Arsenal 3-1 Fulham – 29/04/07 – (Premiership) 29 April, 2007

The result looks alright on paper, but in reality it was a completely different story. Baptista scored a good headed goal inside 5 minutes to get us of to a good start. It was Adebayor with the assist, he made a good run and a short range cross was directed nicely into the top corner by The Beast. I thought maybe we were in for another 7-0 type thing…and it could’ve been that score line easily by half time but somehow the ball wouldn’t go in the net. Baptista could’ve had a hattrick in half an hour but he missed an absolute sitter and any hopes that maybe he might be improving were dismissed.

When I say it could’ve been 7-0 by half time I’m not joking, ok maybe a slight exaggeration but seriously, we could’ve easily been 5-0 up in the first 45mins. We completely dominated the first half, we were playing good football once again and it was some sort of a miracle that we weren’t way ahead by now. We were winning though; if it was 0-0 at this stage and we’d had all of these missed chances it would’ve been incredibly frustrating. We’ve been in that situation a few times this season at the Grove but luckily this time we had that one goal lead.

The second half was a different story. After Ade had smashed a close range effort over the bar in the opening minutes it was all Fulham. They came out a much better side and I think they were probably the better team. Don’t get me wrong we carried on our run of missed chances but the away side were getting a lot more of the ball and were searching for that precious equalizer.

Al these missed chances does make you wonder if we’ll regret them and in the 78th minute we were punished. Lehmann was pissing about way off his line trying to collect a cross but missed and the ball fell straight to ex-Tottenham scum Davies. He took the ball down and lobbed Lehmann and beat Toure who did all he could on the line. To be fair it was a difficult goal to score so he did well but he never should’ve got that opportunity. Sometimes things go through Jens’ head that should really stay there, this, another example of ‘Mad Jens’. The Fulham fans woke up, they are so desperate for points at the moment and somehow when they should’ve been several goals down, the found themselves level.

It seemed as if it wasn’t going to be our day until Adebayor popped up 5 minutes from time to score the winner. Fabregas put him through and Emmanuel finished calmly. This time the home fans went mad in sheer relief. Surely it wall all over now for Fulham, it looked for a while like we were going to drop points but we were back on track. We were awarded a penalty 3 minutes later when Hleb was brought down in the area. Gilberto finished perfectly, job done.

With that win we’re now a point behind Liverpool, 3rd is very much a possibility however our remaining games are Chelsea and Pompey, but the Scoucers have Fulham and Charlton. It’s fair to say we’ve got the harder run-in but with Liverpool turning their attention to the Champions League, there is a chance they could slip up. If we put the pressure on them you never know.

A quick mention to Clichy who I thought was excellent all over the pitch today. Our old left-back Ashley Cole makes his return to Arsenal next week and his replacement showed yesterday just how much we’re not missing the money-grabbing cunt. We look forward to Sunday’s big game now, the away side have the Champions League to focus on in the week and I hope they crash and burn, c’mon the Scoucers.

Thanks for reading.

Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal – 21/04/07 – (Premiership) 22 April, 2007

So the same score line again and we were very unlucky not to have won after going a goal down in the first half; Jermain Jenas’ goal in the 4th minute of extra time gave the Spuds an undeserved draw and celebrated it like they’d just one the league. “2-1 and you fucked it up” they say but I think they know too if anyone, they fucked up. We replied with, “2-2, in your cup final.”

The pikey made it 1-0 after half an hour with a lucky goal. Spurs were awarded a corner, which never should’ve been one, and if my memory is right they took it once and then the ref (who was absolute bollocks all game, didn’t have a clue) brought it back for a re-take. The cross came in, Dawson rose above everyone and nodded it towards goal. No defender did anything about it and it trickled to Keane as the far post who simply tapped it in from a yard out. A shitty goal to concede and we were behind at Tottenham for the second time this season.

‘The Yiddos’ were still shit, they sang for a bit but really they were awful for a North London Derby. “One nil and you still can’t sing!”, “It’s so quiet, it’s so quiet. It’s so quiet at the Lane!”, “White Hart Library, White Hart Library”, were some of the songs we sang. It’s quiet hypocritical of Gooners whose home support is admittedly poor to sing these songs but for Arsenal vs. Spurs you expect more.

So at half time we were one down but I knew Tottenham would find a way to fuck up, they always do.

We found the equalizer in the 64th minute. We were awarded a free kick in a decent position and I turned to my mate and said that was never a foul. Anyways, I wasn’t complain and it makes it all the more wonderful we scored from it! Fabregas played in a ball for someone to put a head to, it cleared the pack but fell to the feet of an unmarked Toure who squeezed the ball in at quite a difficult angle.

