It’s been a long time since I shouted at the TV as much as I did during sunday’s game against Chelsea. It may not have been the classic ‘grand slam Sunday’ that everyone hoped for but there was plenty to get involved with from our point of view.
I watched the game at a new joint up in Museum Hill and of course, colourful jerseys rented the space and the atmosphere was terrific. Guys you really need to visit The Counter, just opposite Toona Tree for the best treat, of course not forgetting Taidys at the Mbagathi Round about, another hot chillin’ spot for the soccer goons.
William Gallas’s 45th minute header against his old club won the game and put us back on top of the table after United beat Liverpool at Anfield earlier in the afternoon. We had the three amigos back, Flamini, Cesc and Hleb all starting while Robin van Persie, not yet fit enough for 90 minutes, was saved for the bench. And you could easily see what a difference they made to us and the way we play. The team just has more confidence, and why wouldn’t it?
It wasn’t an especially open game, particularly the first half, but that’s often the case when the top teams play each other. No matter how much the TV companies build up the hype the reality can be very different. We certainly had the better of the first half though without ever really creating any clear cut chances. Given the history between the two teams in recent seasons it wasn’t a surprise to see it become a very physical game. Adebayor was booked for what appeared to be a genuine attempt to play the ball. However, he got “Cash”ley Cole’s knee instead and the Chelsea players insisted the damage done to Cuntley was deliberate. I doubt it but I’m willing to give Ade the benefit of the doubt.
The goal came late in the first half. Cesc floated in a corner from our left, Gallas arrived late in the box, gave Ben Haim a little nudge in the back and when Cech uncharacteristically missed the ball completely it was a simple header for the former Chelsea man. 1-0 to the Arsenal and half time.
As Chelsea went for an equaliser they left space for us to exploit. Robin had a great chance which he put over with his right foot, a bad miss but he’s been out so long we can forgive him it, especially as they failed to equalise. We had the ball in the net twice. The first time Rosicky was given offside in the build up to RVP’s smart right footed finish, which was fair enough, I think. I’d have been unhappy if it hadn’t been given offside if the tables were turned. The second time the ref got it wrong, I think. Adebayor was just too strong for Ben Haim and I don’t really know why it was disallowed. Wiley obviously thought there had been a foul but it was harsh. Almunia made another good save from a Shevchenko free kick, Cech made good saves from Cesc and van Persie and the game ended in relatively hilarious circumstances when Cesc creamed Cole from behind in their box, Cole touched Cesc’s face and while he won’t want to look too often at his reaction and the overall Eboueness of it, the ref decided to blow up after 5 minutes of injury time and that was that.
That summed up a great weekend of football and I was highly elated over the result. So, what are the prospects of this season?? Would really love to hear this from a Red devil’s fan, as the season turns into a “two horse race”.
