Sheffield United 1 Arsenal 0

 

A shambolic performance from Arsenal yesterday. I went to the Fulham game, and that was poor, but the performance yesterday beat it out of sight. The opening 10 minutes was good for us, with Rosicky having a shot saved by Paddy Kenny, and Gilberto fluffing a header over the bar, a header you expect him to score after his recent hot streak. After that, it was all Sheffield, we made so many mistakes, and in crucial area’s. It was fucking ridiculous. When we win the ball in our own box we like to pass is out of defence, but when you have 10 lunatics playing for Sheffield United running around, you haven’t got any time, we just had to get rid of it, we didn’t. Justin Hoyte did it several times, it’s good when it comes off, but when your playing a battling side like Sheffield or Bolton, they are going to be flying in all over the place. Just get rid of the fucking thing.

Their goal was pretty much given to them, I think we gave it away and Nade completely sold Toure, he was through on goal and within seconds Jens Lehmann was there, out of his box, and Nade had an easy finish. Such a bad decision from Lehmann and someone as expericenced as him should know alot better. That was just before half time, at the break I really was struggling to think of anyway we could score, most people were singing “We want Cesc Fabregas” which fair enough, the kid is a genius on his day, but he has played so many games and we have decent enough players to win us games, especially against poor opposition.

The second half wasn’t much better, we created next to nothing and even with Jagielka in goal we had one shot. There is not much more I can comment on the game, because it was a nothing performace.

I know Sheffield were Physical with us yesterday, but thats there style, and we can’t cope with it, the pitch was awful yes, but these are professional football players we are talking about, if Sheffield United can cope with it, we should be able to easily. Gunnerblog makes a great point about the Referee and why Sheffields players weren’t booked.

Im not going to single out one player, because they were all as bad as each other, Rosicky was pretty much a non event, Baptista was in the wrong position, he tried hard but I think the physicality of the english game shocked him, Aliadiere just ran alot, but other than that he did nothing to suggest he will still be an Arsenal player by the beginning of February. Van Persie was kicked out of the game, and just didn’t try hard enough, I think Toure and Gilberto have played too much football of late, and need a rest, I know we have plenty of injuries, but we need them for the Cup game at Liverpool, which might be our only hope of Silverware this year, If we have no players available for back up on Tuesday then they will have to play, but if there are some returnee’s then rest them. Up front yesterday we missed Adebayor a great deal, just for lack of effort, he gives everything in every game he plays for Arsenal, even if he plays badly you can see he really is trying for this club. People have been saying that we don’t miss Henry at the moment, because we have been scoring alot, but my did we need him yesterday, a player who can create something out of nothing. I hope he is back soon, no disrespect to any of other strikers but none of them are Thierry Henry.

What I also find frustrating is Wenger, he makes so many excuses. Mourinho, for example, as much as I hate him he doesn’t hold back when his team plays badly, he said yesterday -

“Everybody knows in this moment Chelsea can’t defend. I am the first one to know that”

“Maybe we are not as good as we think, maybe I am not such a good manager, Maybe the players are not such good players”

I think thats good managing to be honest, you can’t keep praising players for spirit when we keep losing like Wenger does, obviously he has to show confidence in his players but he has to get the balance right between praise and criticism, it’s totally wrong at the moment.

It was my third away game of the season yesterday, and if you are a regular reader of this site, you will know that I went to Bolton and Fulham in November, both of which we lost. I wasn’t so annoyed at Bolton because we gave it ago, but Fulham and Sheffield annoyed me so much, to pay the money that fans pay and the team doesn’t turn up. If I was Arsene I would refund all the fans that travelled yesterday, because we pay our money to be entertained, Im not asking for sympathy here, its just part of Football, it doesn’t mean I’m never going away with The Arsenal again, Im going to Liverpool next Saturday and most likely Blackburn the week after, If we play like that again then Wenger must have a serious think about his current squad of players, because some of them simply are not good enough, and for a club like Arsenal that is the last thing we need, players are selected for Arsenal because they are extemely talented, it doesn’t matter about injuries because the team that played yesterday was full of International players, so you would think they would no about effort, something that was non-existent last night.

Well thats it for me today. We have Charlton on tuesday night, hopefully we will have some players back. Although I want Baptista to start, because he needs a run of games, Arseblog said this morning we cant judge him yet, because he hasn’t had a run in the side yet, just appearances here and there. I think he will be a good player, he needs to adapt to the English league first though, and I can see an awful lot of people running out of patience with him.

Have a great new Year, lets hope 2007 is good year for the Gunners.

Thanks for reading.

Sheffield United v Arsenal Preview – I Might Have to Play!

Oh God no, well I hope not. Although it would be a honour. To play for Arsenal I mean. The reason that I or 1 or 2 of the travelling Gooners maybe selected by Le Boss today, is that we have 8 injuries. Bloody 8, and 4 of the travelling squad have got the Flu. Dear Oh Dear, terrible state of affairs.

