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.