The Game
A defeat is never easy to accept but there are times when you have to admit that the other team was better on the day and fully deserved the win.
By “on the day” I mean that contrary to what many thought before the kick-off, today’s game didn’t show that we’re not as good as Chelsea because with so many key players out we still managed to put up a fight and create plenty of chances.
Thomas Vermaelen at the back, Cesc Fabregas in the middle and Robin van Persie up front. That’s one key player in every department of the pitch. I’m not making excuses up, those who read me often know that I don’t hide behind the fact that we have missing players, I’m just saying that if the mentality is right, we’re second to none.
Make no mistake, I want to take nothing away from Carlo Ancelotti’s men. I again have this funny feeling that had we scored one they would have stepped it up a gear or two to score one more. The way Drogba scored the first was simply outstanding whilst Alex’s effort – pure power with a touch of curve – was also an execution which leaves you clapping your hands in acknowledgment even if it’s not coming from the team you support.
All in all I believe Arsenal played a very good game, they put a lot of pressure on Chelsea from the first minute of the game and kept on pushing forward even after they took the lead, which was admirable to see. Granted, some players could have maybe done more and our defensive department was shaky in more than one occasion but putting that aside for a second, today was big leap forward in terms of determination and tenacity when you compare the display to the WBA one.
We now go seven points from the Blues, it’s a big mountain to climb if we are to cut the gap in the same fashion we did last season but I believe we can make it. We just need to approach every single game in the same way we did today and of course hope for the other teams to drop points along the way.
Player Ratings
Fabianski: 8 – Not much he could do to prevent the goals. One mistake in the early stages of the game when he punched the ball in a dangerous area but recovered well and produced a brilliant performance. The saved he produced were maybe not the most difficult in the world but he was there and did his job.
Squillaci: 4 – Not sure if he was under more pressure because of the captain’s armband but he was shocking back there I’m afraid. Let Florent Malouda go away in the first part of the game and then made a terrible mistake in the second which could have easily killed the game off if it wasn’t for Anelka’s poor finishing.
Koscielny: 6 – His first-minute miss was very bad as we could have had a different game had he scored. Defensively I believe he was better than Sebastien though it is clear we need Thomas to be back as soon as possible.
Clichy: 6 – Nothing personal, but his contribution in the defensive department is driving me crazy. For example I’m still trying to understand what was going through his mind in the 70th minute when he did absolutely nothing to challenge Anelka who went on to pick a team mate who was luckily flagged for offside.
Sagna: 6,5 – Very strong in challenging Drogba in the first part of the game and went on to make some vital tackles and interceptions. Could have done better to prevent Ashley Cole from crossing in the first goal though.
Song: 6 – I believe his contribution when we had possession was very good, helping the forward line with some nice runs. I still believe, however, that he is to be more disciplined in his role and let the other, more creative midfielders, run the show.
Wilshere: 7,5 – Brilliant game. Was a bit anonymous in the second half but overall he was a beast in midfield, never shy to tackle or make his presence felt when required.
Diaby: 6,5 – I’m glad to see he recovered from last week’s poor performance. He was involved in many of our moves today as he looked sharp and up for it. As I always say though, he should be more adventurous in the final third, he is to believe more in himself.
Nasri: 6 – He may have seen plenty of the ball but never gave me the impression he could hurt Chelsea. Also guilty of not sticking with Ashley Cole who went on to assist Drogba for the first goal and a very poor pass in the later stages of the game which resulted in Laurent’s yellow.
Arshavin: 6,5 – Hot and cold from Andrey but I loved his contribution, especially in the first half. Unlike Samir, he did some damage to Chelsea especially when he was getting the ball, making his way past his marker and go for goal which is just what we need in the final third. Needs to do it for the whole 90 minutes though, that’s for sure.
Chamakh: 5,5 – I expected more from him but maybe that’s because of how everyone was saying how he can be our key to success today. I also believe he should stop going down so easily to win penalties as it could easily backfire in the long run.
(Subs)
Rosicky: 6 – Came off the bench to inject creativity to our midfield and I believe he made a significant impact.
Vela and J.E.T.: No Vote – Not enough time on the pitch to rate.
From thegunninghawk.com
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