Henry, Gallas, Eboue, Djourou, Adebayor, Ljungberg, Diaby, Walcott, Hleb all have injuries. It says on Sky Sports that Eboue and Djourou are doubtful, but I can’t see them playing. Also, Baptista, Fabregas, Aliadiere and Song have colds. They will travel apparently, whilst Lauren and Denilson will be on the bench.

Wenger has said he will rotate for todays game, so I’d imagine Flamini will come in for Fabregas, or maybe Song will get another random start, remember Fulham? Hopefully, Wenger won’t do this, because we need someone who can stuck in up at Sheffield, like Flamini does. Wenger has also confirmed that Baptista will start, his 3rd start of the season. This is the game for him now, with the side injury hit, we need someone like Julio to step up. Im pretty confident he will do so. Le boss will start him up front with Van Persie or play him behind Van Persie and Aliadiere. I’d like to see him in both roles to be honest, not at the same time obviously. Also, its another and perhaps the last chance for Aliadiere to impreses, what with the Transfer window 2 days away.

It’s only a short one today, as im leaving for the game shortly, and I don’t really want to miss the coach.

I’ve missed out loads of predicitons recently, I was kepping them secret and it worked, sod that, I played this on Pro Evolution 6 last night, with the likely side that will play, we won 3-0, Baptista, Gilberto and Van Persie getting the goals.

Block 11 Match Prediction -

Sheffield United 0 Arsenal 3

I’m off now, to lovely Sheffield, hopefully I will return this evening with a big grin. Lets hope we finish 2006 with a bang.

Come on the Lads!

Arsenal 6 Blackburn 2

Christmas came slightly earlier for all Gooners today, as we thrashed Northern Monkeys Blackburn by 6 goals to 2. It’s about time we got a more realistic result. We converted the majority of our chances today, and If we had done that in numerous other games at home, we would be slugging it out with Manure and Chel$ki.

So onto the game, we were barely 2 minutes in when Howard Webb lost the game, Bentley was in a tussle with Toure, Bentley fell over and Webb pointed to the spot, a piss poor decision, it was to be the first of many, and I do mean many. Shabby Nonda stepped up and converted. So yet again we found ourselves 1 behind at home. This time however, it didn’t take the usual 40 minutes to get the equaliser, because 8 minutes after the penalty, we were back on terms, Gilberto chipped in with yet another goal,  he has taken the responsibilty of being Captain in his stride. It was from a corner, nuff said. Just before Kolo Toure hit the bar with a header from a corner, so we are showing signs of progress with corner taking.

The goal was shortly followed by a cracking blast from Bentley, who seemed to be on a mission in the first half, shooting whenever he saw the goal. He faded in the second half though. Minutes later, Arsenal had done something we hadn’t achieved at home this season. Gone a goal behind and managed to take the lead. Alex Hleb got it, a good passing move was completed when Adebayor out in Hleb, who beat his man and slotted it past Brad Friedel. 2-1.

 

Soon after it was 3-1, Van Persie through on goal, and was brought down for the penalty. A straight red you would imagine, as they offending defender was the last man, Webb yet again gave a mental decision, by booking the player. Clearly should have been a red card. After abit of messing from the ref, we finally got on with it, Adebayor stepped up, I had no confidence at all, after all the paper talk from Saturday morning, his goal run, rave reviews etc. I just thought he’d blast it over the South Stand. Thank christ he didn’t, as he slotted left of Friedel who dived about 20 minutes to early. 3-1 and things looked alot more comfortable.

Between the goal and half time, there were various chances, none of which I can really remember. Apart from absolute dire decisions from the ref, bloody awful he was.

So onto the second half, in the first 20 minutes, we continued to dominate, creating a hatful of chances, including Tomas Rosicky’s effort, which somehow didn’t go in, he is still awaiting his first goal at The Emirates and in the Premiership. Then on 69 minutes, Blackburn were back in the game, Nonda grabbed his second of the game, after poor defending. We had three men in the 6-yard box to clear it, but Nonda got their first with an overhead kick from close range, Blackburn continued to have a go, and fairplay to them, they battled well, but in the end we were just to overwhelming for them, a great piece of skill from Robin Van Persie, beating his man three times and a shot placed to perfection made it 4-2 and gave us the certain 3 points.

We weren’t done there though, 3 minutes later Robin grabbed a brace after finishing a wonderful passing move, set up by Fabregas, VP couldnt miss from 8 yards. Flamini finished the rout with his 3rd league goal of the season, after Cesc completely ‘mugged off’ Lily Savage, ran down the bi-line, cut in and had his shot saved well by Friedel, but he parried it right onto the foot of Flamini, who had another easy chance which he couldn’t and didn’t miss. The full time whistle followed shortly after, Delight all round and a much Happier Christmas.

It was the stereotypical Arsenal that we saw today, attacking with pace and precision. No team can deal with us when we are on that kind of form, and it was the thrashing we’ve been waiting for all season. Here’s to the next one, lets hope it’s at Watford on Tuesday.

