We put in another below-par performance resulting in a dull draw. Our last 0-0 was 15 months ago.
The continued absence of Thierry and Robin proves to be a devastating blow to our attack — Adebayor was substituted for Jérémie Aliadiãre but neither really looking like producing the goods. Arsene said we “will find the resources” to nullify Bolton’s challenge, but I’m nervous.
We need to cement fourth place to secure Champions League football, so why we played at such a slow tempo for the entire match is absolutely astonishing.
In the first half, Alexander Hleb produced a slow shot which was easily saved by Given, who was later on hand to prevent Adebayor running through on goal and later Adebayor header over the bar. These three chances were almost all we created though the entire match. In the 84th minute two chances that fell to Gilberto, both cleared from the line by Solano.
Newcastle’s closest effort came after Milner looped in a cross from the right flank and it swerved over Lehmann and cannoned back off the bar but even that did nothing to jolt us into moving out of first gear.
Still, in light of our recent performances a draw is better than a loss.
Next up we meet Bolton at the Emirates on Saturday, two points ahead of them for a Champions League place… lets hope this provides the motivation we have been missing in the last four games.
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