Sunday, September 20, 2009

Post Match View - Wigan Athletic




The score could have been even more lopsided. What looked like clear handballs by Eboue and Gallas had very little effect on the outcome of the match. Eboue's was at the Wigan end and he got his yellow for it, and even if Gallas had been penalized, a yellow, a penalty, and a goal against were surely the worst we would have deserved. In theory anyway.

Arsenal had enough chances in the First Half to put the game beyond reach. The only thing that outnumbered our opportunities were the number of fouls committed by Wigan. Arsene has referred to conversations he's had with the FA regarding repeated fouls. It is an interesting thought to consider if "professional fouls" need to be punished more for the sake of positive, attacking football.

Arsene said that winning so emphatically after an away CL fixture in midweek is an added bonus. Yes, indeed. Standard Liege was quite a result. The boys worked very hard for those three points on Wednesday. We can look forward to seeing an entirely different team in the Carling Cup Tuesday. We certainly won't see Cesc. There were times when he looked a step behind the game yesterday but late on he was still making runs and got his reward to show for it. It'll be interesting to hear if he carried a knock into the Wigan match or got one during.

Silent Stan and Spike Lee were among the Yanks in the seats on a beautiful sunny day. Stan was spotted seated next to Mr. Hill-Wood. How times have changed!

Vito Mannone had very little to do that challenged his abilities. The jury will remain out on him for a while yet but I am not afraid to give him time in the team to build confidence. How else will he develop?

Eboue was lively.
Gallas and Song have played better but were good value nonetheless.
Rosicky wasn't injured and looked good while he was on. The comeback continues.
Robin was frustrated by his poor display - we all know he's better than what we saw.
Sagna and Clichy were safe - the latter especially as compared to last week. Credit due for getting into Wigan's box to deliver a fine cross for Eduardo.
Diaby has lost the form displayed earlier this season but he wasn't terrible.

It was our summer signing who stole the show. He is now our leading scorer.

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