Block 11 Match Ratings (out of ten) -

Lehmann - 8, Hoyte – 7, Djourou – 6, Toure – 6, Clichy  – 7, Rosicky – 7, Gilberto  -7, Fabregas – 8, Hleb – 8, Adebayor – 7, Block 11 Star Man Van Persie – 8.

Im giving it to Robin, not only because he scored two goals, but because he played very well all game, created alot of chances for himself, and although it did take him 85 minutes to find the net, it was certainly deserved.

After this win, we stay in 4th place on goal difference, 1 point behind Livepool and on the same points as Bolton.

It’s Watford for us next, on Tuesday. I am going away for four days in the morning so I won’t be giving you a Preview or a report of the game, I would love to, but Im going to Menorca, and if any of you have been there at this time of year will know that absolutley nothing is open, well locally anyway. Im hoping very much that the Irish Bar will be open so I can watch the game. So, during my short time away I leave you in the very capable hands of Mr. Cannon.

I’ll be back next Friday with a preview of Sheffield United, which I am going to.

Hope you all have a very good Christmas, and come on the boys for Tuesday.

Cya.

Arsenal v Blackburn Preview – No more draws please

I don’t think I could bare another draw at home, we have beaten Watford, Sheffield United, Liverpool and The Scum at The Emirates this season. However, we have drawn against Villa, Boro, Everton, Newcastle and Portsmouth last Saturday. For a club as big as ours, thats a piss poor home record against the smaller clubs. Teams we always beat, and easily. Everton and the Boro 7-0 matches spring to mind. On the Positive side, we have beaten Liverpool and Spurs and we are yet to be defeated at our new home. The amount of draws has been incredibly worrying, we face Blackburn tomorrow, in recent years they have a very good record against us, I think they beat us 2-1 at Highbury a few seasons back, amomgst various draws. So they have nothing to fear.

On the Injury side of things, Emmanuel Eboue will not be playing tomorrow’s game, as he picked up an ankle injury against Pompey last week, he has not recovered in time and Justin Hoyte will come into the starting XI, it was thought Lauren might deputise, but it’s a massive risk. No need for it, plus its another game for Justin Hoyte, who I like as a player. He has alot to work on, but I think in a few years when perhaps Lauren has left the club, we will have two very good right backs, and perhaps a future England right back.

Matty Flamini was a doubt, but he has been declared fit to play and will be returning to the squad, following his absense when we travelled to Liverpool on Tuesday, also returning is Tomas Rosicky, a player who has been greatly missed, I’ve heard he will start, but you know what Arsene’s like nowadays.

The first team have had a welcome rest since Saturday, which I think is what they needed, too much football can be as damaging to not enough football. I think it will be 4-5-1 again, unfortunatley. But having Rosicky in the side is a big difference attacking wise, he can play a good a ball as Cesc can. Adebayor on his own up front I think and Hleb and Van Persie on the wings, I would really like to see Baptista get another chance, and perhaps more importantly so more playing minutes. He’ll be rusty all season if Arsene doesn’t get him out there.

I think the only news on the Blackburn front is that Striker Benni MCcarthy is out through suspension. David Bentley makes his return to Arsenal tomorrow, the once dubbed ‘New Dennis’ left Arsenal after a loan spell at Blackburn, he has improved alot as a player, but I think he is good enough for Blackburn, not your top 4 or 5 sides in the league. At first I was fairly upset that we had let Englands answer to Dennis Bergkamp move to another club, but after seeing him plsy regular games, Arsene made the right decision, If a player isn’t good enough he knows. Perhaps I have to question his judgement on Alex Song though.

I hope Djourou continues his Successful run in the side, partnering Kolo. Johan has really rose to the occasion since getting his chance through injuries, and I would have him as the immeadiate back up for Toure and Gallas, another fantastic prospect playing for Arsenal.

Speaking of the Legend that is Bill Gallas, he is expected to return within ‘one to two weeks’. That was the same prediction as last week, so god knows when he will return.

There is still no date set for Thierry’s return, he originally earmarked the FA Cup game at Liverpool as his return, but that isn’t looking to likely at this moment.

Right thats it for today, I cannot wait to get back to The Emirates, my third visit there in 7 days, like always on a Friday, I can’t wait for the game, as oppose to the negativeness earlier in the week, I couldn’t stand another draw, so please don’t disappoint me Arsenal.

Come on you Gunners!!

Round Up

Hello there.

If you are one of the 29 regulars to Block 11, you may have noticed my lack of anything to do with this site since Friday, that afternoon a new BT Wireless hub Internet thing arrived, “Oooh” I said as the delivery guy handed over the goods, it wasnt BT who delivered it so It had to be fitted by someone in the house, namely me. Following a few hours of setting up etc, we were rocking and rolling, or so I thought, it was working, but BT cocked it up, telling us that they were upgrading us to 8MB broadband, instead they decided to rubber that idea and just fuck off our internet altogether, how nice of them. To check emails and stuff, I’d have go to a mates, but I cant go round there everymorning and do a blog. Unless I pay them. But its back now, I am assured it will work forever and ever. Until that is, when Im moving upstairs in the Loft conversion with the computer, and I’ll have to do it all again.

