Monday, December 9, 2013

We'll settle for a draw

The Gunners celebrate Ozil's 80 minute goal.
A tough match against Everton at the Emirates ended in a draw, after Gerard Deulofeu cancelled out Ozil's
goal.

Settling for a draw? When was the last time Arsenal drew? Don't answer that, it's rhetorical. It seems to me Arsenal have been playing so well in the Premier League lately that wins are almost expected.

It was a frustrating match to watch for me. 5am games are hard, time difference wise. The first half particularly was very slow, and that made it hard to keep me awake, come on Arsenal, think of me in New Zealand when you're playing football! Seriously though, it was a slow start.

Everton had an impressive performance. After beating Manchester United (insert David Moyes joke here), they were full of confidence and very solid.

Arsenal looked as though they had clinched a hard earned win at the 80th minute, with Ozil scoring a great goal, after Giroud missed the kick. Teamwork.

It may have been the commentators curse (ARSENAL HAVE LEPT AHEAD TO A 7 POINT LEAD) or they could have got complacent, or maybe Everton just played well and deserved the draw. Either way, the four minute lead was cancelled out by Deulofeu, who had come on as a substitute.

The final minute was almost heart attack inducing, as Olivier Giroud hit the woodwork. So close, but at the end of the day Everton deserved to share the points.  Arsenal are still 5 points clear at the top of the Premier League.

I feel as though Arteta was challenged a lot in this game and did not seem to poses the finesse and confidence he usually has in the midfield. This could have been more of a mental issue than a physical one. Was this because he was playing against his home team? It is hard to come back and play against a team you were with for so long.

This draw bought Arsenal down to earth a little bit I think. I think the Gunners needed a good test, against a good side, before the important games coming up against Manchester City and Chelsea (...and Napoli in the Champions League).

Arsenal need to focus. If I was Arsene Wenger I would be telling the boys these are must win games. We simply must win, and the time between how we end December and start January will really sum up our season. What do you think?

Guess what guys? I was retweeted by Arsenal and answered by none other than Arsenals number 1, Wojciech Szczesny! Totally made my day. FYI, Matt Damon would play him in a movie of his life.

This article was amusing in that it HAD to point out that women asked questions. But classic. Worth a read. They totally didn't attribute me. But I'll let it go. Twitter Q+A.

Until next time,
KiwiGoonerGirl

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Arsenal extend their Premier League lead with a victory over Cardiff

Ramsey refuses to celebrate his goal. Photo credit: bleacherreport.com
Aaron Ramsey marked his return to Cardiff with 2 goals, showing how far he has come since he was an 8 year old in their youth academy.  But more so, it shows how much confidence he has and how far he has come in the last year, and come into his stride in this season.

In yet another man of the match performance, Ramsey scored 2 classy goals in an all round, top class performance.

The first goal was an amazing header, with a beautiful assist by Ozil. The header was just brilliant and he made it look effortless. Ramsey opted not to celebrate against his old club. Returning to the club that started his career in football Ramsey won the applause and respect from the home Cardiff fans.

With a 1-0 lead, Arsenal looked confident going into the half time break. As the second half began, the gap between the sides became less noticeable and Arsenal were feeling the pressure to score a second goal.

The second goal was Flamini's, and his face alone said it all and how much it meant to him. It was a brilliant strike and made me, and Flamini, smile.

In the 90th minute, Theo Walcott burst through with his speed after being on for mere moments, and assisted Aaron Ramsey for a second goal.  Ramsey celebrated with the iconic Cardiff celebration the Ayatollah.

The Cardiff city fans were absolutely brilliant.  It showed what mutual respect and class can do in football to bring people together.  Their applause at Ramsey's goals and chant of "One Aaron Ramsey", as well as the chant supporting Pat Rice was just heartwarming.  It is really inspirational and I have the utmost respect for Cardiff fans.

Not many teams have gone to Cardiff and beaten them at home.  They are a top side and I wish them the best for the remainder of the season.

As for Arsenal, another solid win and good performance.  They are the team to beat...but hopefully won't be beaten.

Until next time...keep being awesome.
Emma aka KiwiGoonerGirl