Match review

We wanted to see 'proper' defending, we got what we wanted!!

Posted on by rico

Morning all,

Well it all started wrong didn’t it when Koscielny broke down in the warm up which meant Arsene Wenger was forced into making an early change.

We lined up – including subs:

Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Jenkinson, Monreal, Arteta, Wilshere (Diaby 50), Ramsey, Walcott (Miquel 87), Giroud, Cazorla.

Subs Not Used: Mannone, Rosicky, Podolski, Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Sent Off: Jenkinson (62). Booked: Jenkinson, Walcott.

Within minutes of the start, Sunderland had a chance but N’Diaye headed over the bar, then straight afterwards, Walcott had his first chance of many, but as he did with the rest, he missed. Well, Mignolet saved. Same scenario followed within moments.

Cattermole went into the book for a shocker on Ramsey, many other referee’s would have had no problem in brandishing a red card and rather stupidly, Carl Jenkinson followed him into the book soon after too for a naughty one on Jack Colback!

The next real effort on either goal was from Giroud, his shot was dragged just side of his far post. Soon after, Sessegnon watched on as his shot went wide of the post.

End to end stuff but how wrong was I in suggesting Sunderland would be very much different to Stoke?

Ramsey was the next to have a shot, and from distance which was refreshing and he wasn’t far off either. That one may have been saved but soon after, Cazorla to made it 1-0 with a super finish.

Wilshere had weaved his way through the middle, his pass found Walcott who then laid the ball off to Cazorla. The Spaniard then buried his chance into the back of the net….

Szczesny then saved well from a Danny Rose and Walcott scuffed yet another chance not long before halt-time, he had time though to see another chance saved by Mignolet.

Half time came and went, as did Lee Cattermole!

Within minutes of the restart, Jack was fouled yet again and this was one too many for him to suffer. He was replaced by Abou Diaby. Just like every game these days, our young Englishman seems to be the target of ‘rough treatment’, yesterday he started the game heavily bandaged, he finished it barely walking. Wenger reckons it’s short-term, days in fact and we have to hope he’s right.

Sunderland had a few half chances, Sessegnon saw his shot blocked by Arteta and both Larsson and Johnson had crosses defended well by us.

Giroud saw yet another chance go wide and then up the other end, Fletcher saw a thunderbolt shot miss the target. Cazorlas had a couple of chances in quick succession, both missed the intended target and then a big moment in the match took place.

Carl Jenkinson caught Sessegnon and with it came a second yellow card. We were down to ten. Our already frail defence was even more frail.

Or was it??

We had a couple of chances to kill the game off, Walcott was guilty of finding a post when it appeared easier to find the net and we missed a couple more chances to kill the game off too. Sunderland had the majority of chances once we went down to ten men and my word, did we witness a ‘backs to the wall defending’ display or what?

Szczesny kept goal like a composed goalkeeper and how good was his save from Gardener’s header? Stunning, that’s how good and that wasn’t the only great thing he did when we were being battered!

Mertesacker and Sagna defended like their lives depended on it, Ramsey, Giroud and Cazorla to name just three, were all back helping out too.

That was thirty minutes of do or die stuff, that was thirty minutes of doing our club proud, that was thirty minutes of hanging on in there and making sure we EARNED three points.

And boy didn’t we earn them…..

That’s the kind of display which builds confidence.

That’s the kind of display which might get Kroenke his 4th spot…..

Have a good day all…..

rico

0 thoughts on “We wanted to see 'proper' defending, we got what we wanted!!”

  1. rico says:

    Morning all…

    Southern softies, that’s what we are 😛

    Great result. Some really good performances defending, a few great saves from Ches, all topped off by some woeful finishing from Giroud, Ramsey and Walcott…..

    And the referee….. Another who really needs to go back to the training school for referees.

  3. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning all, Nice one Rico.
    As you say a good batteling display. the lads fought well and i dont know how we didn’t put the game beyond them in the first half. We made the chances but struggle to actually get the ball in the net. I was impressed with our defenders, Sagna showed his versitilities. Monreal looked solid and he knows the position his asked to play. Seems like he’s brought a good un. Jenks was a little headstrong but showed commitment he’ll learn and lets remember he didn’t break the bank did he. Giroud i felt worked his socks off he is starting to impress me. Theo got booked but not for a challenge it just looked as if he couldnt get out of the way. should have scored a hat trick but it will come. As you say Wilshere seems to attract heavy tackles and referee’s seem slow to protect him, we suffered a bit when he came off but even more so when Jenks walked. Czezesney had a very good day and probably saved our Bacon. But all in all a good team performance.

  4. useroz says:

    3 points. Great display of mental strength this one…

    Let’s not pretend we have turned a corner though.

    The ‘entertainment’ in the last half hour was largely self inflicted.