We took the lead 14 minutes later. Eboue was fouled out on the right wing and Cesc again put the ball down to take. The ball floated in towards the opposite corner of the six-yard box with not much pace where the lanky Adebayor got a head to it and placed it perfectly in the top corner past Robinson. 2 goals from set pieces and another Arsenal comeback at the Shithole. Ade’s celebrating was inspiring as the travelling Gooners went equally as mad.

To be honest, I thought we’d one. I thought it was all over and was enjoying the Tottenham scum leave the stadium hanging their heads while we waved them off. I knew there’d be a bit of extra time and the 4th official displayed 4 minutes of extra time, I wasn’t too worried, I thought we were going to be able to hold on and it looked as if we were until Jenas scored a wonder goal in the last minute to make it 2-2. Bollocks. There have been some people complaining about Lehmann’s positioning but I don’t think there was an awful lot he could’ve done about it. Hate to say it but it was a good goal and the home fans went wild. Jenas I’m sure will go down in the Tottenham history books, which bless ‘em, are quite empty. Spuds in the future will say I was there when Jenas scored that goal. But think about it, 2-2, it was a draw. Shut up. You will never beat the Arsenal. You were shit all game, outclassed. Happy St. Totteringham’s Day.

I wasn’t going to let that goal spoil my day though, I carried on singing and it was a great laugh. The Scum of course wanted to start something after the game. I wasn’t in the mix of it like last time; I was in the centre of the police escort. They held us up forever then marched us to Seven Sisters on a boiling Saturday afternoon. When we finally got on the train we were forced to go to Highbury and Islington, and Highbury and Islington only; this meant I was literally grabbed and thrown out of a train onto the platform by a policeman while I was just trying to get to Kings Cross. I had to go all the way out of the station, come out the exit, go in the entrance and go back down to the platform. What dickheads, doesn’t make any sense. I understand the escort in the Tottenham part of North London but once we were in our area I don’t see what the problem was.

It wasn’t the best Arsenal performance I’ve seen, here’s what I thought of some individuals:

Eboue: Better than usual, still liked to roll around on the floor at the slightest knock but I thought he got down that wing alright.
Toure: Good goal, played well, made some important tackles and protected our goal well.
Clichy: Like Eboue got down the wing well, caused Spurs some problems and was quite useful in attack.
Fabregas: Replaced Ljungberg before halftime and was inspirational for the team, completely controlled the middle of the park, two assists and was generally everywhere for us.
Diaby: Another great performance from Vieira II, like Cesc was everywhere for us (literally, he played central, striker and winger at different points in the game) and had a part in most attacks.
Baptista: Useless, fucked up whenever he got the ball and generally didn’t know where he was or what he was doing.
Adebayor: Ran around the pitch all day, gave absolutely everything he had, good header and excellent celebration to match. This guy’s one of my favourites and I hope he goes on the better things, has been due a goal and what a time to get it.

It was a good day out in all, could’ve been better but had a great time. We hit the woodwork 3 times and I thought it might not be out day but turned out ok. Fulham are the next opponents on Sunday and we owe them a bit of a beating after we lost to them at Craven Cottage. Build up to that one in the week. Thanks for reading.

Quick Arsenal vs. Scum preview 21 April, 2007

I told you I would’ve have much time for a preview and I’ve only just had a chance to sit down to the computer now at 1am. To be honest I’m too tired to write a full-length match preview especially as I have to be up in a few hours to go to the game.

I’m really looking forward to it, I’ve been lucky to get tickets to both matches at the Shithole this season and I’m sure tomorrow won’t disappoint. I know I shouldn’t really say but I think we will win; I’m am quite confidant going into this one. Spurs aren’t in their best form at the moment, you could argue we’re still not over our poor performances not so long ago but a few wins on the bounce now and confidence should be high.

I mentioned yesterday that Cesc Fabregas was a doubt but he’s been included in the squad, as has Freddie Ljungberg. Whether they’ll start or not is another question but it’s good news that they’ve been deemed fit enough for the squad that travels across North London.

The team’s a hard one to select. Will Baptista play after scoring in the last game? Will Cesc be fit to start? Will Wenger finally realise Hleb is a load of poo? All will be revealed tomorrow lunch time.

Whatever happens, it should be good banter down at the Lane, I’m looking forward to that. Expect a match report Sunday, until then.

