Anyway. I loved this game. We played tough, energetic, and kept another clean sheet. We're still in third place but only one point from second place and five behind the leaders. Where we are gaining ground is in the Goal Differential column as we are now only 10 goals behind Chelsea. I know, I know. 10 goals is too much. But - just last week we were 13 goals behind. If Lukasz and our defense keep up the form we saw last night, I think we can do it. Remember, Chelsea are old...I am still confident they will tire out as they play for three trophies.
We started off with a very familiar lineup. The only changes were Arshavin who was back in on the left, Rosicky in for Nasri, and DJ was in for the suspended Koz. I have to think though that the more physical Djourou might have been picked over the more lithe Koscielny anyway in light of our opponent.
Chamakh was back in the striker position and looked back to his energic self as he took a cross from Song and headed in in within the first minute of the match! I like the early scoring. It allows us fans to relax just a bit and provides ample time for more goals. (On a side note - for those of us who noticed the dip in Chamakh's form last week, Wenger mentioned in his post match interview that Marouane had been ill the week prior. Glad he is feeling better!)
However, another goal was not to happen for about 89 more minutes. In between there, we shot another thirteen times, with four of those blocked. Cesc and Arshavin each had opportunities to score before halftime and were thwarted by Hahnemann. The Wolves seemed to gain the momentum after almost 25 minutes of pressing us and we began to spend a lot of time down in their half of the pitch. Fabianksi began the first of many saves as he palmed out a deflection that came from a Squillaci block and was heading toward a waiting Hunt. Phew. Disaster averted. Halftime came and I felt relieved that we were still ahead.
The second half started with a near disaster at the Wolves end caused by Jack slipping and allowing Milijas a chance to equalize. Everyone pitched in and blocked his attempt. A few minutes later we were back in our own end when Tricky Tommy intercepted a bad pass from a Wolves player and fed our wide open Captain a bread and butter pass. Cesc's shot went wide. Another groan squelched. When were we going to score again? We needed to break these Wolves because they were not giving up. They were not looking tired either. I was getting a bit concerned.
Fabianski was again called into action just before the hour mark and responded magnificently. Doyle shot out a bullet and Fab acrobatically finger tipped it over the bar. The team responded to the following corner as Tommy cleared the ball off the line (I think it was with his knee). The Wolves stayed down in their half, got a free kick, and nodded it over the bar. Another reprieve.
We finally spent some time in our own half which gave The Fab a break. Arshavin had two shots on goal in what seemed as many minutes. One hit the post. One was blocked. More squelched sighing. Squillaci and Djourou even got in on the missed scoring opportunities as both tried to find the back of the net after a corner. Squillaci missed and Djourou had his attempt at the rebound deflected.
Wolves were still howling at our door. Doyle had a shot that luckily went wide. A few minutes later, Berra gave The Fab his best save of the night. It was a low shot aimed at the Fabianski's left corner. Fab dove low, blocked the ball with only his left hand...and hung onto the ball with one hand. What a change in this player. Remember when he had weak wrists? His next move was just as important as he quickly distributed the ball out to Tommy who fed it long to the running Chamakh. The Chamak-atak closed the game with his feet this time - finding the back of the net with the outside of his right foot. Terrific.
Controversial moments? Karl Henry's tackle on Arshavin was studs up and high on the shin which could have resulted in another broken leg. No call. The commentators at first discussed the tackle as being innocuous as they thought Andrey had tried to pull his leg back. I have to give them credit though as upon further review, they agreed it was a very bad tackle by Karl and our little Russian was lucky to escape injury. Let me say it again. No call from the ref.
Cesc had a yellow card given to him for a tackle in the 88th minute when he tried to block Ward's attempt to clear the ball up the touchline. Ward was stretchered off and the home crowd then booed Cesc whenever he touched the ball. I haven't heard how damaged Ward's ankle is. Cesc of course was just going for blocking the ball but reportedly went into the Wolves lockeroom after the match to apologize. Wenger and Cesc both apologized in the press for the tackle. Interestingly, Wenger did not bring up the no-call for Karl's tackle on Arshavin. Hmmmm.
That's it really. I thought it was an entertaining game with both teams going at it. The Wolves may be at the bottom of the table but they have demonstrated they can play the game. If they could just do something with that Karl Henry fellow. I really don't care for him. Man of the Match for me was Fabianski. He not only kept us from going under, he did so coming back from a costly mistake the previous game. Glad to see one mistake has not damaged his confidence. I did not see any indecision from him during the game. Great job.
We travel next to Everton on Sunday. I'll have a preview up on Saturday and maybe a post in between there. You never know. Until then my fellow Gooners...have a good 'un.
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