Review: Arsenal 4 - AZ Alkmaar 1

That. Was. Some. Good. Shit.

Seriously. I would've said really really good shit, but we did have to let in the requisite soft goal, so...

But what a performance. Let's just look at the goals. The first from Cesc was kinda odd. We'd played well enough for the first 20 or so minutes, pretty moves, passing, the works. But nothing too much to show for it. Until Cesc gets to walk across the AZ box, put a weak-ish shot in, then see it nestle at the back of the AZ net. Heh. Even I was surprised. So we're one-nil up with a rather soft goal thanks in part to sloppy goalkeeping from Argentina's number one.

Then, the second, from Nasri. And what a pretty one that was. Cheeky through ball straight through the middle from the Arsh, a cool head from Nasri, and brilliant finish. I was really really happy to see him back and scoring. Looked like he'd never left.

The third, was even better. Again, the Arsh was involved in putting Cesc through and the finish was sublime. I was sitting on the couch, angling even my own backside for a finish into the top right, and I think Sergio Romero must've been fooled by me too, coz Cesc simply blasted it into the opposite end. Yum!

And just when you thought it couldn't get any prettier - the fourth. Super backheel from the centre circle from Ed, Arsh again (!!) to Diaby, who had a simple but (surprisingly) confident finish not unlike Cesc's 20 minutes earlier.

So it's four. The big boys had already been rested, and the defenders were screaming for a goal themselves. Alas then, just as they were flooding the AZ penalty box for a corner, we get caught on the break. Yes, we were. I suppose I should be glad that our defenders were flooding the box at 4-0 up than at 1-0 or 2-1, so a soft goal on the break shouldn't be too surprising. But I must say, Almunia's retard reflexes were somewhat off-putting. Not sure how he did not react enough even to put his arse on the ground. He just...squatted. Anyways...

It was otherwise a great great team performance. Everyone put in their bit, and even Arsh at 70% was still awesome in his assists. Diaby was his usual 60%, and his usual irritating self, but since he got himself that goal, I shan't be too harsh.

Highlights right here:



Player ratings:

Almunia 6.5 - Sorry dude. You didn't have much to do, made one good save, and the next time called upon, you were made to look mighty stupid. Concentrate!! Who knows, Le Boss may just think it's Mannone time for Wolves. But I suspect not. Not yet at least.

Gibbs 9 - What a performance. Great tackles, running down the left, and a far far better crosser of the ball than Gael. The boy's going to be real monster, on this form! Only thing he will need to learn - is that in defending the goal we let in, the next time, he'll know to just take down the dude and take the yellow card for the team. A little naive there.

TV: 8 - Good solid performance as well, kept the little that AZ threw at us quiet. Had enough time and energy to make a few interesting runs into the AZ box.

Billy 8 - As did Billy.

Eboue 8 - My man Eboue. Very adequate cover for Sagna who had a good rest. Adequate in defence, and a far greater attacking force across the pitch than Sagna. Had a few good runs both down the right and into the middle.

Song 8 - Excellent game again. Kept the defensive ship tight while Billy and TV went walkabouts. (Not sure about the goal we let in though). Anyway, no complaints. No doubt the regular rock of the team now.

Diaby 6.5 - Bluuurgh. Really, if Le Boss can't see that he's the usual sore thumb sticking out of great collective performances, he must be deluding himself. Give Wilshere 6 extra inches, and he'd do the work of 5 Diabies (is that right in plural?).

Cesc 8.5 - Would've given him a 9 if he didn't have his deserved rest after an hour. What a man. Not only does he still do his business, he's got the Midas Touch too as far as the goals go.

Nasri 8 - Super return to the starting 11. His finish was sublime. We've missed him, and thank god he's back.

Arsh 8 - Even when he seems out of sorts, he manages to do one or two things that changes games in an instant. (Three in this case). I suppose he's indispensable not because of his workrate, but because he can always be counted on to at least do one or two special things a game.

RVP 8 - Koeman's called him Holland's best player. On current form, and given what else Holland has to offer now, why not. Kinda glad we gave him a rest after half an hour or so. He'll need it. May he now rip Wolves apart.

We had all three of our subs on: Rosicky (who nearly made a goal-creating chance with his first touch), Ed and Ramsey. Fingers crossed Rosicky keeps healthy, coz if he does, the depth of our squad will really start to show.

I could do on gushing, but shall refrain. Let's keep focused as we unfortunately have not technically qualified yet. Which is good, actually. Keeps our eye on the ball till Liege visits.

Elsewhere, more good/funny news about. Barca's Group F is a real crap shoot. Anyone could still qualify with two to play, so that'll be cool to watch. Funny how Inter went from being 1-0 down last night and last in the group, to snatching two goals at the death and leap-frogging everyone into top spot. What I wouldn't give to see Kiev and Kazan both qualify!! But alas, probably not.

Pool now need a "miracle" too. Heh. I thought they'd just about done their usual miracle-y thing went they went 1-0 up at Lyon. But dear oh dear. Bad karma does that to you, and if I were Rafa, I'd see even the gods against me now. Time to go, dude.

Finally, for those who are so inclined, it's Panini Champions League sticker time! What larks!