#Arsenal 1 - 0 #WestBrom
Match Report
The Good - Arsenal score from a corner. It doesn't happen a lot, but when it happens I always think to myself, Arsenal really should be scoring more on set pieces. Arsenal have players who can deliver great balls, and Arsenal have some players who aren't bad at attacking balls in the air. Arsenal usually stick Mertesacker in front of the near post, so he can flick the ball far post, but in today's match Santi kicked it to Giroud, who showed great strength to beat his marker, and score a powerful header near post. Great movement, great delivery, and a great finish. I hope next season set pieces become more of a priority in training, because its a great way to steal goals and points, when lesser opposition "park the bus", or when Arsenal's free flowing beautiful football isn't producing goals.
Podolski - I really enjoyed watching #Podolski run around the pitch like a mad man, with his one man press the ball routine. His work rate today was unbelievable, my brother and I just kept laughing and saying "look at Podolski", "what's gotten into this fool", "where was this hustle all season."
There were a number of strange things happening in Sunday's match. I didn't recall Giroud acting like a bitch. Not one time did I see him writhing and wallowing in pain shaking his wrist, and he showed great strength scoring on the corner. How about Flimini playing the Ramsey role. Pushing forward, getting in great position to score, and actually getting angry when passes went to other players who could actually score. All of these things were pure quality, and they made an extremely boring game enjoyable.
The Bad - Aaron Ramsey not playing on Sunday was a little disappointing, because I feel like he's Arsenal's best player, and when he plays there is urgency, energy, and drive in the team. It is also a shame because over the past couple weeks it appeared the chemistry Arsenal's attacking players developed in the first half of the season was starting to reappear. Hopefully its really not a serious injury,and he can be fit and roaring to go for the FA cup final. But as Arsenal supporters, how many times has a "not serious" thigh muscle strain, turned into 6 weeks out injured? Fingers crossed this is not one of those times.
The Ugly - The lack of intensity West Brom displayed in Sunday's match was shocking, and much appreciated from an Arsenal perspective. West Brom acted like they just secured 4th place, and had nothing else to play for. They didn't act like a team that could still mathematically get relegated, but I guess West Brom assumed Norwich would get destroyed by #Chelsea in the "Parked Bus Derby" match at Stamford Bridge. Well that didn't happen and Norwich "Out Chelsea'd" Chelsea and scraped a draw, and now its squeaky bum time for West Brom. #COYG
Peace Out,
Blanco
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