Saturday 30 October 2010

Half Time: Arsenal 0 West Ham 0 - Disciplined, Organised, Professional - So Far!

Well that was a very impressive 45 minutes. Green has had to make one superb save and two goodish ones, but you would expect most Prem keepers to make them, and any keeper playing against Arsenal at the Emirates is going to see a bit of action over 45 minutes.

At the back, we have been organised and quick to close. Gabbidon made one brilliant tackle inside his box and another excellent block. He was very lucky not to see yellow for a late challenge on Fabregas, however. Ilunga was equally as unlucky to see yellow for a collision with Sanga - he jumped to block the ball and the Arsenal man ran into him. Of the four at the back, Ilunga is the biggest worry. Why does he jog when Arsenal players are running towards our box? He might not stand of chance of getting there but at least a sprint would suggest intent. Obinna also gave up on Sagna too easily for the cut back for Fabregas that led to Green's excellent double handed save.

Da Costa has been solid so far and Jacobsen has impressed, especially further forward up the right flank. This guy is more than just a journeyman defender.

The midfield have buzzed and closed at every opportunity. With the ball, we haven't done much but without it, we have played a good game. Noble, Boa, Behrami and Parker have all played their part and have been goodish at retaining possession when we have managed to grab it.

Up front, Piquionne has run across the line impressively and Obinna has done his best to link midfield to attack. Three free kicks, two delivered by Noble and one from Obinna have asked questions of the Arsenal back four but the keeper has been equal to the job so far. Had the ball dropped to Da Costa where he could see it, we might even have taken the lead.

I fear the introduction of Walcott second half. That will see us drop deeper to counter his pace and give more space for Arsenal to operate in in front of our back four. But for 45 minutes, we have done very very well. Heartening so far after the Newcastle debacle last week!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

How are you blogging from the Emirates?

Anonymous said...

Ha bloody Ha, the question now should be....who may be the 2 teams that go down with you.

hammalot said...

We are going down down down

Kareem said...

NO!!!!! DAMN IT!!!!! :( 1-0 Arsenal