We defended well

Arsenal had a fine game against Stoke City today at the Britannia. We went down to the typical long throw-in goal. But I was glad to see the determination that our players showed to fight back and win the game.

In my last post, I had predicted that we may lose the game by 2 goals to 1 and had also hoped to be wrong. I am so happy that I have to eat my own words for this! That is why football is unpredictable and another reason why I am not an expert and instincts take over my decision making.

We dominated the second half. I was very impressed with the pair of Verma and Campbell. They really seem to be doing well as the CB pair. They kept Sidibi and Ricardo F well under control. Wenger made a smart team selection. He added Sagna at the back to help Campbell. Song was very stable today and seems to be improving with every game. I think with Ramsey in the mid field, Song seems more confident. Ramsey has amazing energy levels. Unfortunately, Shawcross made a dirty challenge on Ramsey. All the Arsenal players seemed to be in shock after that challenge. Seems like he has a fracture on his knee. I really hope the kid gets back on his feet again. Its hard not to compare his injury to Eduardo's!

Stoke blocked plenty of our shots and seemed very strong in defense. Ramsey was definitely fouled in the box by Faye and we were not given a penalty like many other games. Justice was made however, when we were given a penalty for handball inside the box. Fabregas shot low and in the right corner and Sorensen got a hand to it but the shot was powerful. In injury time, TV5 scored after some neat work by the likes of Eduardo, Rosicky, Fabregas and Bendtner from the corner. Fabregas was fouled before that at the center line and the referee waved play on. However, Tony Pulis was pretty pissed when Fab4 fouled one of his players and seemed to swear at Fab4. Cool Fab4 just indicated to him to shut up. I think this one is going to start another battle just like the one that we already have with Hull city and its lunatic manager and assistant.

It will be interesting to hear who starts the fire tomorrow in the press conference. Pulis will say it wasnt a penalty and Wenger may actaully say that it was. I just enjoy these managerial fueds. Keep up the good work Gooners.
Thanks for reading.

May be third time is a charm...

Its time again for us to prove, "Football is mostly played with feet." Although head is required but mostly the inside of the head more than the outside. However, our opponents for tomorrow may not agree with that statement. I know the debate has been going on for ages and will continue till the end of football which will probably occur with the end of the world. It was time I to join the debate.

Something for us to learn and observe tomorrow is- Have we learnt anything from past two seasons? I hope Wenger has been practicing some defending against long throws and corners and set pieces. I have a feeling Stoke might score a goal this way. If my stats are right, we have been vulnerable to stoke against these tactics. Height is no excuse against poor defending. Remember Makelele, he was no giant, yet was one of the best defensive mid fielders in football. DETERMINATION, INSTINCTS will be very much the mantra for tomorrow.

TEAM CHAT
Arsenal: We dont have our #23 coming back this week. Although he is not tall, Arshavin makes it up for this with his physical strength to hold off defenders while others join the attack. Theo may start tomorrow, since Wenger may keep Nasri for Champions League.
Predicted team: Almunia, Sagna, Campbell, Verma, Clichy, Fabregas, Song, Denilson, Rosicky, Bendtner, Theo

Stoke: They are unbeaten in 2010. Pulis will probably keep telling that to his players. Tails are up and Arsenal are vulnerable away from home and especially when long balls and throws come into the 18 yard box. Faye returns and will probably start. Bendtner may have a hard time shrugging this guy off.
Stoke: Everyone in the squad who can head the ball and is 5' 10" starts the game!

Instincts say:
We need to score early to win or draw. It will be difficult to make a come back especially at the Britannia. Wenger will probably blame the referee for something and Pulis will criticize Wenger for that.

Prediction:
Stoke City 2-1 Arsenal
I HOPE THAT I WOULD HAVE TO EAT MY OWN WORDS...

Hope you gooners have a great weekend. Thanks for reading, if you reached this far.