Arsenal paid the price for poor finishing and will now have to face a tough European team to qualify for the Champions League. Not only that but Arsenal’s only remaining goal for the season ended today as well i.e finishing third.
The starting line-up was a big surprise as Fabianski started ahead of Almunia. Adebayor could only make it to the bench after his two non-appearances against Manchester United. Arshavin did not feature at all due to flu.
The game started in high tempo for Arsenal. Quick passing slick movement left Chelsea helpless. Walcott was sizzling and had nearly put Arsenal in the lead inside the first five minutes only for him to shoot high and wide of Petr Cech’s goal.
The Walcott had another attempt on goal but the angle was too tight to beat Cech and then another chance wasted as the youngster shot high. Walcott then turned the provider but his decent cut back was wasted by Abou Diaby. It was coming to Fabregas on his right foot but Diaby took it away from him.
Then a typical Arsenal move nearly sent Fabregas one on one with the keeper but the alert Cech came rushing to end the attack.
Then Diaby made an impressive run down the left flank and picked out the unmarked Walcott just outside the box. But it just wasn’t the Englishman’s day, or Arsenal’s day even. His first time shot went wide of the post.
Then finally Chelsea got their first chance but Malouda’s shot was blocked by Gibbs.
Next chance fell to Song but he too failed to hit the target. It seemed it just wasn’t Arsenal’s day and it was proven in the next minute.
Drogba dived and won a free kick. His delivery into the box was headed into the top corner with Fabianski unmoved.
After that goal Chelsea started dominating and they did not make the mistake that Arsenal did. Missing chances. So with their next chance Anelka fired them into a 2-0 lead with a stunner. Credit to the former Gunner for not celebrating.
Minutes into the second half Fabianski came off his line. Toure didn’t spot him and tried to block the cross and did not make proper contact which sent the ball into the back of the net. For the 2nd time in less than a week we were 3-0 down at the Emirates.
20 minutes later Bendtner headed in Arsenal’s first but had Toure not scored, maybe Arsenal would have had a chance at this stage.
Arsenal did try to get something from the game. The goal brought renewed confidence but the slight chances that remained were dashed by Florent Malouda who scored in the 86th minute, though he seemed offside. That wrapped up an unlucky day for the Gunners ending a 21 match unbeaten League run.
Arsene Wenger said judge me at the end of the season and here it, nearly the end of the season. What is your opinion of Arsene this season?
15 comments
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May 11, 2009 at 1:20 PM
Zain Shahid
Does anyone know why didn’t Almunia feature?
May 11, 2009 at 2:23 PM
DM
Ankle injury
May 11, 2009 at 2:40 PM
Zain Shahid
Ok thanks
May 11, 2009 at 5:22 PM
Josh
Uhh…. that’s hard. Wenger hasn’t done anything really wrong. He’s got the right personnel. I just don’t understand his preference to play them out of position. I get that he wants our attack to be dynamic and fluid, a threat from anywhere really, but I think Diaby only plays well in the centre. The other issue is his apparent dislike of having a stopper-defender. Particularly against a team like Chelsea. Maybe against someone like United or Villareal, where their forwards are quite different to the Drogba style, would be effective.
I’m really hoping that he does buy in the off season. Unless we get some leprechaun-esque amounts of luck, I’m skeptical that we can win anything with our current squad. Not to take anything away from our players, they’ve done well.
May 11, 2009 at 10:43 PM
Metin
I just realize that Arsenal looses great games (against Manu, Chelsea) – without Arshavin..
I dont remember they lost a game with him. Moreover, whenever he plays, Arsenal shows great quality and another type of football..
What Arsenal needs is: Arshavin to play, Rosicky to have his comeback – and 2 mature first class defenders. And of course: no injuries again..
Then I am sure they can win titles again π
May 12, 2009 at 1:14 AM
Zain Shahid
Haha spot on Metin! I wonder will that ever happen π
May 12, 2009 at 6:21 AM
anto
horrible:p
May 12, 2009 at 1:00 PM
Zain Shahid
Da scoreline was horrible! But the way arsenal played it was good to watch!
May 12, 2009 at 1:26 PM
vijaytamma
what do u think of this
http://manutd1.wordpress.com/2009/05/12/where-is-manchester-in-manchester-united/
May 12, 2009 at 1:44 PM
Zain Shahid
It’s good to see it’s not just Arsenal who plays with very few English players:P
As an Arsenal fan I hate that crap 6+5 rule. As an England fan it is good. But I am more of a Spain fan than England’s so F da rule!
May 12, 2009 at 8:44 PM
Metin
@Zain Shahid:
Well, I know it’s optimistic way of thinking π
But you must admit I am right. Arsenal has great midfield – if they are not injured: Rosicky, Fabregas, Nasri, Walcott. Where do you see same talents? Other teams have mostly just 1-2.
(Not forgetting: Eduardo, Denilson, Diaby)
Then the forwards: ARSHAVIN, Adebayor, Van Persie.
Last but not least the defense: Clichy and Toure are experienced enough, Gibbs is a great talent which needs some years experience – only Sagna and Silvestre make me nervous: I would prefer here players like Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra or Cole. I would feel relaxed π
So, I hope ArsΓ¨ne reads this π
May 12, 2009 at 10:19 PM
Zain Shahid
Yeah u are right. But even if Arsene reads this he wont listen to you! He doesn’t listen to anybody! But if u rly want Arsene to read it mail it to him:P Its possible!
May 12, 2009 at 10:20 PM
Zain Shahid
Oh and you’re wrong about Sagna man. I think he is awesome. Defends better than Clichy
May 13, 2009 at 11:06 PM
Metin
Well, in last games I had not seen Sagna so strong.Especially against Liverpool was a horrible defence! But maybe its a weak period of him. In any case, I think Arsenal needs just a stronger defence.
What I dont like to read is that Arsenals “babies” play against “men” of other clubs. Our guys are much more talented – but due to lack of experience, they sometimes make mistakes which others dont. So, they get punished. Thats the pity.
Dont know about the keepers. Of course they are both not world class – but also not bad.
I really wonder what would have happened if Arshavin and Rosicky played against Manu and Chelsea. Those would have been other games.
Hope next season all going fine with no injuries and maybe 1 or 2 experienced defensive players. Thats all what i want.
COME ON ARSENAL! π
May 14, 2009 at 12:40 AM
Zain
Form is temporary but class is permanent. Sagna is just going through a bad form right now.
And yeah lets hope for the best!