Daves On Soccer12 September 2005
Boro 2-1 Arsenal
Ick.
Obviously I've been avoiding commenting on the game. Of course I'm disappointed, but more than that I'm just not sure what to say about it. Arsenal had loads of posession, worked some good chances, but were unlucky to miss their reward. Meanwhile, Boro saw little of the ball, but made two goals from nothing.
The first goal came late in the first half. Yakubu took the ball high in the area, with his back to the goal and Kolo Toure firmly in position. Yakubu feinted Toure, right-left, and worked just enough space to turn and shoot. It was a fine goal.
The second goal was just atrocious. Pascal Cygan just blew it. He belatedly decided to step up to play Massimo Maccarone offside... after the pass had been sent in. Maccarone was one-on-one with Lehmann, and made a good shot to put Boro ahead, 2-0. The play was exacerbated by the previous Arsenal attempt, as they had a legitimate penalty claim, were denied, and probably spent too much effort arguing the call.
Reyes' goal was a case of too little, too late, but he had the lion's share of Arsenal's chances so it's difficult to blame him. Neither Dennis Bergkamp nor Robin Van Persie were terribly useful. Alexsander Hleb was as energetic and involved as ever but couldn't manufacture any clear chances, while Robert Pires was almost nonexistent.
So, a very disappointing afternoon for the Gunners. And now that Henry is out for four weeks, they face a true test of confidence. Fortunately, they start their Champions League season on Wednesday against minnows FC Thun. Perhaps a good result will get them back on track. One thing is certain: they won't suffer from overconfidence.
Obviously I've been avoiding commenting on the game. Of course I'm disappointed, but more than that I'm just not sure what to say about it. Arsenal had loads of posession, worked some good chances, but were unlucky to miss their reward. Meanwhile, Boro saw little of the ball, but made two goals from nothing.
The first goal came late in the first half. Yakubu took the ball high in the area, with his back to the goal and Kolo Toure firmly in position. Yakubu feinted Toure, right-left, and worked just enough space to turn and shoot. It was a fine goal.
The second goal was just atrocious. Pascal Cygan just blew it. He belatedly decided to step up to play Massimo Maccarone offside... after the pass had been sent in. Maccarone was one-on-one with Lehmann, and made a good shot to put Boro ahead, 2-0. The play was exacerbated by the previous Arsenal attempt, as they had a legitimate penalty claim, were denied, and probably spent too much effort arguing the call.
Reyes' goal was a case of too little, too late, but he had the lion's share of Arsenal's chances so it's difficult to blame him. Neither Dennis Bergkamp nor Robin Van Persie were terribly useful. Alexsander Hleb was as energetic and involved as ever but couldn't manufacture any clear chances, while Robert Pires was almost nonexistent.
So, a very disappointing afternoon for the Gunners. And now that Henry is out for four weeks, they face a true test of confidence. Fortunately, they start their Champions League season on Wednesday against minnows FC Thun. Perhaps a good result will get them back on track. One thing is certain: they won't suffer from overconfidence.
// posted by Dave Ciskowski @ 06:36 
