Manchester United 2 – 1 Arsenal (Somehow)

Two weeks ago I went to watch Arsenal take on Manchester United at the pub.  After two hours of viewing I emerged in one of the most annoyed states I’ve ever been in after a football game.  Somehow, after outplaying them throughout the majority of the game, Arsenal lost 2-1 to Manchester United.

I was very annoyed because:

a) Arsenal in no way deserved to lose.  They probably didn’t even deserve a draw, but all three points.

b) It was Man United.  Any other team, and I wouldn’t of been too bothered, but it had to be Man Yoo.  How do they always get results when they don’t deserve it??

c) In my probably biased opinion, apart from the end of the game where Arsenal were pushing everything up front for an equaliser, United didn’t really make any chances.  The first goal was an annoying penalty to give away as Almunia shouldn’t have come out that far and Rooney was looking for it.  The second goal was just plain bizarre.  Abou Diaby, who otherwise played very well, strangely headed the ball into his own net despite not being under any pressure.

d) The Van Persie goal right at the end was offside, but it was typical that that would happen against Man United.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen a team get a last minute goal at Old Trafford accept United (who do it very often).

e) A penalty wasn’t given after Arshavin was clearly fouled by Fletcher in the area.  It was the most obvious foul of the whole game and then he hand-balled it on the way out.

But now that I’ve ranted about all that, on reflection I was encouraged by the game as a whole.  Arsenal played very well and showed very good signs for the rest of the season.  The two centre-backs in particular looked strong: an area last season that was at times shaky.

If there was one moment that cheered me up in particular, it had to be Wenger’s absurd sending off for kicking a bottle in frustration after the goal at the end was ruled offside.  The whole thing was superb and Gordon Strachan’s comments afterwards were amusing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11ExsKSezsU

The Gallas/Fabregas captaincy thingy-ma-do

So a weird week for an Arsenal fan.  Gallas stripped of his captaincy due to some unwise comments and his replacement named as the 21 year old Fabregas.  Amidst all this hullabaloo, Arsenal lost to both Aston Villa and Man City in two rather lacklustre performances, but restored some pride in beting Dynamo Kiev and securing their palce in the knockout round of the Champions League.  Here are my thoughts:

1) Obviously, I’m disappointed with the results at home to Villa and to Man City.  After beating Man Utd, Arsenal failed to capture similar form and looked to have little enthusiasm for either game.  I can only guess this was due in part to the whole Gallas drama going on. 

2) I’m a big fan of William Gallas.  He’s a great defender and has so often made a very positive difference to the Arsenal team in key games.  However his behaviour as captain is at times shocking.  He was stupid to say what he did publicly and did not represent either his teamates or the team in general.  He is a very hot headed person, which can be a double edged sword, so although I’m very glad he’s in the team, I don’t think he should continue as captain.  Saying that, I do respect Arsene Wenger for having faith in him and giving him the oppurtunity to captain when I believe alot of other managers would have given up on him. I felt a bit sorry for him against Kiev, but he did once again show what a good player he can be. 

3) I am happy with the appointment of Fabregas as captain.  I heard many people a-groaning at this decision, saying that Fabregas was too young.  And yes, young he may be, but he very experienced having over 200 caps for Arsenal and been part of a Euro championship winning side and apparently has the respect of all the other players.  Hopefully this will give him a new focus and keep him at Arsenal. 

So overall, not a great time, but I have faith that things will pick up.  Saying that, Chelsea away isnt the best game to have next and I don’t think we will win, but then again, I didn’t think Arsenal would beat Man Utd.  So only time will tell. 

James

Spurs win, Arsenal lose, Lennon to blame

Results for both Arsenal and Spurs went somewhat against expectations this weekend. On the back of that sensational 4-4 draw at the Emirates last Wednesday, Arsenal suffered a somewhat embarrassing 2-1 loss to Stoke City. Both Stoke goals were a little soft, stemming from Arsenal’s indecisive defending of two Rory Delap long throws. But the result was not the only thing that went wrong for Arsenal, as Adebayor, Walcott and Sagne all went off with what what could be serious injuries, and Robin van Persie received a red card for a silly foul on the Stoke goalkeeper. Wenger described it as ‘a difficult day’ all round for the Gooners.