    * wenger refuses to buy proper and came out with stupid remarks eg 2 for each position…yeah right

    *with proper striker(s) befitting AFC we should have been 4 up by half time, to be conservative – not only they don’t know how to shoot, the wayward final passes could mean more assists if the like of van persie were around

    *some players are clearly average and not AFC standard Jenk was awful; skinned time and again; mistimed tackles just reflects his level — look at Sagna..that’s PL quality defender…better than the usual Koz and Verm CB standard, without the height! Count how many headers he got!

    Still the same old Arsenal putting itself in compromising position, larget by wenger though…so get out of here.

  6. allezkev says:

    Morning Gooners.
    Morning Rico.
    Morning Stevo, part of Jack’s problem, is that he runs with the ball and leaves himself open to heavy challenges.

  8. Adam says:

    It is easy to get on Jenks back but, let’s not be too hard on him, despite his naivety. He hasn’t played much and found it difficult to get to the speed of the game perhaps. Even Van Persie missed straightforward goals, like against Milan – and Mignolet was excellent yesterday, but we certainly could and should have scored more. But I can’t help think that that hard-fought win will be more psychologically significant than a 4-0 stroll. Yesterday was precisely the sort of game that we have drawn or lost too many times before.
    And Cattermole should have gone for that totally reckless tackle in the 80th second. It was high, overly aggressive and had the potential to injure. Once again we must thank for pathetically inept Mike Riley for sending a referee without the bottle to make that kind of decision. It’s O’Neill’s way these days to take advantage of his idea that plonker refs are not prepared to send players off so early in the game. Batistuta made a career of very early potential leg-breakers. The git.

  9. ozgunner10 says:

    morning all – very much enjoyed the game last night for what it was – both sides put in big time and great 3 points as well as very good entertainment all round

  10. rico says:

    Hello again all…

    ‘Stuff’ all done and now for a very relaxing afternoon in front of the television and log burner….

    useroz – not suggesting that all our problems have been solved during one afternoon in Sunderland but come on, they defended so much better than of late.

    Enjoy it I say…

    Plenty to moan about the game if people want to, I just don’t want to 🙂

  11. rico says:

    Hi Adam, Good to see you back connected to the outside world 🙂

    Hi Ak, busy day for you I suspect, that’s if you have the kind of weather I have. It’s horrid. Just been out in it and roads are flooded.

  12. rico says:

    Adam. I don’t have an ounce of blame for Jenks. Neither tackles were dangers, they were just just a fraction late or silly and as you say, that’s down to not playing.

    Their keeper was outstanding all game, as was ours……

    Do I dare suggest that I hope Manure beat Everton….

  16. DutchGooner10 says:

    Rico

    After watching the highlights I feel Jenks drew the short stick with the ref. Many badly timed tackles on Sunderland’s part preceded Jenks booking. In retrospect double yellow was quite harsh, Black Cats escaped accountability for several bookable offences.

  17. rico says:

    Hi Dg, how are feeling today??

    I thought Jenks was hard done by, especially if we judge his tackle against others, those on Jack in particular…

  18. allezkev says:

    TG, that is very ‘true’, and part of the problem the club has suffered since sacking David Dein. Because when Dein left, his influence at the FA went with it.
    But those pillocks in the Boardroom were more interested in their own juvenile personality problems & disputes.
    Arsenal have also suffered from having a foreign manager, who strangely enough was more pro the English National team than that Scottish hypocrit at Old Toilet.
    Ironic, don’t ya think?
    English referee’s also show an uneasy bias towards English players, in general. One imagines what the outcome would have been, if Cattermoles assault had been perpetrated by some ‘sly’ foreign mercenary…?!!!

    Yes Rico, it is a miserable day, but for me, it is good. 😉

    Adam, good to see you back in business…

  19. allezkev says:

    Dutch, hope you are better today…

    I reckon that you have nominated yourself to the position of HH links provider…
    Congratulations on your appointment…

    Lata

  21. DutchGooner10 says:

    Tnx for asking. Feeling battered and drained madam. Restless night due to the constant pulsating shivers, this virus habitats on your muscles, which gives the impression I have been poked with a stick all night.

    Hitting the shower a couple of times per day helps to tame the aggressive nature.

  22. DutchGooner10 says:

    Hahaha Kev, just trying to expand our reach. Lots of people read but don’t actively blog.

    Too bad this video service doesn’t provide embedded links like YouTube. Now you have to leave HH to watch it. Thought it would be a nice match report extra for those who missed the game or don’t have sport packages on their tv to see replays.

    Feeling groggy and slooooooooow moootion. Cheers. Lata.

  26. DutchGooner10 says:

    Oz/Rico its more annoying and nagging than anything else. Food has no appeal and as I said the pulsating shivers are draining and causing sweat bursts.

