Review: Arsenal 6 - Blackburn 2

Deja vu. 6-2. Rhymes too.



But what a strange strange game this was. In our attacking play, we basically picked up where we left off against Olympiakos, with a fluency we're scarily becoming assoicated with. But in our defensive third, it was really very scary stuff. In this case, really scary, not the nice kind of scary.



The first goal, courtesy of Bernie Madoff M'Ponzi was typically soft. It was a pathetic goal to give away in the first couple of minutes. Robinson free kick straight into the penalty box, and a looping header straight into the goal. TV who lost the header, and Mannone who was woefully off the line, were to blame.



It was unnecessary, we needed that kick up the arse, given how we'd started with an almost over-confident swagger. And who else to equalise with a screamer than TV himself. Funny how he had a "screw this shit, how dare these crappos from Blackburn score against me" look about his "celebrations". All this within the first 17 minutes or so.



Then another soft soft goal. Lousy Dunn deflected goal as our defence stood off a-not-so-intimidating run into the box by the fatso.



Now that really pissed the guys off, and another 5 absolute gems to come from RVP, Arsh, Cesc, Theo and Bent Nick. My fave must be Nick's. He came on with like 15 minutes left, and seemed 100% intent on capitalising on the Blackburn goal. And what a goal...



If both teams had made good their opportunities, we could've had like a rugby score: 14 - 5; e.g. RVP dawdled when he should've scored right in front of goal, Cesc hitting the bar with a header, Cesc heading straight at Robinson, etc etc. But truth be told, I'd struggle to find 6 prettier Arse goals than we had today. And all by six different players too. Wonder when that last happened.



Defensively, it was really quite bad at times. Scarily lax in the latter third, giving Blackburn too much space to run at us, giving the ball away, and letting them get behind us. Clichy, Diaby and Song all guilty of this at different times. After our nice run of clean sheets, this was really an unacceptable defensive display.



We'd better buck up in that department - lest we get punished again like we did at friggin' Citeh.



As for the player ratings:



Mannone 7 - Generally dependable, save that first silly goal to give away.



Sagna 7 - Nothing much came from the Blackburn left, so Bacary had us pretty much covered there.



Gallas 7.5 - Good solid showing in the middle; never tired.



TV 7.5 - Top scorer still. Incredible. Though I suppose his weak jump in defence for the first goal does hint at his being human.



Clichy 6.5 - Not a terribly convincing display. Let a few dudes get behind him too many times. Needs to work on that.



Song 7.5 - Generally quiet dependable display, but that's what he's getting known for. Allowed Cesc to run the show.



Cesc 8.5 - Ran the show from midfield. Involved in TV's goal, RVP's goal, Arsh's goal and Theo's goal. Add to that a voluptous volley, and hitting the bar with a header...



Diaby 6 - Not sure why Le Boss kept him on for the whole 90. Did nothing to contribute. Dawdled on the ball too often again. Damn. I think it's his hair. Hasn't had one since his brace at Pompey, and that has clearly affected his form.



Arsh 7.5 - Excellent third goal. Had a couple of great runs at the Blackburn defence. Amazing centre of gravity. Never seems to be able to fall over.


Rosicky 7.5 - Hard to believe he's been out for so long. Ran his lungs off, and had a couple of good shots at goal. We've missed his trickery, and thank god he's been able to cover for Nasri. They're almost identical, aren't they?



RVP 8 - Together with Cesc, at the heart of all our best attacking moves. His goal, like TV's, had more than a hint at "take THAT, you idiots!" written all over it. What a finish. Should've done better thought, when he should've headed rather than control the ball on his chest 6 yards from the goal line.



A mention for Theo - what a return. Excellent finish. Must've had a nice time with the Olympiakos reserves.


Great extended highlights here, so enjoy:



Nice little post-game interview Le Boss too:



All in all, a nice Sunday out. Add to that Man U's inept performance and getaway against Sunderland, we've done pretty well for ourselves, eh? Speaking of Man U's lucky draw against Sunderland - strange how it's the first draw from the Big Four this season. Weird. But it just shows. Methinks 4-5 of the gang will be in it for the long haul this season. Minus Spurs.



Now, to the Chelski - Pool game...and oh well. Chelski were ripe for the taking but so were Pool, who were really dismal. Not much of a chance, and they were never in it. Would've preferred a draw, but their loss has allowed us to leap frog them into 4th with a game in hand. But consider the stats on the league table. Played 7, scored 24. 14 at home in 3 games. Simply awesome attacking force. More work to be done elsewhere.


Final little bit of trivia. Of course, the camera work for the game saw a whole lot of attention on Thierry Henry in the stands. I presume it was his little girl with him, but who was the lady friend? English? From London? Does that explain his sudden expressions of intent to return to London? AND, more strangely, what the heck was Paddy Vieira doing at Stamford Bridge? Was he even at the Emirates before?