So whats happened in my short time away?

Well -

1. Arsenal Drew PSV Eindhoven in the Second Round of the Champions League
2. Arsenal drew 2-2 with Portsmouth on Saturday, With Adebayor saving the day.
3. Wenger has again been charged by the FA for some nonsense.
4. Arsenal held their slightly disappointing open traning session on Monday.
5. Finally, Arsenals Carling Cup game at Liverpool was postponed last night after heavy fog.

So quite eventful, First off – PSV. I said in my preview that I wanted PSV, and thats what we got, very happy with that. They are a good side in Holland, but not a force in European Football, Im very confident that we will progress to the Quarters and face Porto again.

Saturdays game, well I cpould bang on for ages, but its fairly old news, so I wont. But it was another disappointing draw at home. We were 1-0 down at half time, ex-scum player Pamarot got it, a header, dont know how, because he was on his arse when the ball his the post and just seemed to pop up. We had very few chances in the first 45, and it was another first half to forget, bloody awful to watch. So the second half underway, got to get an early goal. There was, but for Portsmouth, we were under pressure straight away, and we yet again showed our inability to clear the ball and we were punished. Matty Taylors second stunner in a week. I was in shock, alot of gooners were trying to get behind the team, but I just couldnt believe we were 2 down at home to Portmouth, who had 1 fit striker for the game. Terrible, I really couldn’t see us coming back from this one.

However, we did, Adebayor was brought on for suprise starter Jeremie Aliadiere, and changed the game within 5 seconds of being on the pitch, minutes later Walcott was put in down the wing, and put in a wonderful cross for Supersub Adebayor, 2-1. All of a sudden i felt alot more confident of a result, funny how things can change round so quickly. The barely 2 minutes after the goal we were celebrating another, a deflected Gilberto shot went past Calamity James, the place erupted in noise and what I can only descirbe as mayhem. The Emirates, literally went mad. By this time all I could see was a win for the Arsenal, and a good win, 5-2 something like that. Two late goals in 4 days is asking way to much of Arsenal isn’t it. We did have chances, Van Persie beat everyman and his dog but couldnt find the inside of the net, Hleb tried to run into the goal, and won a corner. Also I think Flamini had a chance late on. Full credit to Pompey though, they played much better than anyone expected I think, and they were worth the draw. We however, we again were worth the win. After the draw on Saturday, we are now in 4th place, 1 point behind Liverpool and 2 ahead of Spurs, both of whom we have beat this season. So draws have been the difference for us this year, especially at home.

At half time, Arsene Wenger confronted referee Gordon Steve Bennet and had words with him. These words were so strong that Wenger would have to sit at the back row of the of the dugout, the wanky FA have charged Wenger with Improper conduct, the second time in a week. The first being for the bust up with now sacked (haha) West Ham Manager Alan “I dance like a fucko” Pardew. Arsene was fined £10, 000. Mental, if this was the case in Romford, people would be in millions of pounds in debt, the amount of times it kicks off proper in one night is incredible. 10 times at least, and thats just one person. After this latest charge it wouldnt suprise me at all if the FA charged Le Boss, and perhaps give him a touchline ban for repeating offences.

Having got over the disappointment on Saturday, I headed to the Emirates monday morning, the main purpose was to get my Sheffield United and The FA Cup Tickets. Arsenal were treating their ‘members’ to a special open training session, it was supposed to start at 10.30, the players didnt come out til 11am at least. It was mighty cold as well, If i knew they would be this late, I would have left at 9.45 rather than 9am. The more recongnisable First Teamers just did some running and watched the younger players have a little game. It was not what I had expected, but we got to see the likes of Denilson, Merida, Traore etc. Also Baptista scored about 5 goals in the mini-match. Also seeing the players that were taking part in the more hard working training session, gave you a good idea of who would be playing against Liverpool. Also, it was nice to see Diaby training, and perhaps more pleasing was seeing Ralph out there, he was in the squad for the Carling cup game, but I don’t think he would have started. Im pretty sure he will be on the bench against Blackburn and probably will get 20 minutes or so, if we aren’t drawing the game.

I would say there was a few thousand at the session at least. Most of them being kids, which is fine, but I don’t believe they were all members and there was alot of schools there too, not a big thing, but it would have been nice if there was a bit of singing going on. Rather than the occasional high pitched “THEO”

After the training I headed to sort out my next two away trips, went to the Cash point at the Box office, wasn’t giving any cash, wasn’t sure of they would take my card, so I didnt want to que up for ages then be rejected. So I went into the shop to sort out Christmas things, they didnt have what I wanted so I went to the Armoury, the place was rammed, and if i had what I needed I think I would still be queing now. I didnt no of any cashpoints near Hollowayroad, so i got on the tube to Finsbury park, my mate had to get something from the shop as well, got to Finsbury, got some cash, and what I needed in the quiet World of Sport shop, then Back to the Box office, got the tickets, tried to get the travel, but was told I had to do it in the All Arsenal shop, I waited for ages, sorted the Sheffield travel for myself and my mate, then the Liverpool, all one at a time. Then their printer wasnt working, so I didnt even have the tickets, they took my name and number and told me they would ring me the next day (tuesday). I have no phone call and no tickets, and no idea if I will get them. They said to me in the shop I could pick them up Saturday, but If they are not there Im in trouble cause I go away sunday morning. An awful state of affairs. After all that I headed to Oxford street, man alive, it was ‘chocka block’ full of people. I don’t like Mondays.

