunshine), and most recently the Cuntley Cole saga, having cheated on the beautiful, astonishing and perfect Cheryl. Even Abramovic is pissed with him as he bedded someone in their very hotel in the US, which is unacceptable for the Russian. That is causing turbulence at the Bridge and that is why I cannot wait for their match against Stoke, as it will tell us a lot about them and their title hopes.
Arsenal are united. Our togetherness is touching and very, very clear. The lads wearing the Ramsey shirts proved our point and that we are definitely up for it. And as things could not get even better, Porto lost yesterday against a lower-table team.
Does anyone still doubt we will trash those cunts on Tuesday at the Emirates?
excellent article.
what a good article .Why though are they “cunts” ?
Theo is a promising young lad and he has responded well to his critise and Arsenal is 4 d EPL
Loling at the “text me sunshine”.. 😀
Right Mr. T? I nearly fell out my chair laughing at that thought. 😀