Anyone Want a Nap? A Day of Legends and Legendary Idiots

Wow. That was a very boring match. And there was so much anticipation and build up to it. Man City was vying for fourth spot against Spuds. We were coming off a three match losing streak (counting Champion League Matches). We were playing at home and welcoming back former greats Viera and Toure and former big-headed and great-at-creating-controversy Adebayor. Spuds got beat by Man United earlier in the morning which I guess made a difference as City looked the whole game to be happy coming away with a draw. They parked their players behind the ball and we just could not penetrate. Cashebayor did not start. The reason for his not starting was given as a "thigh strain". I wonder if Mancini was using some psychological strategy hoping to deflate the crowd who was anticipating boo-ing him to no end (even though Le Boss had asked for respect and restraint). It seemed to have an affect as the crowd just could not give enough energy to the game. The same could be said of our players. Sol and Silvestre had the most energy on the pitch. That's right. I said Silvestre. Song was back at his holding midfielder role so old Mikael was in at centre back...and had his best game in Gunner Red. This could be a high note for him to go out on. And he should be going out. I hope. But hats off to him for his performance as many players in his position could have just given into resentment at the lack of playing time. But if nothing else, Silvestre has been immensely professional while with Arsenal knowing he is not a fan favorite.

Kolo had a good game against us (darn it) and did a decent job of bothering RVP who played all 100 minutes! Good for him. Viera and Diaby had a battle in the midfield with the older using small fouls to make up for his slowness in scuffling with the younger player. Diaby looked better then in his previous matches, but still did not look as sharp as he had pre-Barcelona. He and Nasri (and Theo and Rosicky and everyone) kept passing up shots! We only had three shots on goal? I think we were happy to walk away with a point and not another crushing defeat. At least Fumbling did not cause catastrophe. He was not challenged much and had little to do. This might be a small foundation on which to re-build some confidence.

Energy finally permeated the match when Viera was replaced by ADB who sauntered on with crazy pigtails and grinning through all the boos. He played okay. Actually, if I was a Man City fan, I would have been incensed at that grin. He made it whenever a play didn't come off or when he made a mistake. I don't know if he was trying to stay calm during the taunts from the crowd or was using it to taunt the crowd. Perhaps, as I've discussed in previous blogs, his near-death experience in Angola had an affect? His lack of angry reaction to the crowd could mean he's found inner peace, or his pigtails were pulled too tight. Hmmm. Either way, he did not make a real impact on the game.

One more point should secure our position in third place. Which is an improvement on last season, by the way. I think the way the season ended last year was more positive, but we could end up with more points this year at the end. We finished last season with 72 points and we have that now. We have a potential of earning six more which will put us at 78. A mathematical improvement of two wins this season. The question is, is that improvement enough? Don't forget the crazy serious injuries this season. With RVP out for nearly six months, Aaron and Cesc having broken bones, perhaps that improvement belies what could have been a vast improvement. We always seem to have a ton of injuries, but the serious ones could not have been foreseen, so I am taking a lot of hope away for next season. What do you think? Feel free to post a comment people!

That's all for now. We don't play Blackburn until Monday 12:00 EST (I double checked the time, Jeane). I have also inserted a new poll so feel free to play with that as well. Until tomorrow when I will discuss the results from the weekend MLS matches and how the battle for the top spot in La Liga is proceeding...enjoy the improved weather!