Things went rather differently for Spurs, as they saw off Liverpool 2-1 at White Hart Lane. It was a somewhat fortunate result, as the Reds had several chances to put the game to bed before Spurs’ 70th minute equaliser (an own goal by Jamie Carragher), and Roman Pavlyuchenko’s injury time winner. Tottenham have had very little luck this season, though, and so I feel a result such as this one was well overdue. It was the first time Robbie Keane had returned to the Lane since his transfer in the summer, and he got some boos during the game, but also received a rapturous round of applause from most of the crowd when he was substituted mid-way through the second half. I expect Robbie will always be welcome back at Spurs, although it’s unlikely the same can be said for Dimitar Berbatov.

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Given these two contrasting results, then, one can only speculate as to just how much of an impact Aaron Lennon’s 94th minute equaliser in Wednesday’s North London Derby actually had on this weekend’s results. For one thing, the press has been writing a whole load about how shaken was the Arsenal camp by Spurs’ dramatic comeback in that game, and had Arsenal won on Wedneday, I think it’s unlikely they would have lost in such acrimonious circumstances at Stoke yesterday. Their self-confidence seems to have been seriously undermined by the derby result, and I would agree with Mark Lawrenson’s comments on last night’s Match of the Day, when he suggested that Arsenal looked mentally very weak against Stoke. By the same token, one might question whether Spurs’ could have mustered the self-belief to come back and win so late against Liverpool last night, unless they were still riding on the euphoria of their late comeback against Arsenal. In both cases, therefore, Aaron Lennon’s late equaliser last Wednesday seems to have played a key part in determining the mentality of both teams going into yesterday’s games, and subsequently in determining the results themselves.

If Spurs continue their upward momentum and Arsenal fail to halt their poor form, then, this year’s first North London Derby may well prove to have been pivotal for both clubs this season.

Simon

A Spurs fan’s reflections on the North London Derby

Well, 4-4, who would have predicted it? The word ‘incredible’ does not do justice! A quite remarkable game. As a Spurs’ fan, given our shocking start to the season and the nature of the game itself, I am obviously delighted at the result. I thought the boys showed resolve, determination and spirit – three things which have been in short supply so far this season. And while Arsene (and ‘Simon Dron’, whoever he is) both think Arsenal deserved to win, I would agree with the likes of Andy Gray, Phil Thompson and Jamie Redknapp who after the game stated that Spurs deserved their draw.

I understand James’ frustration (below) regarding the nature of Tottenham’s goals, but I think the same could be said for at least three, and perhaps all four, of Arsenal’s. Gomes was clearly at fault for the first; a needless free-kick and Corluka’s poor marking led to the second; Hutton should have been braver in stopping Adebayor getting to the ball for the third; and Hutton again dropped a clanger for the fourth. So I think both defences were weak, and made silly mistakes which led to goals. At least in Spurs ‘credit’ column there was a piece of genius in Bentley’s goal, and further genius in Modric’s shot which rebounded off the post and led to the fourth goal. Arsenal did look more dangerous throughout, and shouldn’t have conceded two goals late on, but I don’t think that detracts from Spurs’ achievement in securing a late draw at the Emirates. Although Arsenal will certainly need to tighten up their defence if they’re going to challenge for the title.

The best part of the evening for me. however, was when a group of incredibly loud and obnoxious Arsenal fans (not all Arsenal fans are obnoxious, James for instance is a reasonable Arsenal fan, but these were obnoxious with a capital ‘O’), next to whom I had been sat the entire game, on hearing the final whistle, proceeded to stand up and angrily throw all their chairs over, all the while making caveman-like grunts and groans. They then stomped around the room banging tables and walls for about five minutes. ‘Twas a joyous sight!

Overall, though, I think both teams should be congratulated for a well-played and entertaining game that will be talked about for many years to come.

Simon

P.S. Here are some funny video links from the Sky Sports website:

Fanzone (absolutely hilarious!!!) – click here

Phil Thompson reacts to Spurs’ equaliser in Sky Sports’ studio – click here