Man U won 3-0 at Fulham, which means we are hanging on to a thread for the League title. Based on current form, many pundits and neutral fans are predicting Man U for the title. Our great rivals have shown in past seasons how to peak at the right time towards the end of the season and winning the title. This just leaves me with a wretched feeling that it might happen again this season.
Almunia (6.5/10) - Made a couple of good saves, including the one from Agbonlahor which he tipped against the crossbar. I still feel his reflexes are not quick enough for a 1st choice 'keeper and I don't feel completely safe with him in goal. Average performances mostly with occasional brilliance IMO.
Gallas (6.5/10) - His pairing with Sendy has been cause for concern lately. I get jittery with the defence even with Cpt. Gallas around. Last week's traumatic match has left the players jaded and Gallas's on-field protest after the injury-time penalty for Birmingham has come under criticism from his own players. He did not impose himself enough in this game to lift spirits and his forays up field did not do much either. Hope he gets his act together fast as the remainder of the season gets heated up.
Senderos (5.5/10) - Poor performance capped with an own goal, which almost gave Villa their win. Was completely outplayed and bullied by the fast Agbonlahor and Young. Lack of good balance saw him tumble over his own feet, trying to keep them in check. Still feel he is not consistent enough to hold down a first team spot, much less steal it from Toure.
Clichy (6/10) - Not as effective as before. Crosses were mostly poor until the injury-time equalizer. Covering for Senderos wasn't helpful and it left him in a comical state whenever Villa attacked down their right-flank. I guess he might still be feeling the effects of conceding last week's penalty. Move on, Clichy, we need you!
Sagna (6.5/10) - Average performance. Did not have much of an impact and was most probably still feeling last week's effect. Decent runs down the right but without the usual overlapping runs and crosses in the box we have come to see of him. But was densively sound as usual.
Flamini (Gilberto) (6/10) - His dominance in midfield was not effective in this match. Was able to put in a decent level of performance but nowhere near the performance against Milan. Had a good volley at goal but was just over. Was substituted by Gilberto, who took over Senderos's place in CB but did not see much action as Arsenal went in frantic search for the equalizer. Most probably AW wanted to rest him with the away game at the San Siro in mind.
Cesc (6/10) - As I've mentioned, whenever Cesc can't get going the team will suffer. His passes and crosses were stray or overhit but his tackling has been effective. I just feel he needs to stay attack minded and leave the cleaning up to Flamini as we really need him as our playmaker. If his provision is missing, the team can suffer. Didn't see alot of him today.
Diaby (Bendtner) (4.5/10) - Worst performer. Did not cover his left flank well and always left gaps for Villa to exploit. Flamini had to shout at Diaby to wake-up and remind him that football is not just about dribbling and attacking. He still has the habit of holding on to the ball for too long and tries too hard to get past defenders instead of passing to his mates. I had wished for Bendtner to replace Diaby at half-time but it only happened mid-way through the 2nd-half. Bendtner was more effective and committed and deserved to score the equalizer.
Hleb (Denilson) (6/10) - Not his usual self. His passing was horrendous, based on his own standard, and he had problems getting past the Villa defenders who had a great game. Was replaced by Denilson, who slotted into Flamini's position. It was nice to see Denilson back and hopefully he will be able to challenge Flamini for the DM slot.
Walcott (6.5/10) - Did not manage to add to his two goals from last week but was committed and could have scored in the 7-min had it not been for Carson's reflex save. As usual he caused the defence panic with his quick turns and pace but still lacks the clinical finish of an accomplished forward and the killer crosses from the byline. This is when I always felt Henry's tutelage would have been beneficial to his development but I hope AW knows enough in bringing the best out of Walcott.
Ade (6/10) - Had several headers to end the game off but everyone of them went skywards and over the crossbar. Disappointing to see his form has dipped since the Milan game but there is no one else who can take over his place upfront with effect at the moment. A fully fit RVP gets sorely missed everytime Ade can't score. It got worst after Bendtner came on as we have seen in previous matches how their playing style were similar, going after the same crosses and passes. But, ironically, it was their pairing that got Arsenal's fortunate equalizer. After a deep cross from the left from Clichy and nodded down by Ade into Bendtner's path, the young Dane applied the finish into the bottom corner past a host of Villa defenders defending for their first win over the Gunners in several years. Phewww!
I felt the Professor understood that pairing Ade and Bendtner together would be risky as they both play the same way. So I was not surprised seeing Walcott upfront with Ade but Walcott's impact faded as the game went on. Bendtner came on and Walcott was switched back to the right wing and gave us nothing with wayward crosses. With Edu out and RVP yet back to full fitness, the upcoming Milan game would be a big worry as there will be alot of dependence on Ade to get goals if Cesc and the rest of the midfield do not play like they did in the 1st-leg.
Here's wishing the Gunners ALL THE BEST! at the San Siro...
*fingers-crossed*
Post-Match Quote from Martin O'Neil...
"I'm thinking that there will not have been many sides, including the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea, that have come here and given Arsenal the problems that we did. That's how good our performance was. Had we won we would have deserved it."
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