Is it all coming back?
When Arsenal had that 49 game unbeaten run in the Premiership I thought it was football nirvana. I don’t think I’d ever seen a football club move the ball so well and dominate the opposition with sheer attacking prowess. Then came that loss to Manchester United last season, and nothing has been the same for the Gunners since, that’s starting to change.Since, and including, that draw with Tottenham on October 29, Arsenal have started looking better and better. Since then we’ve seen 2 convincing Champions League and 3 even more convincing Premiership wins. In total the Gunners have scored 3 goals in each of those last 3 domestic wins. More impressive than the goal totals has been the style in which they have done it: unbeaten run style.
How about Theirry Henry and Robin van Persie up front? They’ve looked brilliant together recently. Henry’s goals have been exceptionally taken. And van Persie’s curving shot into the far corner yesterday against Blackburn? It was poetry. In their last 5 games Henry has scored 6 goals and van Persie has scored 5. That’s 11 out of Arsenal’s 14 goals.
While that goal scoring tally tells a story, it doesn’t tell the whole story. There is a reason scoring chances are emerging: Arsenal’s midfield is looking better every game, especially Cesc Fabregas who also scored yesterday. That passing flow is returning to Highbury and for one, I’m glad to see it.
At the moment, Arsenal sit second in the Premiership table. If their strikers continue to get service and remain prolific, there might just be a challenge to Chelsea after all.
by Football Commentator at 11/27/2005 08:09:00 AM
8 Comments:
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better believe its coming back, and how!
Yesturdays performance was yet again a real show of what make me love Arsenal, the flow from one end to the other was slick fast and the french connection is starting to work yet again, that pass from Bobby P was simply perfect, no other words can describe it. As for RVP, he has come on leaps and bounds from last seasons little troubles, The summer months would destroyed a lesser man but with the help of AW he has got RVPs head straight and got his career back on track and we can only sit back and enjoy what is yet to come... And yes the future is good, TH14 must stay!
RVPs goal makes it 7 in 7,he has certainly found his feet now, and his confidence is growing,if used the right way he will become an enormous striker, second only to Th14.But we still need another name striker to replace Dennis,and good as Fab is we still need a powerhouse in midfield,hopefully this Jan.
Agreed .... the confidence is back, and with it the flow. As for RvP, everything he does seems to have that little something extra. Yesterday's goal was all the more superb because it was so unexpected at that moment. He was almost unbalanced by the two defenders as he cut in from the side line and yet kept his feet and then ...wow, the ball was in the back of the net!!
Unnerving for any defence to know that that talent is lurking ...another AW gem .... so what with Cesc (and some of the other up and comings) I think that the future is in good hands (or should that be feet?!). I am also waiting for Lupoli to make the breakthrough, he is another with seemingly real goal scoring talent.
Without wishing to put a dampner on things,I offer words of caution.
Firstly, the last win was not as convincing as the scoreline suggests. They had a lot of chances and maybe should have scored from some to make the score line a fairer reflection.
Secondly, I would hardly describe all the performaces as 'convincing'. The last Champions League win was not convincing at all and owed much to the referee. Against Wigan they huffed and they puffed a bit against a team which will likely end outside of the top five this season.
Thirdly, Arsenal have not had to play the likes of Utd or Liverpool yet. Excluding the one defeat to Chelsea early season they haven't really had their title credentials totally examined.
Fourthly, Champions League group was easy so the results from that can't be seen as an idication of great form. By and large, Arsenal were just playing easy teams.
Fifthly, still 11 points behind Chelsea. A big gap to make up on a team that won't be dropping a huge number of points throughout the season. Arsenal will need to win a lot of consecutive games to close it.
So er, sorry to put a dampner on things but it isn't all rosey just yet. Results have improved but it remains to be seen whether they have enough to close the gap and win the league this season.
What I'm really happy about is that RVP is actually playing like a true striker. He seems stronger and more able to hold the all up. He is thinking shoot 1st, pass second. When we bought Reyes I thought he would do the same, however when he plays with Henry he always looks to pass first (I won't go into the reasons why).
RVP has a great shot on him and so I hope he keeps shooting. Besides we need another goal threat in Europe.
Hleb (at 5kg heavier is on his way back and will provide even more playmaking ability with Fabregas, the future is looking bright.
If we sign Torres & Kuyt, plus one more solid CM, and solid central defender,and the Real Madrid GK, we will win everything!
I think the gunners need a leftback or a center back like Gallas, since Ashley and Clichy are so vunerable these years, and Cygan always play like a rookie.
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