Right, so after a long days work up town, I was very much looking forward to the game, get to see more of Theo and the Beast would get his chance to really make an impact. He would not get that opportunity, as the game was postponed due to heavy fog. Gutting, and just a mention to the Gooners who made the trip, certainly not the most glamourous of games to go to, but they are hardcore fans. I felt really gutted for them, people talk about how brilliant Pompey fans are, I didnt see that on Saturday, barely sang until they were 2 up. Our fans are class, and if you attend away games like myself you will know what I mean.

Right, thats it for now. A bloody long piece there, fairplay if you read it all. Don’t be shy to let me know what you think in the comments, even if you do think its a load of old crap. It doesnt bother me, I do enjoy it, and Its really pleasing when somebody comments the posts.

I will have a preview of Blackburn on Friday morning, perhaps something tomorrow, but there isn’t much about thats worth shouting about or anything you haven’t heard already.

Bye then.

Champions League Draw Preview

All eyes are on Nyon this morning, as all respective clubs left in the Champions League find out who they will face in the next round. Very exciting stuff.

Traditionally the draw is a very long and boring affair. It has been advertised as 11am, so I would expect there will be 30 minutes at least of boring crap. Remember last year when that woman feinted? That was funny, Im not expecting that to happen again, but you never know. The build up on Sky sports starts at 10.30, which is usually Charlie Nicholas, Phil Thompson etc talking about it. Which is very sleep inducing, I won’t be watching that bit for sure.

So, who could Arsenal face? Perhaps a repeat of last years Final against Barcelona, or a repeat of last years Second round tie, Real Madrid. There manager now is Fabio Cappello, whose Juventus side we knocked out in the quarters last year. Or could it be yet another reunion with Patrick Vieira, Inter Milan are also another possibilty. If we are not to face one of the big boys, we could face conquerers of Man United, Celtic. That would an incredibly hard tie. The other teams we could face are PSV, Lille who beat AC Meelan at the San Siro recently or Roma.

For me the “easiest” draw would be PSV, we’ve played them alot over recent years and have a fairly decent record against them, I don’t know much about Lille apart from that they won at the San Siro last week. Whoever we get it won’t be easy, but I think it would be good if we avoided Barca, Madrid and Inter at this stage, I know we beat Real and Juventus last year, but I feel Real are a much stronger team, we haven’t had the best home record so far this season, and no one wants Barcelona, even if they did have a dodgy Group stage, they will be playing their best football in these stages. So hopefully the gods are shining on us today and will give us the right draw. I am very much looking forward to it, I update this post when the draws are being made, and perhaps a post later in the day, when there is some reaction about.

Until then my friends.

Update :  PSV v Arsenal

More to follow later.

Wigan 0 Arsenal 1

 

An 88th minute Adebayor strike saved our blushes last night at Wigan, after a very frustrating game of football. Adebayors goal at the JJB, sends us to Third in the Premiership.

We started with 4-5-1 again, we rested Fabregas and Hleb, with Baptista and Walcott replacing them, who have just a handful of starts for Arsenal between them, Adebayor was once again up there on his own, I thought he would start Van Persie to be honest. Most likely he will start against Portsmouth.

The first half was somewhat poor, with creating few chances, we had alot of the ball in the opening 25 minutes, but we didn’t really do anything with it, won a few corners and that was about it. Wigan, however had a much better chance, Emile Heskey put through by Camara and he fluffed it spectacularly, it did bobble but the way Heskey had his foot at an angle, suggested he was going to chip Lehmann, I would imagine he would have fluffed that as well. Waste of space.

The second half was a vast improvement, I thought Wenger might change it at the break, but I was pleased when the same 11 came out for the second half. There was alot more attacking going on, rather than pissbawling about.Baptista was put through and had a poweful shot saved by Kirkland. Theo was very useful down the right, and eventually he would win the battle with Leighton Baines, who I must say probably had the better of Walcott in the first 45. We had a great chance when Baptista put through a lovely ball for Walcott, he could have squared it ot shot, he did the right thing and squared it to Adebayor, who missed the ball. It was the best chance of the game and perhaps Adebayors legs let him down, after playing the whole game against Chel$ki, he would have a chance to make up for it.