Arsenal 3-1 Man City – 17/04/07 – (Barclays Premiership) 18 April, 2007

That was just what we needed, not an incredible performance but it was good enough and we managed to beat City by three goals to one. We did something we usually leave for the opposition, we scored first. Rosicky’s 12th minute opener got us off to a good start and I thought from that moment we’d cruise to victory. It was a quite similar goal to his one against Bolton, Eboue whipped in the cross and Tomas came charging in from outside the box, beat the defender to the ball and scored.

Man City weren’t the greatest team to come and play at our new home, in fact they were bollocks. They had hardly any attacks and the majority of the game was just us passin aroung them, it was so eas for us and we weren’t even on the top of our game. They managed to get a lucky goal though before half time. Lehmann’s shocking clearance went straight to a City player who put in Beasley who slotted the ball well in the corner to send things level again. Just when I thought Arsenal had this one in the back they fucked it up. Jens should accept the blame for this goal, it was a simple clearance but he messed it right up. Obviously he didn’t mean to or anything, it was a mistake. But what a fucking mistake it was. He didn’t have the best of games but to be fair he did make up for it late on the the game with a great save from a one-on-one.

So half time came and went and the 57,000 odd Gooners were waiting anxiously for a goal to take us back in the lead. Surely we weren’t going to let this rubbish Manchester City side come away with anything? A goal had to come from somewhere but like the rest of the season we couldn’t find a way to just get the ball in the back of the net.

I was pretty confident a goal would come eventually but as the 70th minute came I got a little bit scared it just wouldn’t. Cries of shoot came from all around me whenver we were anywere near the opposition box, it’s quite ridiculous the times people scream ‘shooooot’ when the player in in the worst position…or the number on their shirt is 13. However in the 73rd minute Fabregas got the ball in a half decent position outside the area and he answered the calls off shoot by blasting a wonder goal on the half volley. IT was one of the best seen at our new home and it was well worth the wait.

The City fans shut up now and everyone inside the stadium knew we’d won this one now. Just to rub it in Julio Baptista scored ten minutes from time with a tap in. So 3-1 the final score, a decent win at last and the team spirit is on a high after two wins in a row.

I leave you with this -

Quick Man City taster 17 April, 2007

Sorry I haven’t had a chance to write up a preview, this is the first time I’ve sat down to the computer and I’m about to leave for the game.

Ljungberg’s out with a Hamstring injury but apart from that I’d expect the same team as Bolton; About Diaby will probably start in place of Freddie.

If you want a full length preview there’s Arseblog’s or the Arsenal.com one.

I think we’ll win tonight, it wont be easy but I just have a hunch. If we play with the same sort of spirt some players showed on Saturday we’ll do fine and come away with all 3 points. If we lose, we’ll be back to our old self, worried ahead of the Tottenham game and give Bolton another chance to catch up. So losing is not an option.

See you later, enjoy the game.

Arsenal 2-1 Bolton – 14/04/07 – (Barclays Premiership) 15 April, 2007

Woohoo we won! It was a bit nervy when we went one down but we came back strong. We got the decent performances out of most players that we were looking for which was good. There were good performances from a good number of players which is what we were looking for, but there were still one or two that are showing no signs of intelligence/improvement, not naming any names. *Coughbaptistacoughebouecoughhelbcough*

Once again we let the visitors score first and I was thinking hello UEFA cup. We were either going to be our normal selves at the moment and not find a way to get the ball in the back of the net or we were going to roll up our sleeves, get stuck in and play like the Arsenal I know and love. Thankfully what we did was more like the latter and we came back to win 2-1.

It was the Arsenal old boy again, Nicklas Anelka who scored Bolton’s goal in the 11th minute. They had a free kick near the half way line which was lofted towards the box, it wasn’t cleared and the ball was allowed to be squared and Anelka was there for a simple tap in. When you watch it back it really is terrible defending once again at a set piece…what the hell was Eboue doing??

We equalised though Tom Rosicky 20 minutes later with a little bit of luck to be honest. It was a well worked, typical Arsenal move, which ended up with Rosicky right in front of goal with Jaaskelainen defending it. Tomas did well to score, his final touch was right in front of the keeper and he had to make sure it wasn’t saved. Ashburton Grove erupted in absolute relief and from then on I was quite certain we’d go on to win. It was just one of those day’s when the sun’s out, you’re up for the game, you have a good feeling and you hope the boys will come good.

