Something Great

Arsene Wenger cobbled together starting lineups with spit and duct tape and Denilson and somehow the team dragged its ass over the finish line in third or fourth.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Spurs Defeat Arsenal, 4-4

A truly unbelievable game. If you were a neutral viewer or a Tottenham supporter, that has to be the game of the season thus far. I, for one, seriously doubt we'll see a better match in the months that follow.

That being said, I'm not a neutral viewer, and I'm definitely not a Tottenham supporter. And what I saw today was not a brilliant display of attacking football (and suspect goalkeeping) by both clubs. It was not an exciting end-to-end battle, displaying fabulous passing and possession skills. It was not the miraculous resurgence of a club left for dead under the steady leadership of a good manager. The only thing I saw was the death of Arsenal's 2008-2009 season. And quite possibly, the beginning of the end of Arsenal's taken-for-granted status as one of the Big Four.

On a day that saw Liverpool, Chelsea, and United methodically grind out victories, Arsenal were in prime position to join them. They sat 4-2 up at home with 88 minutes played. Sure, they'd made things hard on themselves, but it was hard to begrudge Spurs their stunning opener (apparently, the rule this season is that all teams are allowed one absurd goal against Arsenal), and Almunia had been playing so well in recent games that his gaffe to allow Bent's goal was more excusable than usual. The Gunners had worked hard and responded well to every Spurs test, and were certainly deserved winners. Then, starting with a horrible Clichy mistake (much like last year), it all fell apart. There's plenty to analyze, but I'll spare myself; what I'm getting at is that this team lacks the discipline, mental strength, and frankly, the right personnel on defense to bring home a league title this season.

I might be the most optimistic supporter you'll ever meet. I love watching Arsenal, I love Wenger, I'm consistently full of hope. Pathetically, I secretly refused to give up even after the loss to United last season, praying that some bizarre turn of events would make victory possible. But the results speak for themselves, and the league is a fairy tale this season. The best outcome for this year is the Carling or FA Cup, a deep run in the Champions League (assuming European teams keep trying to beat us at our game), and holding onto Cesc Fabregas over the transfer window. Those are our objectives. Alright, deep breath now. Let's do it.

8 comments:

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Anonymous said...

I was too busy watching Chelsea poke holes in the Hull hope bubble, but I did find this excellent highlight of Bentley's first strike.

Jim said...

hate you jake

JuanFucile said...

it was almunia's blown game. each goalie gets one or two, and it just so happens that alumunia's first was at probably the worst time everything considered (and not knowing the future)

Jake said...

Just to make sure everyone is on the same page, hell did in fact freeze over in london yeesterday as they had their first snow storm in October in over 70 years.
all in all, this was certainly an entertaining game, arsenal was able to grasp yet another draw from the jaws of victory.
its not as if their position is so horrific, (3 points behind chelsea 6 behind liverpool 2 ahead of man u.) its just to whom they've dropped points that's so disappointing, to me the season isn't officially over until they lose to one of the other 3 big clubs, but yeah i think this game must be considered classic arsenal b/c it gave you so much but left you wanting more (skinemax porn?)

Jim said...

Yeah, it's not Arsenal's current league position that troubles me. It's losses to Hull and Fulham, and draws to Sunderland and Spurs. We're supposed to be saving those up for our Big Four clashes. And that's why I'm so disillusioned.

Jake said...

Burn out in February is one thing, after the end of October??? c'mon,
season's officially over now? focus on cups?