Boring Boring Arsenal

I did not watch the Blackburn game owed to me not yet having a subscription to Senata Sport. I tried to get a stream working but it was far too stop start and so I gave up before long and resorted to trusting in the analysis of others in regard to our performance.

From what I have heard Hleb was man of the match. We were said to have dominated the opening twenty minutes, during which time Senderos scored from a corner. We were said to have dominated so much in fact that we could and probably should have extended our lead and enjoyed a more comfortable game. Gilberto did not look his best, not that he has managed to look anywhere near his best at any other stage of the season. Blackburn were supposedly not up to scratch themselves though they had some chances and did look dangerous at times. We took a long while to finish the game, Adebayor making it 2-0 late on and securing the three points.

Getting three points against Blackburn was a huge boost, following Man United and Chelsea having lost points. It means we are now five points clear and that is a lot of pressure to handle, having an opportunity to capitalize on the slip ups of our rivals and extend our lead at the top of the table. A five point lead is great because it means if you go into a game with a title rival then losing will see you keep your place in the table. It takes the pressure off a little and increases the pressure on Man United and Chelsea though by no means is it an excuse to get complacent and I am sure Wenger and Gallas will drill that into the players time and time again.

Tomorrow it’s Man United. I was not sure what sort of team Arsene would field, how seriously he will take the FA Cup with a Champion’s League tie to play on Wednesday but with the squad down to the ‘bare bones’ he may have no choice who to select. I am excited because games against Man United are usually exciting affairs and involve a number of goals. Even when they do not involve too many goals the game is usually worth watching. Myself, it’s a competition I would like to win but I am much more concerned with the Premier League and Champion’s League. Going out at Old Trafford would not be a terrible thing and I see our next trip to Old Trafford as the more important one, without a doubt. Hopefully both managers will see it this way and as a result not be too cautious. The FA Cup is after all priority number three for both us and Manchester United.

Clichy and Adebayor both carry knocks, though they have been named in the squad. Sagna meanwhile is ruled out owed to personal reasons with Wenger claiming he may miss the Champion’s League clash also. I do not fancy Hoyte against AC Milan and Man United and that gives me particular concern. We could of course play Eboue right back but we may need him on the right flank with Hleb having to cover on the left. Rosicky and Van Persie’s absences are no surprise. Diaby, Denilson, Djourou, Almunia, Walcott, Senderos and Song all find themselves on the injury list also. I’m willing to bet some of them may well feature however.

Like I say, while looking forward to the game it will not be a huge disappointment to lose, nor a great delight to win. Of the games we have coming up, this is not one of major importance.