Strange as this may sound, the bad start, and the two goals we gave away in 4 minutes were forgiveable. First, the stupid mid-air flick that Eduardo attempted at the edge of the box was plain complacency. Second, the penalty that Gallas gave away following Eboue's slip was 50-50. But after that, our performance was as bad as I've seen in a long long long time. That was what was unforgiveable. We can only be grateful that (a) Liege are generally crap, and (b) they didn't seem to want more than two goals.
From disinterested running, misplaced passes, totally miscontrolled crosses, pathetic set pieces, it was the stuff of nightmares. Come to think of it, it was worse than nightmares. You would actually be concerned with nightmares. It got to the stage that I'd stopped caring.
Anyways, out of the blue, Bent Nick scores at the stroke of half time. Bent Nick, for my money, was our man of the match, and I'd only give him a 7. Just for his effort, and his excellent finish. About time our strikers scored some goals.
The second came out of nowhere. We had possession, mindless and misdirected free kicks, corners, etc, and at last, Cesc puts a free kick into play. All hell breaks loose in the penalty box, the refs miss an offiside, a handball, Liege looked stunned and Vermaelen runs off celebrating. Strange. I didn't even react in front of the telly. It was surreal.
Couple of minutes later, Ed scores with his knee (from another set piece). Freakin' weird. Even weirder his kissing his knee. Good thing Billy didn't try celebrating his own freaky goals of past by kissing his nipple.
There'll be all sorts of things said about missing players, our resolve, resilience etc etc etc, but Le Boss must be seriously concerned deep inside. If missing a few players means that we reduce ourselves to school-ground kickabout standards, then squad strength is not the issue. Attitude, resolve, bulls and professionality (is there such a word?) are the issues. If our resilience is trumpeted, then let's try coming back from two down against the likes of the powers of the EPL, like...Wigan, Blackburn, Hull and Stoke. I'm pretty sure none of the above would have been as charitable as Liege.
So, cause for concern. For now, yes, we've got three points. Let's get another three at home to Olympiacos, then we'll see what happens to the two games against Alkmaar. Such a bloody easy group, and see how we've started. Wake up, boys!
Looking forward to Wigan, there's some injury updates.
RVP could be back, and if so I'd put him out together with Bent Nick.
Denilson's contracted some of that chronic Arsenalitis, so he's out with a painful toe nail.
Arshavin is a 10% chance, which means 0%. No way in hell should he be risked against Wigan. If we can't win against Wigan without the Arsh, then we'd lose with a brick wall in front of goal anyway.
Almunia's still down with the dreaded Badformalitis, aka a chest infection, so it's still Vito Mannone. About ole Vito on Wednesday. First, you gotta feel sorry for the boy. He gets screwed over by his more experienced mates, gets to pick the ball out of the net twice in 4 minutes, looks a real dweeb, and makes a few dodgy clearances as a result.
After a couple of minutes though, he seemed alright. Of course, he really didn't have much to do, given Liege's great charity in not really wanting to score more than two, but I think he'll be fine on Saturday. Despite that, I think it's crystal clear we need some back up in goal...and fast.
Finally - a little point. Does anyone out there think that Vito needs a bra? Even one of those trainer bras? Poor chap. He really must feel the cold...
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