Yes, it’s a rather cheesy title to say the least, but it works!
A very mixed report from our travel to Craven Cottage. After the 12th minute red card to Steve Sidwell for a studs up, two-footed challenge on Arteta, Fulham played the majority of the game a man down. You would expect any decent team to take advantage of that extra man, however, following Sidwell’s dismissal, it seemed like Arsenal were the team with 10 men on the pitch; such was the torrid, sheltered, and very dangerous style of our approach to being a man up. We sustained extended periods of vicious pressure from the Fulham attack, only for our solid defence and Szczesny to keep the likes of Dimitar Berbatov and Urby Emanuelson at bay.
I’m going to go on a limb here and suggest that the team was being cautious and not taking the chance to push too far forward in fear of a dangerous counter-attack, the likes of which we’ve conceded many times in previous seasons and this season itself. However, on the stroke of half-time, we won a free-kick about 40 yards out. Walcott stepped up. Koscielny was first to the ball but he played it across goal only to find Mertesacker who thumped us ahead with an easy header. The zealous nature of our team was apparent in their over-joyed celebrations. A goal that would eventually bag us the 3 points.
Our second half was rather soporific, with Fulham prodding our defence more often than a 10 man team should have. The half played out without much to note…until the 89th minute. Giroud saw an opportunity to win the ball after an Arsenal clearance. From the initial viewing, he looked to go in rashly, and put his foot through the opposition player’s shin. Andre Marriner produced a deserving straight red. Or so it seemed. Upon closer viewing however, it was revealed that Giroud slipped, missing the ball entirely and ploughing through the Fulham player whose name has slipped my mind. The official Arsenal website released a statement yesterday revealing that they will appeal the red card, hoping to waive the 3 match ban.
However, would it be the worst thing to have Giroud not in the starting line up? In my previous post, I spoke of how Giroud should be plan B or even C, not plan A. His red card might give Wenger the choice of playing Podolski up front with Santi and Theo on the wings which would be a very tantalising attack force. I’m adamant that Podolski would be more useful through the centre than he is on the wings, and yet he’s even been quite decent playing left wing. My only slight concern with this tactic is Santi. He looks like he may be tiring, with this being his first English season, no break in the Winter and a run of games that’s far more physical and demanding than La Liga. Perhaps it might be prudent to rest Cazorla, at least to accommodate him into Wenger’s plans as a super-sub.
Time will tell. We should be hearing a report from the FA soon in regards to Giroud’s appeal.
Everywhere else, there’s rumours upon rumours regarding transfers since we’re close to the end of the season. Considering that, I reckon anyone dabbling in rumour affairs should swiftly use this article to fill in their stories.
“Till next time Gooners and Goonerettes. THIS IS ARSENAL.
A Gentleman's Arsenal 