Arsenal 1-0 West Brom – 16/08/08 – (Premier League) 17 August, 2008

1-0 TO THE ARSENAL!

A good start to the season and a great start to Super Samir Nasri’s Arsenal career.

That’s exactly what we were after on our opening day; yes the score could’ve been a little more convincing which would’ve settled a few nerves but the three points are in the bag and that’s what matters.

Djourou kept his place in the side meaning Kolo Toure only made the bench after sitting out in the week. The Swiss defender had a solid game and made some great interceptions. He really looks like he’s made an improvement and is doing all he can to show Arsene Wenger he doesn’t need to sign a new defender. Toure and Senderos have got some work to do!

Samir Nasri started on the left on his debut and Eboue switched to the middle alongside Denilson. That meant Ramsey lost his place in the side, he was on the bench. Eboue was playing defensive midfield and actually had an alright game. He played there once in pre-season and he did well then too. If at the end of last season someone told me that Eboue would replace Flamini, I think I would’ve cried, however the boy did well yesterday so credit to him. I still don’t think he is the answer though; a strong signing would really boost the confidence.

Bendtner partnered Adebayor upfront leaving van Persie on the bench. I was worried that Robin might’ve picked up another injury so soon but I think he’s ok, probably just getting a rest. He wasn’t in great form on Wednesday night so maybe Wenger gave the opportunity to the hungry Bendtner to impress.

We started the game quite well, and we were putting pressure on West Brom in the opening minutes. I was looking for us to start positively after a not so great performance against FC Twente, and we did.

As I said, we did look lively in the opening stages, but I wasn’t expecting a goal as early as the 4th minute! It was a good goal too; Bendtner sent Clichy going down the left who played it to Denilson who was reaching the byline. He made a dangerous run and cut it inside right into the path of Samir Nasri who simply had to tap it home, 4 minutes into his debut.

The dream start for the young Frenchman and the dream start to our League campaign. That could’ve been anyone on the end of Denilson’s squared ball but I’m glad it was Nasri. That goal will do his confidence good. He took it well too, would’ve been embarrassing if he’d missed it.

Also, I thought it was kind of our players to score right at the beginning rather than the usual closing minutes, saved a bit of nerves anyway.

So for the first time at our new stadium we found ourselves 1-0 up on the opening day, and it was good.

That goal gave everyone a bit of confidence, but more importantly it ruined West Brom. It took them a while for them to find their feet again after suffering such an early blow and we capitalized with lots of pressure.

William Gallas went close with a long-range screamer. He was roaming forward when he realised no one was actually tracking him down. He thought why not, had a shot, and it was a pretty decent one; went just past the post in the end but would’ve been an awesome goal.

West Brom only had a couple of chances in the first half, I remember Almunia making one decent save, but we were by a mile the better team in the first 45. We were all over them. We tested Scott Carson from range a few times, whether that was due to his infamous spill with England, who knows? But it was worth a try and we came close a few times.

In the end we went in at half time 1-0 up but you felt like it should’ve been more. I was pretty relaxed though, I was sure we’d add to that score in the second half. However, once they’d kicked off I had a feeling that our bad luck would be back. West Brom were attacking with determination and nearly equalized early into the half.

Miller went down the left and had a shot, Almunia saved but the danger wasn’t clear. A rebound shot came in to a busy area but thankfully we got men back and I think it was Djourou that cleared it off the line. Phew. After this I knew we were really going to have to add to that single goal.

A few minutes later we had a perfect chance to do that. After many offsides, Adebayor timed it right this time and went through – one-on-one with the ‘keeper. He kept it under control, waited for Carson to make his move, opened his body and shot low towards the far post. It went agonisingly wide. He did everything right but just aimed it the wrong side of the post, really unlucky, should’ve been 2-0.

In the second half the visitors really started to give it a go. They’d finally got over conceding and were working to start a comeback. However down the other end we were proving just as deadly. Whenever West Brom got carried away on an attack, there we were breaking away and coming close. From open play too, we were creating chances to make it 2-0.

However, that killer instinct was missing. Yes we were dangerous, but I have to admit the Baggies’ defence wasn’t great so it was quite easy for us. We did create stuff, but it wasn’t really the best performance when you look at the big picture. On a better day we would’ve murdered that West Brom side. Our finishing wasn’t up to the standard and we messed up a lot of opportunities.

Towards the end of the game tired legs were clearly visible on both sides. We had that extra bit though and is was still helping us break away. We didn’t have that quality needed in front of goal though.

Full time came and it finished 1-0. The win is great but it really should’ve been more. We weren’t at our best but we were still good enough to overcome West Brom. Their fans might argue they deserved a point, but I think they were just lucky that we couldn’t finish off our chances.

Before I go, I just want to comment on Adebayor. Towards the end of the game he was booed after he mucked up another chance. Now, like most people I’m pissed off with Ade, he’s not exactly in my good-books at the moment, but I really didn’t like this booing. It wasn’t because he ruined that attack, that was what just sparked it off. He did a lot yesterday and you could see he was desperate for a goal, for the fans. I can see why he was booed, but I don’t agree with it. I will admit, I did boo a bit when his name was announced at th Emirates Cup, but now is the time to get on with it and jeering isn’t going to help anyone. Adebayor clearly reacted badly to it, he got on with the game but he didn’t look happy and at full time he was straight down the tunnel. All I’m saying is, lets not boo him guys, ok you don’t have to sing his name but I just think booing him is going to get us nowhere. Lets get behind him and give him that chance to get back in our favour again.

So it’s the perfect start so far. Next up it’s Fulham away on Saturday. However before then there’s another expertly timed round of international friendlies giving our players another chance to get injured. Hooray.

Thanks for reading.