Welcome back Champions League: To say that Arsenal inspires me to write is akin to saying I'm African. It just doesn't tell the whole story. I feel such excitement, such passion, whenever I watch Arsenal play. Going on from the weekend's dispatch of Tottenham came another sublime performance against AZ Alkmaar today, 4-1.
The opening goal of the game came very unexpectedly in the 26' min when Cesc Fabregas received the ball out on the left at the edge of the 18 yard box. With quick acceleration, he stepped inside his marker to the right. That half yard gained gave him the chance to shoot and he took a quick shot through the legs of his marker, Mendes Da Silva. The shot was mild though. Yet, Argentine international keeper Romero got only a slight touch and the ball crept in the corner. 1-0 Arsenal. The second came from Nasri, who by the way, I believe is super intelligent. His acceleration and turns away from his markers are impeccable. On for his 1st start in the champions league this season, I was happy with his performance. Arshavin had drifted a pass into his path in the 44' min, with a slight shimmy, the last defender was nowhere to be found and Nasri was 1 on 1. He still had a bit to do and deftly curled it around Romero. 2-0. I loved his celebration. It was 'dirt off my body' not my shoulders. He is not yet fully fit though and you could see he ran less towards the end of the game... HT.
Just 8 mins after the restart, Arsenal were cruising. This time, it was Fabregas who found the net again. Following a swift arsenal move between Diaby and Arshavin, the Arshavinator found Fabregas who was racing into the box with a pass inside the defender on the left flank and he wasted no time in blasting it into the roof of the net. Powerful finish. You expect him to be graceful and maybe pass it in, nope. BLASTED!
3 mins later, Almunia was called in to answer 'present' when Graziano Pelle had the chance to turn and fire at goal in the box. He saved at point blank range and diverted it onto the bar. AZ Alkmaar had a couple more tries, but Arsenal stayed strong. Not too long afterwards, 72' min to be precise, it was 4-0. This goal had me jumping up n down on the bed like a lil kid. It was the typified Arsenal counter attack that resulted in the goal that had me this way. Arsenal had cleared the ball from defence and the ball found Eduardo near the center circle with his back to goal. A clever back heel released Arshavin racing clear,and he stopped at the right time to send the ball into the path of the on rushing Diaby. 4-0. Job done, Arsene took off Van persie, Arshavin n 'FABULOUS' for Eduardo, Ramsey n Rosicky. Jeremain Lens had the time to score a consolation for Alkmaar though after they hit Arsenal on the counter.
Worthy of mention: Arshavin almost seems to conserve his energy at times but is always there to make things happen. All 4 assists credited to him. Gibbs making his return to champs league football following that costly slip against Man U last season looked comfortable. He is set for a run in the side as Clichy is sidelined with a back fracture for at least a month. It's important, I think, to note that Lens scored his goal by holding off Gibbs. He has chances to get 'comfortabler' in the coming games though.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment