Resilient defence shut-outs Spurs
Much was made before the game of the impact of flair players like Robbie Keane and Arshavin. In the end, chances were few in the north London derby. The Gunners played most of the game with 10 men following Eboue’s dismissal but hung out without much trouble.
It was a pleasure to see the return of Eduardo and new signing Arshavin, both on the bench for the game as it signified to the rest of the first XI that here was a team that was getting stronger. Although neither ended up playing, it was a boost for a team that is still anticipating the return of Cesc, Theo and Rosicky. Add Adebayor to the list who pulled up with a hamstring injury. It must be said that the attitude of the Spurs fans when Ade collapsed to the floor was pathetic, and it was demonstrated again when Clichy had to be subsituted for a head injury. A fierce derby it is but at some times, things must be taken with a pinch of salt.
Brave Wenger tried to play two upfront despite our boys now working as a 10 man team. The effect was evident now and then when we had couple of chances with Song and Bendtner going close. Nasri drifted in the middle and even on the right to have an added impact on the game, however the number of times he lost the ball in the game is something he must learn. Song was impressive amongst the midfielders and both the central defenders, Toure and Gallas, were solid and arguably had their best game together as a partnership.
Much was expected of a Spurs team that played awfully and yet contrived to get a draw at the Emirates but the Gunners dealt with much of it comfortably and although playing with 10 men is never easy, it has been twice we have held on in this season and highlights the strength. I do not know whether Ade’s injury was a blessing in disguise in that he has been in less impressive form than last season and with Arshavin and Eduardo in the wings it might mean that Arsenal will have to adjust the system a little bit.
The Gunners are now 5 points behind Chelsea and with the Blues playing the Villans soon expect the gap between the three teams to close down. However it must be said that at present it seems Chelsea on form are the weakest team. The unbeaten run, despite being far from thier very best goes on for the boys in red and white.