So we went in at half time, level, with the second half all to play for. It was quite exiting because really anything could happen in the 45 minutes to come. However just as we were getting settled for the second half wondering what would happen, we scored! It was Cesc Fabregas who ended his goal scoring drought with a vital winner. Cesc took up the ball deep in their half, drove towards the box and with a couple of twists and turns he managed to fool the Bolton defence. The finish was equally as good but the best thing was the celebration, you could tell how much that goal meant to him and the team. I just love it when players show their passion for the club and Fab did this for a full 90 mins yesterday. He took a nasty blow later on in the second half but he was just desperate to get back on the pitch even while Lewin was trying to give him the smelling salts.

We could’ve added more later in the game; Campo was sent off (again) for a second yellow so with that + Bolton piling forward it gave us a lot of space. The best chance came to Diaby late on when it was him and Baptista against Jaaskelainen on the break. Now instead of Julio using his brain and going wide so it was a simple pass and tap in around the ‘keeper he decided for some reason to try and tackled Diaby and fuck the whole thing up. I really don’t know what was going on in his head.

So it finished 2-1, 3 points and that’s just what we needed. The performance wasn’t a necessity but we got quite a decent show from the boys. The result was vital though and that’s what we got. Next up is Man City and a win against them would make things a lot easier for us.

We have to beat Bolton 13 April, 2007

If we don’t we’re going to be in a lot of trouble. If we lost they will overtake us and be in 4th place and we will drop to 5th and out of the Champions League places. If we draw they will be just one point behind us and I do not want to be in that position. We do have a game in hand over them but we shouldn’t have to rely on that. A win would create a bit of a gap but it’s our fault we’ve let them catch up. A few weeks ago we had 4th pretty much in the bag and we were just playing for 3rd, we’ve slipped up recently and allowed Bolton back in the race.

Wenger’s gone a bit mad with the team selection recently, he’s put Diaby up front in the last game and Gilberto had a run in defence not long ago. We’ve suffered a lot with injuries this season but still the teams been a bit strange. This is how I’d set the team out tomorrow:

Defence: Obviously Jens Lehmann in goal. His future’s still uncertain and he says he hopes to sort out his future in the next few days but until we bring in a replacement he’ll be our no.1. Then at right back I’d have Kolo Toure, I know Wenger will play him in the middle and have Eboue there but Kolo’s done brilliantly when put out wide and frankly I’ve had enough of Eboue. Then in the middle I’d have Johann Djourou and William Gallas, possibly Senderos instead of Djourou but I think Johann will be better suited to this game and he’s in better form. Then at left back I’d have Gael Clichy obviously. It’s a shame he doesn’t really have a competition for his place. Gallas can do a job at left back but other that that it’s really Armand Traore who plays there. There’s talk we might go in for a left back in the summer but I’m unsure Wenger will.

Midfield: Hleb will play but I hope to God he doesn’t, he really is shocking. This season near the beginning I thought he actually was improving but he’s back to his old self giving away every ball and making all the wrong decisions. At right midfield I suppose I’d have Freddie Ljungberg, I’d rather have someone else in there but we have other options. Arsene reckons Diaby can play out wide but he is definitely a central midfielder. That’s one position we really need to invest in, in the transfer window and that’s out wide. Then in the centre I’d play Abou Diaby, Gilberto and Cesc Fabregas. I’ve been really impressed with Diaby this season and I think he is the sort of player that can really make the difference tomorrow. Cesc, we all know the boy’s talents, he might not be in the greatest of form at the moment but it’s hard to leave him out the team. Then on the left wing I’d put Tomas Rosicky who has recovered from that problem that saw him miss the Newcastle game. I do like Rosicky but he really needs to do a lot more if he’s going to completely fill Pires’ boots.

Attack: Well I suppose I’d just go for Emmanuel Adebayor as the lone striker. I don’t like us playing 4-5-1 but really we have no other strikers to play. There’s Baptista and Aliadiere but to be perfectly frank, they’re shit. ‘The Beast’ has the first touch of a rapist and Aliadiere is simply not good enough, he runs around for a bit, never gets himself into the right positions and wanders around daydreaming most of the game. Diaby and Cesc will have to contribute from the middle and with the 2 wingers getting forward I think we should have enough attacking presence.

Well that’s how I’d play it tomorrow anyway. I know Wenger will put in Eboue, Hleb and probably Baptista but I wouldn’t. We shouldn’t be scared of Bolton, we must win and I know we can. We need the crowd to get behind the team to, there’s no point in having the home advantage if we don’t use it. I’ll get a match report up asap, c’mon you gunners.

P.S. “Oops”

Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal – 09/04/07 – (Premiership) 10 April, 2007

Meh.

Can you blame me for taking so long with the match report? I still can’t be arsed to do it.

Just one of those games.