Baptista hit a venomous free kick, which went past Kirklands right-post, just. Soon after this Julio Baptista and the knackered Flamini were replaced by Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie, as soon as they came on we were under pressure, mainly because we had brought on two attacking players for two defensive players. There was a few gaps, but once we got through the small wave of attacks we had more of a foothold. Fabregas put in a great ball for Adebayor, but his first touch let him down, and Kirkland got there before him. Adebayor tried to win the ball and Kirkland got a bit of a kicking, followed by shouting at our striker. He had to go for it, Henri Camara had a very chance but Toure got back and Blocked his shot, great defending.

Then the goal, Fabregas tackled a Wigan player, cant remember who, and to say it was a foul is complete guff. I suggest that Gary McCallister puts his contacts in the next time he his chosen to commentate on Football. A very good tackle, then Fabregas chipped a fantastic ball over the defence, their mistakes probably did make the pass look better than it was, Adebayor was through on goal, he controlled it with a nice touch and put it past Kirkland with the outside of his boot. YES! All that frustration had gone, you can’t beat a late winner, and made the trip home for the Travelling gooners much more enjoyable. There was a tiny bit more pressure after the goal, as you would expect. The ref blew up after 4 minutes of extra time, when there should have been 3, can you imagine the uproar if Wigan did get anything in that mystery minute. No I cant because it didn’t happen.

It wasnt a pretty win at all, but they are the type of games that Chelsea win, so it was very pleasing to get the 3 points.

Block 11 Player Ratings -

Lehmann – 6, Eboue – 5, Block 11 Star Man – Toure – 8, Djourou – 7, Clichy – 6, Ljungberg – 5, Walcott – 6, Baptista – 6, Gilberto – 7, Flamini  – 6, Adebayor - 7.

Subs -

Van Persie – 5

Fabregas – 7

Hoyte – 5

Toure was massive again last night, such a fantastic player. Eboue I thought was poor again last night,  of sloppy passing. It’s a slight blip for him at the moment. A vert rare blip as well, so hopefully he can get out of it and play well on Saturday. Fabregas made the two key moments, won the ball back and passed to Adebayor for the goal. He is becoming as important as Thierry Henry isn’t he.

Wenger has this to say onlast nights result  -

“This is the kind of game a year ago we would have lost 1-0, but instead we won it 1-0. Even this season we lost 1-0 at Manchester City, a game we should have won three times more than we did here. This was a much more difficult game. At West Ham they had one shot on goal, yet again we lost 1-0. I think we have learned not to make mistakes.”

 The next point of Intrest for us is the Champions League draw. Ill have something about that for the morning.

Until then.

Wigan v Arsenal Preview

We’re off to the JJB tonight to face Wigan, last seasons suprise package and the last ever visitors to Highbury. Although Wigans form has been indifferent so far this season they have a good record at home, bar the recent 4-0 defeat to Liverpool.

It’s our long awaited game in hand, and a Victory in the dreaded North-West will send us to the dizzy heights of Third, one point ahead of ’Way out of their depth’ Portsmouth, whom we play on Saturday at the Emirates. So hopefully by Saturday evening, there will be a nice gap of 4 points between the two sides.

The game tomorrow is our 4th this month already. After Wednesday we will have 4 games in the Premiership and a Carling Cup Quarter-Final to play all before we’re celebrating the New Year. Mental. So I think it would be extremely harsh on Julio Baptista if we don’t see him start tomorrow. As well as Flamini played against Chelsea I think he must start, otherwise he may think about leaving us for Real Madrid come the summer. If not, give Fabregas a rest, I know it went wrong at Fulham, but that wasnt the sole reason we conceded two goals, we were just crap. If Wenger signed Julio and has been talking him up, then he is obviously good enough to play for Arsenal, so fucking get him out there, Arsene.

After his one-match suspension, Kolo Toure has been put straight back into the squad and I’d imagine the starting XI for our trip up north. Not suprising at all. I hope he plays him with Djourou, I thought he had a massive game at Stamford Bridge, I just dont feel comfortable with Senderos there, he seems so shaky in the opening quarter of games.

Kolo is the only player to return from our recent absentee’s. Tomas Rosicky could return on Saturday to face Pompey and William Gallas is ‘No more’ than 2 weeks away. He has a very small chance of playing against Portsmouth.

Meanwhile, Thierry Henry has recovered from his neck injury, but now has a problem with his hamstring. I’ve never known a team to be so unlucky with Injuries, I would like to see how Chel$ki and Manure cope if all their top players were out constantly. Thierry won’t be returning until after Christmas, just before the FA Cup clash at Anfield would be ideal. I just cannot see it. What with our luck.

Le boss had this to say on the Injury  -

“I would not want to set a time on it. We will take the needed time.”

“We hope we can slowly build him up and make him competitive again. The neck problem is sorted out. He had a sciatic nerve problem and a hamstring problem. And is the most troubling for him now.”

Im almost certain we will start with 4-5-1 again tomorrow, however I really couldnt tell you who will play. Freddie only made a short appearance on Sunday, so it’s likely he will start. Perhaps young Theo will start, Wenger said he would feature alot more in the Christmas period so why the hell not. Again I would prefer the 4-4-2 but its doubtful. I think Adebayor will start on the bench, he was pretty shagged out towards the end of the Chelsea match, and Van Persie was subbed. So he will start, I think??

