Archives for posts with tag: Robin van Persie

A night to forget – but not a surprise

17 February, 2012 //
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I can’t remember such an unpredictable spell as an Arsenal fan.

The 4 – 0 away defeat to AC Milan all but ends our hopes of progressing in the Champions League with a defunct second leg at the Emirates remaining in a fortnight.

So, our only realistic hope of silverware lies with the FA Cup (in which we play a tough Sunderland again on Saturday).

Don’t get me wrong, we been through lower lows as Gooners, but what makes this somewhat worse is the sense of pre-match hope that comes from recent results like the 7-1 thrashing of Blackburn.

Sure, Blackburn are by no means on any level near AC Milan with the likes of Kevin-Prince Boateng, Robinho and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. However, with our current squad, the sad reality is – neither were we. One of the great things about football is that anything can happen but in a league – the truth often prevails.

Arsene reflected on a “shocking performance” in which there was “not one moment in the 90 minutes when we were really in the game”. Such is the state of our current squad, yet in the transfer window we signed a 19 year old midfield who couldn’t even make the bench. I think it was a mistake not to start with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but doubt this would have even made enough of a difference.

Its a shame the brilliant volley from Van Persie on 65 minutes was saved – perhaps that single away goal would have been a glimmer of hope.

…and to make matters worse Laurent Koscielny (undeniably one of our best players this season) sustained an injury – the state of which is still being assessed.

On a final note – thank you again Thierry.

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Categories Champions League

Tottenham 2 Arsenal 1

2 October, 2011 //
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Good spells of possession but plenty of our now all too familiar defensive frailties on show too (particularly in the first half).

Seeing Gervinio shot well wide after some majestic Robin Van Persie setup play, it was difficult to see us take the lead.

But, coming out to the second half 1-0 down we showed tremendous spirit and although Ramsey had a poor game overall (losing possession in some dangerous moments) he did put his goal away with great composure.

For me Coquelin had an outstanding game – and fully justified his place in the starting 11.

As if a loss against Spurs was not bad enough, how awful to see Bacary Sagna go out on a stretcher – with such a lack of concentration across our defence (costing us time after time) Sagna is a shinning light.

What lies ahead without Sagna AND Vermaelen… I dread to think.

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Categories Premier League

Manchester misery

28 August, 2011 //
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Never have I seen an Arsenal team so over charged. The first half was an absolute disgrace.

Our best (and most experienced) player Van Persie missed a shambolic penalty kick at 1-0 down – clearly lacking in confidence by our current situation, adding to our misery and probably doing wonders for the new Manc goalies confidence. Without doubt, this was the turning point of a torrid afternoon.

Szczesny was fantastic again and kept the scoreline to what it was – but how damaging must it be to have such a great game and still see there is almost no chance of a result with the calibre of your fellow teammates (well, just ask the likes of Nasri).

Paul Merson was spot on – our team was sent out with no hope.

Terribley upsetting to see Ashley Young doing so well as a new signing against us – the team he supports.

BUT hang on – if he had openly said he supports Arsenal, surely there was an opportunity to sign him when he decided to leave Aston Villa? I cant really blame him (or united for signing him).

Our second half performance was full of courage and admirable – but still nowhere near papering over the gaping holes. There were at least 3 players from the starting 11 not good enough to be playing for us, and a totally inadequate bench.

Yes we had injuries, but nothing new there. How long does it take to learn we may have an injury hit squad? 6 years and counting it seems.

I love Arsene, but ultimately I love Arsenal more.

With the clock ticking… PLEASE Arsene, no more talk – time for action, or I can see your time running out.

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Categories Premier League, Transfers

Arsenal 2 Boca Juniors 2

30 July, 2011 //
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Argggg! Defensive frailties evident yet again see us give up a two goal advantage. Arsène, how many times do you need to bloody see this before you realise there are gaping holes?

At least this time we have the chance to do something about it and bring in the right players… but will we?

Great goals by RvP and Rambo, but if we can’t keep the lead – what is the point? I fear this could be the final season for Mr Wenger should he not concede the warnings. The transfer window is ever decreasing… Oh well, let’s see how day two of the Emirates cup goes.

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Categories Premier League
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