I suppose at least we got a point. Could’ve been more if Ljungberg wasn’t fouled, should’ve been a red card for that defender…the ref didn’t even give a free kick! I mean why would Freddie dive in that position anyway? Ah well, football a funny game and some referees are just fucking stupid.

And there was that goalmouth scramble too. I have no idea how we didn’t score from that. Ridiculous. Fair play to Newcastle they did throw their bodies at every ball and did really well to keep it out.

Shay Given got injured early in the game and I thought maybe it would make the game easier for our strikers but I can’t remember that reserve goalie having to make a save! Also, Diaby was playing upfront! What the hell was that about? He did gradually drop back but still what the hell. It does just show you how incredibly shit Baptista and Aliadiere are!

Another shit game…another shit match report. Arsenal give me some motivation, please.

We’ve got Bolton next. Anyone scared? I’m not, I’m just embarrassed. Now the first loss has happened at our new home I’m sure they’ll come flooding in now. Also, lose and Bolton could be taking that 4th place from us this season. Could you imagine playing in the UEFA Cup? I’m sure many of our players can’t and they’d move on.

Pardon my negativity but I really have lost all interest in this season.

Oh well. I’ll post soon. I will probably end up apologising for this post. If you want a match report, 1. There are others on other sites. And 2. Why would you want to depress yourself with it anyway?

Blah blah blah…see you soon.

Newcastle Preview 9 April, 2007

Better be a quick one, the game starts in 2 hours. My fault for being lazy and having an Easter Monday lie in but there you go. Right, so we’ve just lost to West Ham, Liverpool before that and Everton before that. If ever there was a time that I’d put money against Arsenal it would be today. Newcastle just beat Sheffield United 2-1, not much of an achievement you might think but we lost at Bramall Lane so yeah.

Fair play to all the mad Gooners who’ve travelled up today. It’s a fucking long way especially if we lose. Newcastle are by no means a bad team, they’re better than West Ham and Everton that’s for sure. They might be sitting 10th in the table but not so long ago they were up there in the title race with us and if they had a fully fit squad they might’ve been somewhere near the top this season too.

Ok, team news. I don’t think the team will be a lot different from Saturday’s. There’s not a lot of options Wenger has at the moment. I think Diaby should start though, he’s the ideal player for this sort of game and Cesc could do with a rest. If somehow Arsene you are going to read this, leave Hleb out. Put Freddie in his place or anyone!

The game’s on PremPlus. Worth forking out £8 for? Probably not but you could just get down the pub like I’m going to do and watch it there. This is probably the shittest match preview I’ve done on here but oh well. I’ll have a match report up asap. Enjoy the game however you follow it. Thanks for reading.

P.S. – Oh yeah, last night I had a dream that there was a magpie was flying around my house. Not a good sign.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham – 07/04/07 – (Premiership) 8 April, 2007

I’m gonna keep this one short otherwise I’m going to cry or hit something. The 1st loss at the Emirates Stadium was inevitable but an unbeaten first season at the new stadium was the only thin left I had to hold onto this season. Yesterday it was taken away by fucking West Ham of all teams. They must’ve had about 3 shots all game compared to about 25 we must’ve had which included hitting the woodwork a few times, a handful of great saves and some absolute sitters missed.

We could’ve been in the lead very early and we could’ve equalized late on but for the whole 90 minutes we could get that little ball in that stupid net. West Ham were the last team to beat us at Highbury and now become the first team to take 3 points at the new ground. Both achievements will be in the history books forever and I’m sure their fans won’t let us forget about it…

Also the support was rubbish yesterday. The away section sang: “It’s still a library, it’s still a library…” I fucking felt like joining in. To be fair though, the team didn’t really offer us a lot to sing about. Even still, you could’ve heard a pin drop in the stadium. As usual there was that one corner trying to raise the atmosphere but their efforts were in vain.

The main reason I go to live football games is for the atmosphere. There are many other reasons but the main factor is for the singing, cheering and all that. However I’m actually finding myself getting bored at games…it’s ridiculous that its happening but it is. Usually I’m one to get up and try get people singing but the negative attitude of the fans and everything it’s turned me just into a lemon sitting there in a daze. I think next season I might save a bit of money on home tickets and get to more away games. I’ve been to about 5 or something this year but I’d love to get to some more.

I hoped yesterday we would win well and be able to forget about Liverpool but no. We have Newcastle tomorrow and to be honest I’m quite scared. I’ll have to get a preview up for that one tomorrow before the game.

Sorry this hasn’t really been a match report but I felt like just getting my comments out on the game. See you tomorrow.