    Though it’s less worse then last time. SYG has been struck by it twice as well. His wife now under the wool with the same symptoms.

  27. ozgunner10 says:

    hiya Rico – yeah been missing a few days trying to get this bathroom finished, long job but getting there slowly. Been a really hot weekend here so plenty of sweat lost 🙂 I am surprised how quite it is yes – How are you?

  30. agirlagunner says:

    Boo! Time to blog, at last. rico, it is quite a quiet day! People must be happy for a change. 😛

    AK, drive safely, shopping buddy. 🙂 🙂

    Dutch, go get some rest, and fire up that heater!! 🙂

  32. rico says:

    Hi Potter – best comment of the day, well, the most important if it means Santos is a Gonner!!

    Boo agag, it is quiet and Ak, yep, we need a crisis. Or rather not 😉

  33. potter says:

    If it’s genuine Podolski yes ! However reports are that Santos is in Brazil but then again IT IS MARDI GRAS.

  35. rico says:

    Fellaini is playing up front today, has Moyes taken a leaf out of Wengers book 🙂

    Or is he just clever enough to realise that Fellani loves to score against Fergies lot……

  36. allezkev says:

    Santos has gone, so it seems.
    Squillaci to go in the summer.
    Arshavin to go in the summer.
    Fabianski to go in the summer.
    Denilson to go in the summer, probably?
    Bendtner to go in the summer, maybe?
    Clearing the decks of all the old dross, hopefully?
    All that salery freed up for new signings…
    Recession really biting next summer…
    Will Wenger finally have a spend-up???

    Boo Agag… Gotta say, those shirts are quality.

  41. Will XL says:

    What is Wenger planning for the champions league where left back is concerned? Tv5…or maybe Sagna?… Well Gibbs definitely be back by then and what if he doesn’t stay fit?

  42. DutchGooner10 says:

    Kev gotta say we lost out on transfer fees running down contracts. For example Arshavin should’ve been sold still worth a penny, Arsenal scrapped the bottom with suitors.

    Don’t fully comprehend the hesitation with some players. Given the financial geniuses within our club.

    Boo Agag. I’ve got a vacancy for an night nurse on high heels. 😛

  43. tsGH says:

    Hi Folks,

    Hope all is well? An old Arsenal style win yesterday. On the train home last night some fans were not sure if a 1-0 win is better than a 3-1 win… 😉

  44. tsGH says:

    DG I always knew you were Goonie in disguise… 😀

    I hope you are enjoying yourself on the front row at the NY fashion Week… Agag? 😉

  46. rico says:

    Dg says –

    ‘Boo Agag. I’ve got a vacancy for an night nurse on high heels’

    Will wellie high heels count ??

    Hi Ts. A hard fought 1-0 win at Sunderland does more good than a romp home with ease in my book. Especially for our fragile lot

  47. tsGH says:

    Will, AW has to bite the bullet and go 3 at the back or use Miguel at LB. I am not sure if it is worth him risking TV or Kos if they are not fully fit. Le Coq and Meade are not ready either me think so that leaves us with a novice facing the serial diver i.e Robben, I hope the fans have some sympathy for whoever plays there. 😉

  48. agirlagunner says:

    Wow, the way the commentators for the United-Everton match are going, you would think that United were the best team on earth. Haha.

    rico, it is always quieter when we win. 😛 Kev, before you know it, those new shirts would demand to be worn with new pants and new cardigans. 😛

    Dutch, I’ll probably just give you a sleeping pill. 😀 😀 Hiya, Ginge and Will. 🙂

  50. tsGH says:

    I am with you there rico. i think that every 2 or 3 games reassures the players that they have something ‘special’

  51. rico says:

    Ts – just why I hope AW ‘forgets’ the CL…. But lets not forget how well Chamberlain played against Milan. Sometimes the younger players cause a surprise. They have no fear!

    I know agag, sad but true….

    RvP scores to make it 2-0….

  52. tsGH says:

    I hust love the way you wrote the full name down Rico. 😀 😀 😉

    I think the lad has a future, I think Robben may make AW go safe on the flanks. Ribbery will trouble CJ25 on our rhs and then the diver well…

  55. rico says:

    Why, that is his name Ts…..

    I really think he has a great future. But I fear, that future will not be with us. He’s 20 years old and unless he’s prepared to challenge Gibbs for the second Lb spot, he’ll leave…..

  56. rico says:

    My left heel is very sore agag. Caught it in the door last week, deep cut, lots of blood, and bruising and now a hobble…..

    🙁

  57. tsGH says:

    I know just teasing you. I thought you would not mind him hanging around especially if he takes his top off so often. 😉

  62. tsGH says:

    Its all gone down hill for Schalke since they trashed us. they are now 25 points behind B.Munchen. It will be interesting to see how strong the Bavarians are because they can’t surely be 15 points better than BV09 who are in second place.

