Full time at the Emirates and I was clinging to the ceiling fan. No I was not under pressure that we’d somehow concede a late goal and give away a second in the dying moments and eventually lose and be mocked by the scums for not spending a penny. *Breathes*. I was actually on the ceiling because of the staggering prospect of beating the 100-million-spending-no-good-of-a-team lot whilst not shedding a penny in the transfer market ourselves. Brilliant!
Money doesn’t buy class, Sp*rs. Make note of it!
That said, I think I should also let you know that I missed the first half of the match due to an unexpected power outage. Yup, it sucked. Missed the Giroud goal but did catch it in the post-match highlights and my God was it a beauty! I have no idea how the incredibly handsome and alluring prolific Frenchman picked out the tiny crease between Lloris and the goalpost to slot home the only goal of the match. This was also his third league goal in his third league appearance – fine form then. It was pin-point and absolutely unimaginable from him the past year. He improving tremendously and not just in the attacking third, but in the defensive half as well. Surprise, surprise. There were times, during the dying moments of the game, when I was astounded to see him in our penalty area blocking shots and clearing headers. The effort he’s putting into these games is simply stunning. Wenger was also quick to praise the French striker,
“No, you [the press] spent a lot of time in finding another striker for us! Maybe that woke something up in him. I like what he did today, because technically it was good, he had a huge physical presence. He looked to me today that he had an exceptional quality performance of a real centre forward.”
Ramsey was also superb the entire match with his tireless runs and tried to break up play on many occasions. Wilshere, as I’ve read, was solid in the first half but had to be substituted due to an illness that’s been going around. That very same bug also kept Sagna out of the starting eleven but did make a late appearance. Cazorla, as always, was also exquisite with his movement and through balls. He was technically brilliant – our Spanish magician. Walcott was also a threat to the opponent’s backline with his off-the-ball runs, but overall had a mediocre performance. His shot from an Olivier Giroud layoff was thundering but was saved by Lloris and fell for an oncoming Monreal who missed a clear volley to score. Szczesny was also sturdy in between the goals, saving some vital chances (especially the Defoe shot that deflected off Koscielny).
Perhaps the biggest surprise for me was Flamini when he came on after half-time. The former AC Milan man was a defensive rock that shielded our defence. He barked orders and organized his team-mates, was determined in his challenges and looked an overall positive addition to the squad. For his first match with a team he hasn’t gotten along with yet, this was a promising performance from the 29 year old.
“I said it was a no-brainer [to sign him],” said the Arsenal Manager regarding Flamini. “I am just sorry that he did not cost £25 million! Overall his performance was exceptional. He hasn’t played since May but his performance was very convincing.”
The victory at the Emirates showed just how committed and strong our squad really is. Beating a team that has had a 100 million makeover under such immense media and fan pressure is thoroughly satisfying. And with the Interlull approaching, it’s a victory I’ll be going on for a while.
That said, there is still an urgent need to add quality and quantity to an already-stripped squad. And what better a day than today? The final hours of the transfer window and some of the busiest as well and I’m hoping we snag some ‘top top quality’ players we’ve been promised.
The waiting begins. See you tomorrow!
P.S: FOREVER IN OUR SHADOWS!
DraytonArse 