THE FOOTBALL THREAD Vol 2
- Thread starter fgl
- Start date
fgl
Well-known member
Barclays Premier League
Reebok Stadium
Saturday, March 29, 2008, 3pm
Bolton Wanderers
2
Taylor 14, 44
Arsenal
3
Gallas 63, Van Persie 69 (pen), Samuel 90 (og)
By Richard Clarke
Stunning, simply stunning.
At the break, Arsenal were two goals and one man down at Bolton with their title bid in tatters. However, 45 minutes later, they were celebrating their first win in six Premier League games thanks to William Gallas' volley, Robin van Persie's penalty and an own goal by Jlloyd Samuel just 15 seconds from the end of normal time.
It was just what the doctor - and Arsène Wenger - had ordered.
Arsenal were the better side in the first half but defensive errors were punished by Matt Taylor after 14 and 43 minutes. Inbetween those Abou Diaby was sent off for a foul on Gretar Steinsson.
The visitors had been unlucky but it seemed their much-discussed fallibilities had come back to haunt them. Gallas' goal was crucial but so was Wenger's decision to bring Emmanuel Adebayor and Theo Walcott off the bench. The pair made major contributions to a game that could right many of the wrongs in recent weeks.
It certainly pushed them up to second place and was a huge fillip ahead of a massive week.
Wenger made radical changes to the side beaten Chelsea last Sunday. The Emmanuels, Adebayor and Eboue, were left on the bench while Sagna was out with an injury picked up during that game. Philippe Senderos came in at centre back with Kolo Toure pushed out to cover at right back. Diaby was employed on the left with Alex Hleb occupying the right side in the usual 4-4-1-1.
You could have argued the changes were made with a view to the Champions League Quarter-Final with Liverpool in midweek. However, in his pre-match press conference, Wenger had said his aims where much more short-term than that.
A win and a good performance were required to retain any hope of overhauling Manchester United in the title race, prepare for Liverpool and repair the confidence fractured by a run of one win in eight games.
It hammered down with rain just ahead of kick-off. Even though British Summer Time was due to start this evening, this had all the hallmarks of mid-winter fixture.
Arsenal started well - and despite what would happen - the possession and shots statistics said the visitors were on top in the opening period.
After two minutes Flamini put through Bendtner who controlled the ball expertly with his first touch. However Andy O'Brien was in pursuit. The Bolton defender hung on the Dane's shoulder and his next touch allowed keeper Ali Al Habsi to gather.
A couple of minutes later, Van Persie received the ball in space on the left of the area and fired straight at Al Habsi. Bendtner and Van Persie twice had snapshots fly wide as Arsenal piled on the early pressure.
The visitors seemed set to dominate. They had started with confidence that belied their recent form.
However in the 14th minute they fell behind. El Hadji Diouf fed Gretar Steinsson near the right-hand byline. He whipped in an excellent curling cross to the near post where Taylor stole in ahead of Toure to thunder home a header from close range.
It was utterly against the run of play but, at the same time, utterly typical of recent Arsenal games.
Despite the goal, the game was still being played in the Bolton half. There was mild consternation when Almunia punched only partly clear from Diouf's free-kick. But Arsenal won a flurry of corners around the half-hour. From one, Toure's 'grubber' shot deflected a couple of times before trickling just wide.
However, 12 minutes from the break, matters got much worse for Arsenal when Diaby was sent off for a foul on Steinsson. The Frenchman's foot was up and certainly caught the full back on the ankle but referee Chris Foy's red card seemed a little harsh.
Bendtner's tenacity nearly got Arsenal on level terms immediately but, having won the ball back superbly, Al-Habsi turned aside his drive.
Arsenal were unfortunate to be behind but, just before the break, Bolton doubled their lead. Flamini was caught in possession by Gavin McCann and the ball fell to Taylor on the edge of the area. His drive deflected off the heels of Gallas and drifted past Almunia into the corner of the net.
It was a cruel, cruel blow to a side who have suffered their fair share of misfortune in recent weeks. Flamini might have got Arsenal on the scoresheet seconds before the whistle but his drive flew over the bar.
Wenger's side went into dressing room with everything to do.
At the start of the second half it was Bolton who suddenly looked like the title contenders. Gary Cahill drove past the post and Almunia spilled Taylor's corner at the feet of Davies but the striker could not convert.
Although Fabregas fired wide it was all Bolton. Cahill's header was snaffled off the line by Almunia though the defender did climb all over Toure to reach the ball.
