Sam Palerme
Normally I decide to write an article, but today the feeling I have is all too familiar and one which I was fully expecting. So instead I shall try and keep things shorter with a few points of summary or stats based on my thoughts and/or things I have heard from friends…
From 2 to 11 (old fashioned numbers) I thought we were average to poor against United. Numbers 12 to 14 also offered little to nothing when brought on. With the exception of his average distribution our number 1 is the only player who I thought was very good.
When playing United or Chelsea, if they score the first goal you might as well switch off. You know they will shut up shop and we will fail to break them down, whilst they threaten on the counter attack.
We have now failed to beat United or Chelsea in 11 attempts, scoring only 5 goals. We have only won 6 out of the last 34 against them.
It was good to see a few challenges go in on Monday night. To have made double the number of fouls is no bad thing… although how double the number of fouls equals four times as many bookings is still a mystery to me. I believe the equation may be United vs Arsenal x Old Trafford = Howard Webb.
Whilst Howard Webb’s uselessness did not affect the result the above is still bemusing, as was the award of the penalty (with the help of his assistant). Also bemusing is how Ferdinand can Kung Fu kick an opponent in the stomach (ripping his shirt) when making a header and not even have a free kick given against him.
When challenges start to fly in (and Nani does his usual fake injury cry) Fletcher of course tries to start fights and become an additional match official. Once again the first Arsenal player to react to this and come to the aid of his ‘offending’ team-mate is Jack Wilshere. If every Arsenal player showed the same level of pride as Jack does I’m sure that would go a little way to an improvement in this team.
When watching games versus United and Chelsea I no longer get a rush of adrenaline or a sense of anticipation. Instead I have hope; I’m hoping to be proved wrong, but really just awaiting the inevitable. Until the time comes when we enter injury time on level terms or in the lead I don’t see the adrenaline returning… even then it will be accompanied by large spades of fear and nerves. I normally try to be glass half full, but against these two I feel whole glass empty right now.
And finally, come Saturday I will be in my usual seat, North Bank upper, cheering on the team 100% desperate for three points. Regardless of where we are in the league this will always remain the case. However, what is most crazy about this Saturday is that three points will take us back to the top of the table, even if it is only temporarily. It’s hard to believe, but somehow we are still in this title race…at least for now!
