LATE Bendtner Header Wins it - And Will Someone Call the Shirt-pulling?

Nerve racking, cardiac arrest-inducing, definite stroke possibilities. These guys are going to kill me somehow before the season ends. Still not able to finish teams off - even those who go down to ten men - we did not score until the 94th minute. Of course, this tells us something else: these boys do not give up. We started with a lot of changes in the side from the team that played Tuesday due to injuries, possible injuries, and the need to rotate. Silvestre started at left back with Sol at center back teaming up with my Vermie. Sagna was at right back. Eboue played on the left wing with Tommy in the creative mid-fielder role. Eduardo got the nod at striker. Denilson and Song had the defensive middle and Theo started on the right wing. Loads of possession and chances were given - especially in the first half. Theo was running, beating all to the ball and crossing nicely. Tommy played Cesc's role well and had excellent passing, and Du-Du...well...poor Du-du had outright chances and did not finish. I really wanted Eduardo to score today, and odds were on his side as we were taking on a mid-table but-only-five-points-from-relegation team. Of course, it's hard to score or win a header when you have loads of shirt-pulling going on (see photo). Eduardo seemed to be the victim of this - and other types of holding the most - which hampered him. I was sad to see him substituted only because I wanted him to score so badly. I do think the playing time can only help him of course. Anyway, the Wolves started off playing us tight not giving us much space. They did not commit many players forward either so counter attacking against them was tougher. Whenever we went toward the box with the ball, it seemed as though there were at least five Wolves there waiting for us. We ended with nine shots on target compared to their two. Six of those nine were blocked. I will say their keeper, Hahnemann, was up to the task making some fine saves. To give them credit, the Wolves had been on a roll not losing for their last five games. Still, I expected us to pass circles around them but they were organized and disciplined (except for the shirt -pulling. When is that going to start getting called?). Basically we looked stymied and out of ideas. Enter Bendtner for Eboue, Nasri for Song, and Vela for Eduardo. Bendtner and Nasri made a difference but still, Wolves hunkered down in the box. But then, just as Jeane left to put her coffee cup in the kitchen, inexplicably, Sagna, one our worst crossers, kicked in a beauty for Bendtner to head in - sheer chaos ensued at the Emirates as the crowd went nuts. So, here we are, sitting in third place one point behind Manure and two behind Cheslki. The one thing the top three have in common is that we all still have to play the Spurs. Spurs could be the team to influence the title race the most. They have the capability and desire to upset any of us and will surely enjoy the role thay have to play. Okay Gooners...it's Barcelona on Tuesday and then we have the weekend off due to FA Cup activity. Unfortunately, I'm going to miss the MLS Fire game this afternoon as duty (work) calls but will update you on the match result. Cheers!

P.S. For those of you who missed the game or couldn't stand watching us possibly tie so our face was buried in your hands, here is Bendy's header: