Wolves 1 Arsenal 4
This was a 27-minute match.
Wolves had narrowed their pitch to the minimum width and they competed well for the first 27 and
Before the first of two own-goals, Wolves had some chances and half-chances.
The new system of 4-1-4-1 is effective because it allows (1) most of the game to be played a long way from Almunia, Wenger’s worst player and (2) it allows his brainiest players, Fabregas and Arshavin, to spend more time in and around the box, making chances and having shots.
In a 4-4-1-1, Fabregas was controlling the midfield and starting pacy counter-attacks. Now he working in the final third far more and scoring more goals.
Sagna was razor-sharp in the tackle and broke forward very well to link with Fabregas, then find Robin van Persie, who played Fabregas in for a cool finish and 3-0.
Arshavin made it 4-0 with a sweet half-volley from outside the box when a corner was cleared to him. Arshavin is Limpar with bottle, Overmars with far more skills. But the body language after Arshavin scores can be a bit worrying. The race to congratulate him is perfunctory, an afterthought.
Jody Craddock’s header from a corner made it 4-1. Oddly, Vermaelen ducked as if he was expecting Almunia to come and punch the ball. He does not know when to come for crosses. Why is Almunia at Arsenal? I have no idea.
Diaby went off injured after 24 minutes. If had stayed on, who knows?
Manchester City were 0-2 down at home to Burnley before leading 3-1. Final score was 3-3 and Adebayor stunk the place out.So did Tevez
Today is the biggest game of the season, Chelsea v Manchester United.
It could be controversial and form often means nothing.
If Chelsea give United a hiding today they will become even hotter favourites for the title and Arsenal v Chelsea will be the next big game on the 29th.
Sunday, November 29th is in your diaries and on your calendars, I assume.
Today, the man of the moment is a centre forward who once scored 11 goals for Marseilles in a European season. This season Drogba has 12 goals in 13 games and 8 assists.
He is 31 now, a fourteen stone five pound gladiator who has annihilated many centrebacks, even the toughest ones.
In November 2006, Didier Drogba elbowed Vidic in the face. In April, 2008, he elbowed Vidic in the mouth and the Serb lost a tooth. In Moscow in May 2008, Drogba slapped Vidic and got a red card and Chelsea lost the Champions League Final.
What will Sir Alex’s midfield be today? Will rookie defender Jonny Evans get sucked forward too often? Will the Chelsea machine roll right over the triple champions?
Bring it on !
Arsenal will stay second if Chelsea win. But if it’s a draw, Arsenal are two points closer to Chelsea.
Sir Alex might even play for a draw. Fortunately, he has no idea of how to play for a draw.