Match Reaction: Chelsea 1-2 Arsenal
Once again, please say hello to Arsenal SPOT’s new columnist, Karl M. Tinsley. Karl is a long serving hardcore Gooner and has been through all Arsenal times, from glories to gloom.
From now on, he will give his conscientious views and analysis on every Arsenal result this season. So read on and see if you can agree with his thoughts on the match with Dynomo Kyiv.
By Kyle M. Tinsley
MY 3 STARS
#1. Robin Van Persie: It could only be. He showed the passion, heart, battling spirit and class that he is so blessed to have in abundance. His 2 strikes were things of real beauty, the first was a crushed strike to the upper right corner of the net that left Petr Cech flailing in vain and looking for cover. It may have been a hair offside but after the bogus calls that we have endured this season…we were more than do for a kind call.
The second goal was 100% legit and demonstrated AGAIN that cultured left foot of Robin’s as he turned sharply and across his body muscled a low rasping shot that cleanly beat an “in position” Cech to the far post. Vintage Van Persie. Robin also showed alot of belief and confidence in his defensive work and in the air fighting for the aerial balls.
I called it after the Dynamo Kyiv match…Robin looked ready to explode for goals in the Premier League.
Thankfully we didn’t have to wait too long.
#2. Gael Clichy: Provided his usual maximum effort both on defence and getting forward to help our strikers. Gael had double duty as he had to babysit the newcomer Johan Djourou in the middle of the backline.
Gael was a constant threat pushing the ball forward, either picking out our attacking players or running at defenders and sacraficing his body to make the plays. On the defensive side of the ball he broke up numerous attacking movements from Chelsea and precious little came down our left flank thanks to Gael’s tireless efforts.
#3. Cesc Fabregas: Played inspired football in the middle of the pitch. Nice to see the maestro back with his delicious touches and superbly weighted through balls to our strikers.
He switched up the angle of attack and kept all the players in the match by spreading the ball around the pitch.
His workrate was top shelf and he showed no signs of fatigue like we have witnessed in previous matches.
Honorable Mention (Key performer)
#1. Manuel Almunia: He was sharp at the times he was actually tested by Red Devils. Showed great positioning which allowed him to deal quickly with any Chelsea threats. Made 3-4 big saves to keep us in the match.
#2. The Traveling Fans: They sang their hearts out and refused to be intimidated into submission by the Chelsea crowd. Their passion and spirit helped lift the squad in the 2nd half and drive them forward to victory.
Lemon (low Performer)
#1. The referee: was utter sh*t. He allowed Terry to get away with a two footed studs up tackle on Sagna, and allowed Ivanovic to abuse BUTTA’ (Adebayor) all night with only a yellow card being shown around at 80 minutes when he body checked Bendtner after getting away with a viscous chop on a rampaging Clichy. Disgraceful effort!.
#2. The runner-up is Denilson: While he didn’t hurt the team tonight he again turned in a soft performance and devoid of the type of hustle and passion necessary to take a midfield position for himself. The fake dive in the box kinda sums up the work character of the man. I felt that was low-life behavior and deserved a yellow.
FINAL THOUGHTS
A great morale boosting effort by everyone on the club. Hopefully they will be able to maintain this higher level of play to the end of the season in May 2009. We went into the lions den and were able to escape alive with 3 points intact. I feel really proud of my club today. But we must continue to win the rest of our matches (including Liverpool) in December and then we can be back in the race for the League Title.
Onwards and Upwards.
As always,
GUNS IN GUNS OUT