On the hour, Wenger made changes. Walcott and Adebayor replaced Senderos and the unlucky Bendtner. The manager was now switching to 3-4-2 in search of a comeback.
It made a difference almost immediately when Van Persie won a corner. Fabregas floated it over and Gallas scored with a sweetly struck volley at the far post.
Game on once more - and suddenly Bolton looked nervous.
The equaliser came five minutes later. Adebayor sent Flamini clear in the area but Al Habsi made a fine save. However the ball fell loose, Hleb beat Cahill to it and the Belarus man tumbled over the Bolton defender's challenge. Van Persie converted from the spot. His first goal since late October.
Suddenly it seemed like Arsenal had the extra man. Adebayor nearly got on the end of a long punt forward and then drifted a chip over.
Van Persie curled an effort wide and then wonderful work by Walcott saw the Dutchman slice an effort over the bar at the near post.
It seemed that, valiant though it had been, Arsenal's comeback would only be enough for a draw.
However seconds from the end Arsenal went forward. Hleb found Fabregas in the area. His drive came off Samuel and trickled into the net. The visiting fans erupted.
The winner was as welcome as it was deserved.
Reebok Stadium
Saturday, March 29, 2008, 3pm
Bolton Wanderers
2
Taylor 14, 44
Arsenal
3
Gallas 63, Van Persie 69 (pen), Samuel 90 (og)
By Richard Clarke
Stunning, simply stunning.
At the break, Arsenal were two goals and one man down at Bolton with their title bid in tatters. However, 45 minutes later, they were celebrating their first win in six Premier League games thanks to William Gallas' volley, Robin van Persie's penalty and an own goal by Jlloyd Samuel just 15 seconds from the end of normal time.
It was just what the doctor - and Arsène Wenger - had ordered.
Arsenal were the better side in the first half but defensive errors were punished by Matt Taylor after 14 and 43 minutes. Inbetween those Abou Diaby was sent off for a foul on Gretar Steinsson.
The visitors had been unlucky but it seemed their much-discussed fallibilities had come back to haunt them. Gallas' goal was crucial but so was Wenger's decision to bring Emmanuel Adebayor and Theo Walcott off the bench. The pair made major contributions to a game that could right many of the wrongs in recent weeks.
It certainly pushed them up to second place and was a huge fillip ahead of a massive week.
Wenger made radical changes to the side beaten Chelsea last Sunday. The Emmanuels, Adebayor and Eboue, were left on the bench while Sagna was out with an injury picked up during that game. Philippe Senderos came in at centre back with Kolo Toure pushed out to cover at right back. Diaby was employed on the left with Alex Hleb occupying the right side in the usual 4-4-1-1.
You could have argued the changes were made with a view to the Champions League Quarter-Final with Liverpool in midweek. However, in his pre-match press conference, Wenger had said his aims where much more short-term than that.
A win and a good performance were required to retain any hope of overhauling Manchester United in the title race, prepare for Liverpool and repair the confidence fractured by a run of one win in eight games.
It hammered down with rain just ahead of kick-off. Even though British Summer Time was due to start this evening, this had all the hallmarks of mid-winter fixture.
Arsenal started well - and despite what would happen - the possession and shots statistics said the visitors were on top in the opening period.
After two minutes Flamini put through Bendtner who controlled the ball expertly with his first touch. However Andy O'Brien was in pursuit. The Bolton defender hung on the Dane's shoulder and his next touch allowed keeper Ali Al Habsi to gather.
A couple of minutes later, Van Persie received the ball in space on the left of the area and fired straight at Al Habsi. Bendtner and Van Persie twice had snapshots fly wide as Arsenal piled on the early pressure.
The visitors seemed set to dominate. They had started with confidence that belied their recent form.
However in the 14th minute they fell behind. El Hadji Diouf fed Gretar Steinsson near the right-hand byline. He whipped in an excellent curling cross to the near post where Taylor stole in ahead of Toure to thunder home a header from close range.
It was utterly against the run of play but, at the same time, utterly typical of recent Arsenal games.
Despite the goal, the game was still being played in the Bolton half. There was mild consternation when Almunia punched only partly clear from Diouf's free-kick. But Arsenal won a flurry of corners around the half-hour. From one, Toure's 'grubber' shot deflected a couple of times before trickling just wide.
However, 12 minutes from the break, matters got much worse for Arsenal when Diaby was sent off for a foul on Steinsson. The Frenchman's foot was up and certainly caught the full back on the ankle but referee Chris Foy's red card seemed a little harsh.
