No excuses, but no Ozil, Walcott, Ramsey, Wilshere or Diaby(haha), and the rest of the team physically exhausted, Arsenal showed tremendous determination in Saturday's match against Man City. When Man City scored after 19 minutes, I dropped my head and expected the worst, and I also expected the team to do the same, boy was I wrong. I couldn't be happier for the way the team responded and fought back to get in the game, and get a result. If Joe Hart didn't make that brilliant save on the Podolski shot (how that did not go in, is mind boggling) Arsenal might have taken all 3 points. Anyway it was a well earned point against the title favorites, and in the immortal words of Arsene Wenger "the team showed good team spirit."
The Good - Flimini is the heart and soul of this team. In a team full of happy-go-lucky nonchalant personalities, Flimini is the passionate angry guy who gets his teammates organized, and makes them focus. His goal was well taken, but his celebration is what I enjoyed the most, his passion and intensity really had a great effect on the crowd and his teammates.
Rosicky had another solid game, he's definitely the engine, and pace setter going forward. Whenever he receives the ball he pushes it forward at pace, and it seem to have a contagious effect on the other players going forward. Also his technical ability controlling ball , turning defenders, and accelerating up the pitch is right up there with some best to wear and Arsenal jersey.
Santi got his groove back. He showed wonderful control all match and was the teams creative force in attack. I felt his ball control had been letting him down in recent matches, but against Man City he showed his technical quality.
The Bad - The defense on the first Man City goal was typical, and unnecessary. Man City easily scored on the counter, when Arsenal push too many players forward, and when you play against a team like City they make you pay for it with goals, even if this goal was a little on the lucky side. The eagerness and intensity Arsenal display going forward, has to be replicated whenever the opponent has the opportunity to counter. All players must communicate and bust a gut to get back defensively, especially early in the match against a quality team. I must give a shout out to the way the defense responded to giving up that early goal. The defense really buckled down and put in a solid defensive shift in the 2nd half, which led to the ability for Arsenal to really attack and go for the win.
The Ugly - Clichy's and Nasri's hairdos, even Sagna looks at those two and shakes his head in disgust. The pair go to City, get paid loads of money, and still cant get a proper haircut.
Peace Out,
Blanco
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