And With That, The Curtain Drops...

Monday, 25 May 09, 01:46 AM · Comments(0)

FT. Arsenal 4 - Stoke City 1.

In the annals of Arsenal lore, it's unlikely that yesterday's game will live in memory. Unlike the first time we encountered the Potters, there was no surprise to be had. This time we worked to minimize the effects of Rory Delap's well-known throws. This time the attack was focused and the finishing precise -- because no one took the game for granted.

In reality the game boiled down to the first 18 minutes. That's when we established a 3-0 lead through a James Beattie own goal, a Robin Van Persie penalty and an Abou Diaby header. Though Ricardo Fuller pulled Stoke back one via his own penalty shot, Van Persie re-established that three goal lead before the first half ended. It has to be said that, through all the ups and downs of 2008-09, our Player of the Season has to be RVP (or as I like to call him "the whole f'ing show" after former wrestler Rob Van Dam.) He has become the complete striker this season and one of the focal points for this team going forward.

The double side of 01-02 belonged to Adams, Keown and Bergkamp. The Invincibles side belonged to Vieira, Pires and Henry. This current squad appears to have at its anchors Cesc and RVP. I hope we can keep him and find a defensive stalwart to add to the mix. But that's a talk for later dates.

One conspicuous absence from the match was Emmanuel Adebayor. All signs are pointing to his eventual departure this summer. Again, talk for later dates.

For now, let's just be thankful the season ends with no more major injuries to the squad and that the work can now begin to get us back to the top of the table.

And With That, The Curtain Drops...

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