Top of the morning to yall
It was labelled Arsenal’s acid test, a show of how much we have improved, a test of our team spirit, a test of how much of a team we are without our two backbones of last season, a test of how sane Wenger was for letting them both go (at least Song) and not bringing in a replacement, a test for putting his faith in the likes of Mertesacker and Jenkinson. It was a test that was passed in flying colours. Since yesterday, there have been a new dish on the menu around; it was on for dinner last night and breakfast this morning. It’s the humble pie. And it has been shoved down the throats of critics and pundits after that performance at the Etihad yesterday evening.
Cash vs. Class, I think the winner was evident yesterday as the team showed how far removed they are from the mediocre talk and doubt casting both from within and outside the team. It was a fantastic display. A near perfect one. But for the fantastically poor shooting ability of Gervinho and Mannone’s hesitation in dealing with the corner, I think – believe- we would have won all 3 points.
With Thomas Vermaelen out with flu, Koscielny made his first start of the season while Aaron Ramsey replaced Giroud in the starting line-up after the midweek game at Montpellier while Gervinho moved to the centre. Mikel Arteta also captained the side for the first time in a competitive match.
We started the game the better side, with our slick fluent passing game. Gibbs got into position to shoot earlier on but chose to cross while Podolski blazing over after been nicely teed up by Jenko’s cutback then Gervinho had our best opportunity in the half when he was sent racing clear of the City defence only for his first touch to let him down when he had only the keeper to beat.
City finally took the lead when Lescott’s head met Silva’s corner after Mannone hesitated in committing himself to the cross. It was an avoidable goal to concede but conceded anyway and at half time, we should have gone in at least level.
The second half was a slower affair as City added another body in midfield bringing on Jack Rodwell for Scott Sinclair. They created the opening chances with Aguero going close twice drawing a save from Mannone and blasting over.
Walcott and Giroud came on for Diaby and Podolski in the 70th minute and with 10mins to go, Cazorla’s shot was palmed away by Hart and from the resulting corner, Koscielny blasted home after the city defence failed to clear their lines. Koscielny then almost gifted city the lead again after his awkward clearance fell to aguero in the box and after Mannone had made a smart reaction save from Kompany’s over-head kick.
The game seemed to fizzle out after that but right at the end, Gervinho could have snatched the winner but sliced his shot waywardly.
Wenger said afterwards:
I am pleased because [a point] was the minimum we deserved today. I am pleased also with the quality of our performance and our spirit
But overall I hope this will reinforce our belief and confidence and reassure us about our potential in this league.
The team spirit is indeed amazing. The resilience and determination never to give up and lose the game was exceptional and this will stand them in good stead in the course of the season. Before the game, Arsene had conceded that a lot of opinion would be formed about the team based of the performance and while just one performance might not say it all about the team, yesterday’s game certainly went a long way to convince even the most pessimistic of fans about the ability of the team and authenticity of its challenge for the league title.
There is still a long way to go and like Ramsey said, the team would just go about its business of picking up points.
The Capital One cup makes its debut on Wednesday and we play Coventry at the Emirates. I expect to see more fringe players in that one as we have another big clash with Chelsea at the weekend as first teamers would definitely benefit from a rest.
That's about it for today, be back next time for another one.
God bless the Arsenal, iree o
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