First off, let's just say I'm not too upset with a draw. First group game in the Champions League, having to play away at not our most favourite venue, one point is not too bad. That said, we should have won it, but nearly lost it. On balance, can't complain and say that this was two points dropped. It could've been an unlikely and painful three. I don't think this alone is going to hurt our chances. If we win all our home games, and sneak two more points (or even one) away from home, we'll still be fine.
As for the game itself, it's funny this review comes after what I said in yesterday's post about referees and rescinding bad decisions. A replay from any angle will show that the fucking cheat (aka Ognjen Vukojevicin - don't ask me how to pronounce it - not a typo) in front of Sagna had hauled him down. It was a pertty devious attempt, and if "simulation" is a yellow card offence, then this is a freaking bordering on red. So let me ask this: will, upon going hom and watching the highlights, the referee and UEFA decide on rescinding the awarded penlaty and the resultant goal? Of course not. For consistency's sake then - let's do away with all post facto decisions. Send bloody Captain Fantastic off to his three-match suspension. As far as refereeing is concerned, I'm not even going to go into the supposed three minutes of added time. Some mention of it here, though.
On the team performance, it was pretty typical of what we went through last season away from home too. Not too adventurous, rather subdued and shackled by a hard tackling home team. There weren't too many at the top of their game - exception maybe Theo and I'd say even Alex Song. He did a pretty decent job as cover for our back four. It was only when he left that the gaps started appearing.
Mohawk Billy has developed a rather useful habit of sneaking in at the far post for crucial goals. It's nice to know that there's always this lurking option which (tired) defences aren't always able to deal with. Theo put in good work for the assist too. Ade and RVP were probably tired from their exertions, and it may have been a better decision to take RVP off earlier. Carlos Vela was sadly ineffectual in the short time he was given - and same could be said of Bendtner when he came on as well.
So, we've got four points from the last two away games - and three in the more important one. Really can't complain. Three more in the next against Bolton and the final prognosis must be that we've done pretty well. After that it's the Carling Cup and Hull at home, so we should be shaping up nicely for the more crucial game at the Emirates against Porto on 30 September.
Alrighty then. Have already lost some sleep. Don't think I'm gonna lost any more for the damn 5.30 kick off against Bolton.
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