It’s on Sky Sports 1 and kick off is 7.45pm. Enjoy it if you are going, I would be, but I cant bunk off college at the moment and nobody really wants to pick me up from The Emirates at 3 in the morning. Never mind.

A few quick notes here, first off Congratulations to Theo Walcott who was voted BBC’S Young Sports Personality of the Year for 2006, Theo came second last year to a sprinter, and Im sure he was delighted to go one better this time around. The Cannon has done a little bit more on Theo, so if you want abit more you can go here.

Finally, I noticed on my blog stats, that people sometimes find my page by accident. Typing something like “11 Building Blocks” or “Alex Hleb Shots” and so on, well to my great suprise today, someone had found this blog by searching “Robin Van Persie Cock”. Now whether they are implying that Robin is A cock or they want to see some crotch shots of the Dutch striker is unknown, but it threw me abit, if this was you, then explain, cause it was quite funny for myself. Although they have probably worked their way through the various porn pages by now and have forgotten about me.

 It seems I have ended on abit of a  mucky note. Oh dear.

 Come on You Gunners!

P.S. Yes i am keeping my prediciton secret, although I have been posting the  predictions on the Fixtures page after the games, I got the Chelsea game right, so hopefully the boys can make it 2 in a row for myself. Because thats all that matters, isn’t it?

Chel$ki 1 Arsenal 1 – A Very Good Point

A great result for us at Stamford bridge this afternoon, and to say Chel$ki deserved to win is a load of old guff. We played very, very well. I really wasn’t confident ahead of this game, but I was proved wrong, much to my liking. We started with 4-5-1. I said in my preview, should we play 4-5-1 we must play Baptista, and not Flamini. I would be wrong again.

In the first half we controlled the play, not creating great chances. But still having a go, and impressing. When Chelsea attack they either rely on the opposition giving them the ball or just hoofing it up to Drogba to knock it down to Shevchenko or Ballack etc, whom I think both were pants today. There has already been talk of selling Shevchenko. Brilliant. Fat Frank hit the post in the first half, amongst other chances including Ballacks only contribution, a lot 25 yard drive. Essien also had a shot cleared off the line by Fabregas after poor defending from a corner. At half time it was 0-0 and I felt alot more confident that we could get a positive result, whether it was a draw or a win I wasn’t too sure.

Onto the second half and we came out very well, I felt that Carvahlo and Terry found Adebayor very difficult to defend against, he had another fantastic game, considering he was up there on his own most of the time. Nothing much really happened for the first 20 minutes of the Second half until that fuckbag Drogba decided to start his antics again. Perhaps it was a penalty, Touch and go Merson called it. Drogba went mental and Lehmann just gave him a little push, basically a push meaning shut the fuck up and get out of my box. It was nothing, but Dogbag fell to the floor like he had been taken out with a oversized rifle. Pathetic. Drogba got up and Barged Lehmann, Jens shouldnt have chucked himself on the floor but Drogba did it several times during the game. When Fabregas brushed him, when he flung himself into Lehmann, such an Arsehole. I wouldnt mind seeing him hung, perhaps?

Also, Gilberto proved how brilliant he is by somehow blocking Drogba I think, from scoring from an open goal. Fantastic contribtion from the Skipper today. Perhaps he should be made captain permanently? I wouldn’t complain.

The last 15 minutes was fantastic for the neutral, on 76 minutes we had a free kick, Cesc shot wide. After this we got the ball back and for once we had pkayers in front of the ball, some nice pressure from Flamini and Hleb, Chelsea looked to be reasonably safe, then Flamini cut in and gave it to Hleb, the Chel$ki boys were to bothered about Hleb and let Flamini drift away, next thing you know Hleb has cut it back and there was Flamini – YESS! Cue the mentalness, in which I nearly knocked over the Christmas tree. Matty’s 2nd in the premiership this season.

Also, when they showed Cashley C*nt just after the goal, Alex and Cesc were both in his face, shouting and cheering and hopefully calling him a ‘Greedy little cocksmoker” or something along them lines. Lovely stuff.

It was Old Trafford all over again, worked so hard for this lead and we had to hold onto it, this time though, we had double the time to hold on. Unlike Old Trafford we couldnt hold on this time, that little C*nt fouled Hleb and God knows how Wiley didnt give, a fucking dreadful decision. Moments later Lampard had cued up Essien and my word, what a strike. You can’t deny it, a wonderful goal. But sickening.

Just after this we had a great chance, Hleb was set up 15 yards out and Blasted it high and wide, a great chance. He had so much time, Wenger nearly fell over when he saw it. That would be our last chance of the game, what followed was a Chelsea onslaught, but we held our nerve and somehow didn’t concede.

Essien, who had already scored rattled the bar from 5 yards.