Bendtner's tenacity nearly got Arsenal on level terms immediately but, having won the ball back superbly, Al-Habsi turned aside his drive.
Arsenal were unfortunate to be behind but, just before the break, Bolton doubled their lead. Flamini was caught in possession by Gavin McCann and the ball fell to Taylor on the edge of the area. His drive deflected off the heels of Gallas and drifted past Almunia into the corner of the net.
It was a cruel, cruel blow to a side who have suffered their fair share of misfortune in recent weeks. Flamini might have got Arsenal on the scoresheet seconds before the whistle but his drive flew over the bar.
Wenger's side went into dressing room with everything to do.
At the start of the second half it was Bolton who suddenly looked like the title contenders. Gary Cahill drove past the post and Almunia spilled Taylor's corner at the feet of Davies but the striker could not convert.
Although Fabregas fired wide it was all Bolton. Cahill's header was snaffled off the line by Almunia though the defender did climb all over Toure to reach the ball.
On the hour, Wenger made changes. Walcott and Adebayor replaced Senderos and the unlucky Bendtner. The manager was now switching to 3-4-2 in search of a comeback.
It made a difference almost immediately when Van Persie won a corner. Fabregas floated it over and Gallas scored with a sweetly struck volley at the far post.
Game on once more - and suddenly Bolton looked nervous.
The equaliser came five minutes later. Adebayor sent Flamini clear in the area but Al Habsi made a fine save. However the ball fell loose, Hleb beat Cahill to it and the Belarus man tumbled over the Bolton defender's challenge. Van Persie converted from the spot. His first goal since late October.
Suddenly it seemed like Arsenal had the extra man. Adebayor nearly got on the end of a long punt forward and then drifted a chip over.
Van Persie curled an effort wide and then wonderful work by Walcott saw the Dutchman slice an effort over the bar at the near post.
It seemed that, valiant though it had been, Arsenal's comeback would only be enough for a draw.
However seconds from the end Arsenal went forward. Hleb found Fabregas in the area. His drive came off Samuel and trickled into the net. The visiting fans erupted.
The winner was as welcome as it was deserved.
fgl
Well-known member
Wenger: 'I can't remember a better comeback than that'
Bolton Wanderers 2-3 Arsenal
Barclays Premier League
Reebok Stadium
Sat, Mar 29, 2008, 3pm
on the first half...
"It was a mental test because everything looked to be going against us today. Not only did their first shot on goal go in but we had a player sent off and just before half time they scored a second one. That was a big blow."
on the comeback...
"We knew at half time that 2-2 was not good enough. We had to continue to believe, show mental strength and play our game as much as we could. With 10 against 11 that is not easy. We had a little period where we suffered for the 15 minutes after half time but the last 30 minutes was all us and we created chance after chance. In the end we were a little lucky on the third goal but we kept going and got a very important victory."
on his best ever revival in a game..
"No I can't remember a better comeback. We were 2-0 down with 10 men with half and hour to go yet we won 3-2. It is a great credit to the team and I am very proud of our performance. We got a big blow last week and we responded as a team."
on Abou Diaby's sending off ..
"I was not upset with the sending off but I felt it was more of a protective tackle. But he was too high so I don't complain. Just before that I thought it was a foul on him."
on his substitutions...
"They worked yes. Theo went on as right midfielder, right winger. He caused them a lot of problems. Adebayor did aswell. His power brought us something straight away."
on leaving out Adebayor at the start...
"At some stage I feel Nicklas Bendtner is ready to play. But he played 90 minutes on Wednesday night so he was not fresh. He was unlucky because he had a good opportunity at the start but was hauled back a little bit. We did not play badly in the first half but everything seemed to go against us."
Bolton Wanderers 2-3 Arsenal
Barclays Premier League
Reebok Stadium
Sat, Mar 29, 2008, 3pm
on the first half...
"It was a mental test because everything looked to be going against us today. Not only did their first shot on goal go in but we had a player sent off and just before half time they scored a second one. That was a big blow."
on the comeback...
"We knew at half time that 2-2 was not good enough. We had to continue to believe, show mental strength and play our game as much as we could. With 10 against 11 that is not easy. We had a little period where we suffered for the 15 minutes after half time but the last 30 minutes was all us and we created chance after chance. In the end we were a little lucky on the third goal but we kept going and got a very important victory."
on his best ever revival in a game..
