Only One Kevin Keegan – Butt No Implosion

The vultures of the press were hoping for an implosion, but there was no sign of one here. Apparently, Wenger is deluded because he refused to see the beating of his, mainly second string, team in the Carling Cup as the most important thing that had ever happened to him.

But, how deluded are they who thought that Keegan’s third coming as Messiah would despatch Arsenal from the FA Cup creating a crisis for the Gunners.

To be fair to Keegan his team made a good fist of the first half, limiting Arsenal to a few clear chances, and even creating a few for themselves. No doubt, a few Gooner faithful were fretting at the level score at half time; however, the announcement of the score from Merseyside, Haves 2 – Havant’s 2 caused great mirth and eased the nerves all round.

 

 However there was little need to worry, the Gunners were about to step on the gas, and go up a gear. Adebayor was already playing at the top of his game when Eduardo, on fifty minutes, hit the post. The Togonator (apologies to arseblogger) did not allow the ball to go to waste, he brilliantly placed it just inside the post.

 One nil to Arsenal sang the crowd. However, the game was far from safe and Newcastle continued to press, but Arsenal were becoming more dangerous. On 84 minutes Adebayor made the game safe with an individual goal that was reminiscent of Henry for pace. He zoomed through and past defenders to deliver  a low shot past Given, from where I was sitting it just did not look possible. 

 

On 88 minutes Butt beat Eduardo to a header only to watch the ball sail into the net. “There is only one Kevin Keegan”, sang the tickled pink home crowd.

 

 

  Five Goal Ade

Adebayor was unlucky not to get a hat trick, and was clearly man of the match just ahead of the ever-improving Clichy. Adebayor led the line and was involved in every area of the pitch, on one occasion even tackling back in defence. What a week for Adebayor, five goals from 3 games. Eduardo was unlucky not to score, but also had a great game up front. Senderos was commanding in defence, as was Gallas.

  

The second half saw some of the best football the Arsenal have played since away at Villa. There was no sign of any hangover from the Carling semi-final, indeed, it seemed to inspire Adebayor and Eduardo. No sign of demoralisation here, of course the team faces a tough few weeks with fixtures coming thick and fast. With squad numbers low, success is not guaranteed, but predictions of Arsenal’s demise, after this performance, are much exaggerated.

  

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