Cesc sick of press - Walk in Park - Off to Spain
Submarine downs Magpies
By Boris Mellor
April 5 2009
Cesc informed Arsenal fans in his Captain's notes that, "It is just a story that will go on and on, even if I was to say that I would stay and retire here!" Fabregas insists he is very happy at Arsenal but he cannot control what the newspapers say.
He ends up stating, "I am proud to be Captain of this club and I see my future with Arsenal".
Cesc got a great reception from the Arsenal faithful, and he lived up to their expectations. Wenger played him further up field than usual; with Song and Denilson behind him he had no defensive duties.
There is no need to give great detail of the game; it was a stroll in the park, just the kind of preparation needed after an International break and before the CL away. Arsenal could have had a hatful, and City could have a couple.
Most City players did not seem that bothered, it was a toothless midfield, only Zabaleta and Dunne showed any aggression, and by that I mean aggression. The main victim was Walcott who got no protection from the referee Howard Lettuce. Walcott had a lively return, and Adebayor put away Fabregas' assists. The first was easy he didn't even have to jump as he got a free header at Cesc's free kick.
The second was a great chip from the Spaniard that needed controlling, by Ade, before he could beat a defender, round the keeper and pass into the net. That goal finished the game, both teams stopped trying, and who can blame Arsenal with a big game ahead on Tuesday night? The crowd got into Spanish mode by giving every Arsenal the pass the Ole treatment.
Wenger had the luxury of subbing Cesc and Ade to rest them for more important matters. City looked just as poor facing Arsenal without the main scorer and playmaker. Indeed Eboue and Bendtner toyed with them but couldn't quite finish.
Off to Spain
I haven't the time for an in depth preview as I am leaving for Spain tomorrow morning. It is unlikely we will know the squad until Monday evening. I hope Nasri will have recovered by Tuesday, for without Arshavin we could be a little light in the creative department. Thank heavens that Fabregas is back, well timed by Wenger, a week earlier and he might have been involved in the International injury break.
No Rambla in the Park
This may not be the hardest leg in the CL, a lot of teams might have preferred facing Villarreal or Arsenal, and Gunners may well feel this is winnable. However, it would do to keep one simple fact in mind Manchester United failed to score against the Spaniards home and away. They are extremely hard to break down.
They may not be as strong as they were when we last played them with Riquelme now at Boca Juniors. Who can forget Lehmann saving his penalty attempt in Spain. However, Pires has partly filled the breach, and the team play a higher tempo football now.
Pires who according to the press keeps blaming Wenger for ending his Arsenal career by not putting him in goal when Jens was sent off is a great favourite at his new club. Villarreal have rewarded him with a wage cut and a one year contract.
Nonetheless, Arsenal fans are looking forward to seeing him again, and wish him well against Barcelona, Real and anyone else as long as he doesn't deliver a master goal against us. I am not religious, but I shall be praying that the law of the ex doesn't kick in.
Team News
After the game Wenger stated that he thought Walcott would be ok, that there was a small chance that RvP and Nasri could be back, but no chance for Diaby and Eduardo.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:08:17:41:52 by Padre Pio.
Also, Walcott n the right of a 4 was not much help.
It was Denilson who was meant to play the holding role.
When Fabs was injured Denilson often depended on others to do the shielding, hence he has a role more forward than Song.
Fairplay to all our lot going out there
Song looks more and more like an attacking midfielder every time I see him.
But Fabregas was the guy who made Denilson look bad earlier in the season, or at least he did not help him out.
were you guys chanting super bob when pires came on?