  64. DutchGooner10 says:

    LOL Rico. You spoiler you. Vet nurse? Give me that horse hormone cure please. 🙂

    Sleeping pills are ok Agag as long as you’re there handing me a glass of water and the last image on my lenses is you in a tight white uniform. 😛

    Hiya Ginge / Big Will

  65. tsGH says:

    It seems like the Santos loan news has ‘legs’ according to BBC. If the ruthless AW is coming back then… the man who got rid of Stepanovs, Jeffers and Boa Morte in a flash…

    Next should be the only forehead advertising billboard in football to start being decisive or he may be gone too. Just wishing I guess.

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21403953

  66. agirlagunner says:

    rico, you must be more careful. that sounds ouch. Although, I play with our pets, get nips and scratches, tell myself, “never again”, then do the same thing each day. 😛

  67. DutchGooner10 says:

    Hmmm Rico just read your injury incident, must have been some serious knock. Did you rush out too hastily?

  69. rico says:

    I wish I was a veterinary nurse Dg, in fact, I wish I was a vet….

    And yes, I was in a hurry and shut the door before my foot was out the way…. 🙁

  73. DutchGooner10 says:

    Rico

    I’m sure there’s still a fluke chance to become a Chicken Whisperer. 😉 I think you would be a fine vet. If I wasn’t protecting the interest of the entire HH, I would encourage you to chase your dreams. For real. Seriously.

  74. agirlagunner says:

    Hey, Adam. Good to have you back. United are now 12 points clear. Eeeeeeek.

    rico, I hope you’ve been resting that foot. My foot injuries are self-inflicted, too. 😀

  75. agirlagunner says:

    “Chicken Whisperer”, you just made me laugh out really, really loudly at 2 am, Dutch. 😆

    Good night, dear friends. Be warm wherever you are. 🙂

  76. DutchGooner10 says:

    Tnx Ginge.

    Evenings Adam. Digital juice flowing again heh, always a cold turkey effect when I loose connection.

  78. Adam says:

    Hi Agag and DG. Yep, good old Virgin Media got sold and a few hours later 50,000 people lose connection as well as some telephone and TV services. What a tacky little outfit they are. No honest answers to any questions, just someone at the end of a crackling line in India talking nonsense.

  82. DutchGooner10 says:

    Adam if you can park your bum on Necker Island, there’s really no need for problems that ain’t yours anymore. I’m surprised the plug got pulled though, had the same situation once and only the name on the bill changed without a total blackout.

    On a side note, not being racist, I can only bare so much of a heavily Indian English accent. Worked with one before, drove me crazy within the short period it required.

  83. Adam says:

    DG. Apparently Virgin only owned 4% of the company anyway.
    It wouldn’t have mattered what language was being spoken, the lines were so bad I couldn’t understand it anyway.
    Are you fully recovered now?

  86. rico says:

    Dg, we too have many calls from folk with Indian accents. If could only understand them, I could reap rewards… maybe……

  88. Adam says:

    No, I think she was more interested in arranging a date with me Rico. She came on quite strong on the phone. Flirtatious lady she was. 🙂

  91. DutchGooner10 says:

    Making progress today Adam. Finally got some substance in, instead of liquids. Just got timbered by the virus from last year, it returns in cycles before its eradicated from your system. Hitting the shower a couple of times per day helps the recovery.

    4% ownership sounds like monetizing the name without committing to any services. The product is licensed to the highest bidder. Same as Coca Cola gets bottled around the world. I guess you wouldn’t have signed up if you knew upfront.

  92. Adam says:

    No, she hooked me in Rico with her rich accent. I loved the way she pronounced apple. It sounded to me like “tackle”. I just couldn’t resist. You could say she seduced me really. 🙂

  93. Adam says:

    I am pleased to hear that DG. Now you need to reinforce your immune system.
    Virgin bought out the company I was with so I was swept along in the tide of change really.

  95. Adam says:

    Rico, I know. But we can all have our little fantasies can’t we? 🙂 though the best ones never seem to come true. 🙂

  96. DutchGooner10 says:

    Doing supplements and anti-oxidants already. I never been so receptive to viruses in the past. Ran my luck I suppose.

    Still they could’ve solved the situation more elegantly imho.

  98. Adam says:

    Look after yourself DG.
    It is sleeting/snowing heavily here now so I will wish you all a lovely evening and sign off for the day….

  99. rico says:

    We can Adam…. 😉

    I’m done for the day. Off to watch a film for a change.

    Chat tomorrow. Night Adam, Dg and all…..

    Take care…

  104. allezkev says:

    Adam, whatever you do, don’t ever let any lady, Indian or not, mix your apples up with your tackle…

    Sir Stevo gave me that advice, when we were discussing floats and bait once…

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