Sunday, January 31, 2010

Devils slay Gunners...Gutted to death!


"When the going gets tough... the tough get going" and not blow it like Arsenal did tonight.

Where do I start? It was nothing short of an abysmal showing by the lads tonight as we were out-classed, out-muscled and out-scored in what was touted to be an entertaining bout. After a promising start to the game, with some flowing football and when Arshavin looked threatening with a couple of his runs sending the cauldron of 60,000 odd Arsenal loyalists in a tizzy, it didn't take much time to crash... just after a super Nani run which resulted in an own goal by Almunia, we seemed to be down and out. Pathetic passing, inexplicably atrocious crosses and some unimaginably horrendous defending made us look like an ordinary team up against the Champions of England. Well, it might sound too harsh but we lacked that determination and the courage to bounce back and United capitalized to the fullest. It didn't take long before the lead was doubled by the much talked about Wayne Rooney, Nani being the provider. 2 goals in 4 mins was too big a shock for us to recover. In the second half too United were the better team and and even though we had our chances like we had in the first half, we managed to convert just one, thanks to a Jonny Evans deflection, Vermaelen the scorer. That too came a tad too late as United were by then 3 goals up, thanks to a quick counter attack by United, Park netting home the virtual winner after a cool run down the left. We weren't at our best alright, but credit to United for a genuinely good performance. Final score- Arsenal 1 Man Utd 3...

No doubt this defeat would dent our title ambitions but lets not forget there's still little time to recover. There's no silver lining though as we go to Stamford Bridge next for an important contest against leaders Chelsea. It's disappointing really to lose such a crucial game and that too after not showing much resistance... but keep the faith guys... that's the best we can do.
Go Gunners!

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Brace yourself for the clash of the season!


So here we are... with the title race hotting up, we have a huge roadblock to pass as our lads gear up to face the might of Champions Manchester United on Sunday in a bout which is considered by many as the clash of the season.

Whenever these two clubs face-off, it's a special occasion for their fans and this time it's no exception. This fixture has always been intriguing and exciting and once upon a time was considered to be close to, if not equivalent to the 'El Classico', when these two great clubs dominated the Premier League. Tempers have flown, pizzas thrown, shoes hurled and what not! It's true that things have eased out a bit in the last few years, but don't be surprised if there are fireworks this time around as there's a lot at stake apart from just pride. At this stage of the season, both teams would be looking to keep up with leaders Chelsea and nothing less than 3 points would do for both sides.

We have injury woes to cope up with but lets hope Eduardo's able to nurse his hamstring on time(which is unlikely) and atleast one of the two, Diaby or Song turn up for this important encounter. Bendtner's return is a good sign but one would expect Arshavin to assume the role up front in the absence of Eduardo.

Here's hoping we do well and bag all 3 points against our nemesis and send a strong message to leaders Chelsea. Go Gunners!!!

Sol ready to face Man Utd


Arsene Wenger has expressed full confidence in Sol Campbell to restrict the in-form Rooney in the upcoming clash of the titans, in case the first choice centre back Thomas Vermaelen fails to recover on time. Campbell, who sees Wenger as an inspiration has been fairly good ever since he arrived at the Emirates after a spell with Pompey and just one appearance with Notts County. The other night against the resurgent Martin O'Neil's Aston Villa he looked rock solid after he came on as a substitute for injured Thomas Vermaelen. Wenger, in a press conference had this to say...

"Sol can cope with Rooney. He is ready if he has recovered well. I have to assess him but normally he will play if Vermaelen doesn't play," Wenger said on Friday.

"He has experience and he likes the big games. He can turn up if needed and experience helps in these kind of games.

"It was certainly not expected a few months ago when he signed for Notts County that he would be playing a game like this.

"That shows you how quick football is and I believe that he has worked very hard and credit to him, everyday he was motivated to push himself and he is quite fit."


Campbell's experience will surely help feels Wenger. The big man has seen it all in the past but is he still agile and tactful enough to put the brakes on Rooney's indefatigable scoring spree? Watch out for this space...

Wilshere moves to Bolton


Our young starlet Jack Wilshere, 18, has been loaned out to Bolton Wanderers for the remainder of the season. It's a wise move considering he will gain a lot of first team experience with Bolton. The lad has had 7 first team appearances to his credit this season and has impressed whenever he has had the chance. Here's wishing him good luck at Bolton and looking forward to seeing him playing for Arsenal again soon!