Mrs Fabregas, Pin Ball, Crowd's Advice and a Vale of Tears

I saw Mrs Fabregas at the game last night, at least that is what it said on the back of her blue away shirt. Mind you, I do not know what Cesc will make of the fact she wears number 16. Funny old game, it was comfortable enough, but the third biggest cheer of the night was reserved for the news that Liverpool had gone out.

Arsenal played the usual sexy football, and at times, it seemed as if I was viewing a giant pinball table, with Cesc and Arshavin as the flippers. The ball pinged around the Liege goal like a ball bearing, bouncing everywhere except in the goal. The keeper certainly managed to cushion one certain goal with his foot or leg.

After twenty minutes this failure to score by the Gunners gave Liege a little confidence and they began to attack, creating a few dodgy moments for the Arsenal defence.

I was beginning to wonder if the curse of November was about to strike, that it was not to be our night, but on the 35^th minute the keeper mishandled the Verminator's punt and Nasri was able to coolly slot home. After that it would be only a matter of time before the second goal arrived.

Crowd's Advice

Normally the crowds advice is idiotic, who in their right mind shouts shoot at Song? So when they shouted shoot at Denilson who was at least 30 yards out, I inwardly groaned. However, I was wrong, Denilson struck the ball brilliantly, it spun and curved, rose and dipped beating the keeper. Ah the wisdom of crowds.

Brazil Skill

Of course some decided it was poor keeping, but I like to think it was Brazilian skill, and if it wasn't Denilson's little dance was.

Brazilian Magic

Vale of Tears

At 2-0 the game was over and Liege showed little ambition, until the last ten minutes or so. Actually, it was more nastiness than ambition. Perhaps they tired of looking like mugs, so they started to get stuck in. Getting in Cesc's face (probably advice from MOTD) got Carcela- Gonzalez sent off, more comical than dangerous.

Towards the end of the game I noticed Gibbs fall over, and then limp, but I did not think much more about it. I went home chipper enough, bumping into a workmate on the way. We were both happy we had not only qualified but were top of the group. As I arrived home, I received a text message "Gibbs fractured foot". It put the mockers on what had been a comfortable night.

Wenger said afterwards it was due to a bad foul by Mangala, he should be a wrestler with a name like that. I had notice the bloke throwing his weight about towards the end, how he got off with just a yellow I do not know.

Arsene is right, November is a Vale of Tears, Breaks, Groins and Strains. I cannot wait for sunny December.