Wednesday, 01 October 08, 03:57 AM
All talk of trouble within the Gunners camp was premature, and even Arsene Wenger was left purring with delight as his players responded to their Hull City defeat with a scintillating display of attacking football. There was hardly a single player who did not perform well, bar the occasional lapse in concentration (again), and Robin Van Persie showed why HE is the leading striker at the club, clinically despatching the chances that came his way, and playing a part in striker partner's Ade's first goal.
Strangely enough, Wenger did not carry out his threat to make sweeping changes after Saturday's debacle, as he only brought in Nasri in place of Eboue. Not a bad change considering how ineffective the latter usually is, sometimes I wonder what Wenger sees in him apart from being a workhorse, which we already have in others who are actually skillful workhorses unlike Eboue. Nasri came in and did a wonderful job, showing that he fitted right in with the team in Europe. Once he settles down in the Premiership after his injury problems, it just tickles the imagination thinking how he and Fabregas will run the midfield.
It was the response I expected," Wenger said. "I am pleased we did not concede a goal. We could have scored a few more but it was important to win.
While we indeed could have scored more, it was just as good that we did not let in any goals this time. Can't imagine the number of times I've been frustrated by Gallas and Toure losing focus during games. This time, with Porto lacking any creativity and imagination, and especially desire, it was left to Almunia making a grand total of two to three saves, from what I could remember. A commanding performance throughout, and hopefully the lads can carry it on to the next game on the weekend.
Sunday, 28 September 08, 05:36 AM
Despite suffering a shock defeat to Hull City at home on Saturday, Arsene Wenger's young Gunners look set to go top of their group in the Champions League after Tuesday's round of matches. Arsenal will be up against Porto, the current Portuguese champions, and although they trail the Portuguese by two points after the first round, home advantage at the Emirates Stadium will be key to their hopes. And the blip against Hull City should be regarded as such - just a blip. Arsenal have usually flourished in the Champions League group stages, and Tuesday should be no different.
The good news is that there does not seem to be fresh injury doubts for Tuesday's clas against Porto. If everyone stays healthy, Wenger should be able to field a rather strong team, with the likes of Theo Walcott, Van Persie and Fabregas ready to lead the line once again. We will keep up with the latest news prior to matchday, and determine if the Gunners can indeed win the game and continue to do well in the Champions League.
On More Future Arsenal Stars In Carling Cup Against West Brom?