Then perhaps more incredible, Robben had a relatively poor shot on goal, but Lehmann spilled it “Oh no” i said in a rather helpless and quite gay way. It fell to Lardarse Lampard who rounded the keeper and shot at goal, from a mere 4 or 5 yards, it hit the post, amazing. When I saw it again, it appeared that Flamini had got the slightest of touches to the ball before it struck the post, perhaps off one of his studs. If it hadnt hit his boot, its most likely we would have 25 points rather than 26.

Soon after the Final whistle came, we had earned a point. Well done to the boys indeed.

Block 11 Player ratings -

Lehmann – 5, Eboue 6, Djourou – 8, Senderos - 4, Clichy – 7, Hleb – 7, Fabregas – 7, Block 11 Man of The Match – Gilberto – 9, Flamini – 8, Van Persie – 6, Adebayor – 7

Subs -

Ljungberg – 5

Gilberto was immense today, a superb performance, Flamini was a close second. Most would have given it to him, because he scored and somehow stopped Lampard from scoring, but overall I think Gilberto just pips him. Eboue attacked well, but gave the ball away alot. I think Clichy played very well, and seemed to attack alot more. With Geremi at right back I don’t blame them. I dont want to bang on about Senderos again, but yet again he made numerous mistakes, he made one great tackle in fairness but should have been booked and nearly gave away a penalty. Can I give him many more chances? We will see on Wednesday if he plays Djourou with Toure, who I thought was great today. For such a young lad, he proved a touch opponent for Drogba and Shevchenko, if we had Toure or Gallas in the side I think Chelsea would have had fewer chances.

We have wigan on Wednesday night, it’s our game in hand and a victory will send us third. A preview of that on tuesday.

Until then people.

Chel$ki v Arsenal Preview

A slightly later than advertised post, but I thought whats the point talking about team news when I’ll only go and repeat myself in the preview.

We face our toughest opponents yet in the League tomorrow, Chelsea/Chel$ki/C*ntski/The Russians etc etc and I think this game will make or break our season. We haven’t been given a cats chance in hell of getting any sort of result at The Bridge tomorrow, and I agreed, but after thinking about it. We won at Old Trafford when nobody expected us to, however we did have Rosicky, Toure and Gallas for that game, whom are all out through Injury or suspension. We have a very talented team. If we play the right formation, and not be afriad of Chelsea then we have every chance. They aren’t back to back Champions for no reason. That reason being they ‘cheat’ by having billions of pounds to buy whoever they want, at any price. Abit like if you play a computer game. Their midfield is most impressive if you ask me, Ballack, Makelele, Essien, Lampard, Robben, Cole etc etc. A superb line up in the middle of the park, now we have a very good midfield, especially when it’s at full strength. Having said that, if we play 4-5-1 tomorrow which I think we will, Wenger will have Gilberto, Fabregas, Hleb, perhaps Van Persie in the middle, but im sure he will play Flamini, now before you think Im slagging him off already then you are wrong, I dont think he should start because he is too small. We need someone big in the midfield, someone who is built like a brick shit house, Baptista for example. Gilberto isn’t the tallest and if we play Freddie thats 3 midgets in the middle. Cesc, Flamini and Fred. Hleb isnt the tallest either. Nor is van Persie. Baptista must play if it’s 4-5-1.

Now if we play 4-4-2 it’ll be Van Persie and Adebayor up front, which is obvious. On the wings it’s most likely to be Fred and Alex. Although starting Theo would be extremely eye-brow raising. I’d love to see Walcott run at C*nt Face Cole. I think we have to play 4-4-2 against Chel$ki, we all saw what service Adebayor got against Porto. He’s there to hold the ball up for the other Striker, Van Persie. It’s such a negative formation, It worked last year in the Champions league yes, but that was with Henry and Reyes on the wing, Ljungberg has lost so much pace and whoever plays Right-back will have no problems with pace.

We have had dismal luck with Injuries this season, and our Defence has taken the worst hiding, both first choice centre half’s Kolo Toure and William Gallas are both not playing, which leaves Senderos and Djourou. I’ve made it no secret or my dislike for Big Phil and considering his record and Drogba I should be somewhat more concerned about tomorrow. But It’s a massive chance to make up for his recent performances, I can’t be totally against him because of two games, after listening to the Arsecast yesterday, they made good points that he had no pre-season and is likely to be abit rusty. So hopefully, he can do ‘The Business’ against Chelsea. Djourou i really like and I think its a huge chance for him to prove that he can challenge Bill and Kolo for thier places.

Overall it will be a very, very tough game. If we lose it will not be the end of the world, and what with the teams behind us winning today it means Wigan on wednesday will be more important that the Chelsea game. I think I have said enough. Bring on tomorrow’s game and don’t forget to those who are going, make sure you give that little prick all he deserves. As The-Cannon said, ”Bring the phones and Banknotes anyway” It’s complete bollocks about the whole Ejection from the stadium business. We’re not terrorists. We just would like to kill one person. If thats a problem, then fair do’s but perhaps if the games over in any respect I don’t see any harm in one of our players Attacking cole, perhaps Jens with a Bayonet. Alternatively just kick him up in the air, so high he lands on top of Earls Court.

Come on you Gooooooners.