"No I can't remember a better comeback. We were 2-0 down with 10 men with half and hour to go yet we won 3-2. It is a great credit to the team and I am very proud of our performance. We got a big blow last week and we responded as a team."
on Abou Diaby's sending off ..
"I was not upset with the sending off but I felt it was more of a protective tackle. But he was too high so I don't complain. Just before that I thought it was a foul on him."
on his substitutions...
"They worked yes. Theo went on as right midfielder, right winger. He caused them a lot of problems. Adebayor did aswell. His power brought us something straight away."
on leaving out Adebayor at the start...
"At some stage I feel Nicklas Bendtner is ready to play. But he played 90 minutes on Wednesday night so he was not fresh. He was unlucky because he had a good opportunity at the start but was hauled back a little bit. We did not play badly in the first half but everything seemed to go against us."
loldude333
New member
Another 2 words to describe it: 'Simply lucky' as well! Now, which team do u guys think will win in the Merseyside derby 2nite? I pick my beloved Liverpool for a 3-1 win, with Torres, Gerrard, Babel, Yakubu and Lescott the likely ppl to get the 4 goals i predict.
fgl
Well-known member
against Bolton? I dont think luck had anaything to do with it at all...
17 shots only 3 went in .... I think it shows how UNLUCKY we were ...
tim098
New member
Eh does anyone here like to watch random matches between teams that u may not necessarily support, and enjoy it very much?
Cuz i just saw newcastle put up an EXCELLENT performance against spurs at white hart lane. 4-1 win against spurs away is a great feat for any team. And somehow watching these random matches just makes me happy
. haha. Im a manu fan btw
Cuz i just saw newcastle put up an EXCELLENT performance against spurs at white hart lane. 4-1 win against spurs away is a great feat for any team. And somehow watching these random matches just makes me happy
. haha. Im a manu fan btw
jeepers
New member
tim098: only when they're city derbies OR between teams who have something to fight for. the newcastle - tottenham game was a killer, although i honestly thought newcastle would win by a solitary goal.
and i predicted the correct result for the everton - liverpool match! 1-0, torres scored. my everton mates owe a couple of lunch/dinner treats now MUAAHAAHHAH :twisted:
and i predicted the correct result for the everton - liverpool match! 1-0, torres scored. my everton mates owe a couple of lunch/dinner treats now MUAAHAAHHAH :twisted:
wylde
New member
lucky is what i can say for Chelsea against Middlesbrough..
But this week,Arsenal will show liverpool what football is all about
fgl
Well-known member
lucky is what i can say for Chelsea against Middlesbrough..
But this week,Arsenal will show liverpool what football is all about
+ 11111111 2 dat
fgl
Well-known member
Wenger - This will be my highest challenge
Arsenal v Liverpool
Champions League Q/F Leg 1
Emirates Stadium
Wed, Apr 2, 2008, 7.45pm
By Richard Clarke
Arsène Wenger has described the next 12 days as his "highest challenge".
The Arsenal manager leads his side into a Champions League Quarter-Final first leg against Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night. Then, on Saturday, the same sides will play a Premier League fixture at the same venue.
Arsenal visit Anfield next Tuesday in the return European rubber before visiting Premier League leaders Manchester United the following Sunday. It is a spell that, for once, cannot be overhyped.
"It will certainly be the highest challenge for me," said Wenger at his pre-match press conference.
"If you look at the next 10 days or so it will define our season because I strongly believe that we are in the title race. Our next two games in the Premier League are Liverpool and Manchester United and then, on top of that, we have two Champions League games against so this next period is vital. And the impact of the first game is also vital."
Arsenal v Liverpool
Champions League Q/F Leg 1
Emirates Stadium
Wed, Apr 2, 2008, 7.45pm
By Richard Clarke
Arsène Wenger has described the next 12 days as his "highest challenge".
The Arsenal manager leads his side into a Champions League Quarter-Final first leg against Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night. Then, on Saturday, the same sides will play a Premier League fixture at the same venue.
Arsenal visit Anfield next Tuesday in the return European rubber before visiting Premier League leaders Manchester United the following Sunday. It is a spell that, for once, cannot be overhyped.
"It will certainly be the highest challenge for me," said Wenger at his pre-match press conference.
"If you look at the next 10 days or so it will define our season because I strongly believe that we are in the title race. Our next two games in the Premier League are Liverpool and Manchester United and then, on top of that, we have two Champions League games against so this next period is vital. And the impact of the first game is also vital."
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