Lets win it for Eduardo - Theo arrives at last
Tribute
By Boris Mellor
February 24 2008
If that's football you need to stop it, was Arsene Wenger's initial response to Eduardo's horrific injury after only three minutes of play. Wenger also attacked the idea, put out by some of the media, that to stop Arsenal you have to kick them. It was hard to judge how intentional the foul was as Sky refused to show a replay as it would be too distressing.
Clearly, the injury to Eduardo left the team, and the bench, badly shaken, and by 29 minutes a listless Arsenal were 1-0 down to James McFadden's free kick.
Accident?
The free kick against Flamini was debatable, but the poor positioning of the wall and Almunia was not, and the Gunners were 1-0 down to the ten men of Birmingham.
Don't forget Walcott
Arsenal seemed to put the tragedy behind them with a high powered start to the second half, and between 50 and 55 minutes took the lead. On 50 minutes Walcott was the fox in the box to Adebayor's downward header. It was a poachers goal, and Walcott's first ever Premiership goal. Only 5 minutes later to prove it was not a fluke Theo took the ball from Liam Ridgewell, surged into the area and passed into the corner of the net for his second.
This could be the start of something big
A fantastic goal that heralded a period of Arsenal dominance; but unfortunately it is not Theo's two-goal contribution that will be remembered. However, it deserves better, because it may well be proof that Theo has arrived at last. Arsenal fans have waited a long time for this moment, but for many this possible turning point in Theo's career is over shadowed by Clichy's error that allowed Birmingham to equalise.
Arsenal, now more than ever, need Theo to step up to the plate; with no Eduardo, Adebayor needs a partner. Now I know some will point to Bendtner, but he did not make much impression. True Ade should have passed to him rather than go for a shot, that was only just saved, but Ade did make the first Walcott goal. Bendtner was limited in movement, and rarely threatened the Birmingham defence. Walcott and Ade terrorised them, as did Hleb; unfortunately, the team was unable to add to the two-goal lead.
That meant Birmingham were always in with a chance, having enjoyed a two week rest the ten men looked to have more running left in them, as the match drew to a close, than the Gunners who had played a tough mid week fixture.
In the preview, I warned that a lack of focus at home had cost Arsenal two points against Birmingham, and so it happened again. The penalty was debatable, indeed even Alan Hansen agreed it was not a penalty, but if Clichy was focused, it need not have happened.
It would be churlish to blame Clichy alone, it was a day that almost nothing went right. If one of the many chances had gone in at 2-1 then it would not have been so catastrophic.
No doubt, the press will want to write off Arsenal's championship chances, which is something they do every week. However Arsenal are still in pole position, and they have only lost one game in the Premiership, so whether it is just two points lost, or one gained will not be known for quite a while.
Hopefully, the squad will be strengthened by returning players, and, with a less congested fixture list, will get a chance to regroup. In 2004, a similar situation saw the Gunners wobble at Easter, and then go onto to win the league.
Lets win it for Eduardo
The team should forget its disappointment and push on to win it for Eduardo. He might have a serious injury, but he also has enough starts to collect a winner's medal. For his sake, and for football's sake, it is no time for feint hearts, the anger at today's events must be channeled into rallying the team.
Arsenal Times wishes Eduardo all the best for a successful recovery.
-Wenger Genius-
