| | Arsenal's Shit Start
After drawing 1-1 to a mediocre Aston Villa team, Arsenal has now dropped its first game to Manchester City in 19 fixtures. Effing nineteen! What the hell, lads. I woke up relatively early (for a Saturday) to see Richard's Spurs allow two goals (one, an own) to Everton , perhaps the most hated team in the English Premier next to Chelski. So now, Arsenal has had the second worst start to the new year, since they dropped their first two matches of the 1983 year. Right now they are tied with Watford, Blackburn, and Sheffield United for 1 point each for their respective early season draws but each also having at least one lose. The only thing keeping them ahead is that Arsenal has a -1 goal differential to the other teams having -2 and -3. Theo Walcott, the young English striker came on in the 66th minute, as did the amazing striker from Togo Emmanuel Adebayor ten minutes later. Both substitutes were flashy and good on the ball, and Walcott actually took the better of the strikes on goal, which no other gunner was willing to do. This was the problem; great ball movement, no cracks of the ball. The announcer said it best, "Arsenal can be a pleasure to the eye, but sometimes you just have to put a foot through the ball." Too right.
The only silver lining to this abysmal start is the Gunners' pair of victories over Dinamo Zagreb to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. In fact, looking at the Group Stage draw, Arsenal has got a great chance to easily advance, playing the likes of Porto from Portugal (clever enough), Moscow's CSKA, and Hamburg.
All Hail the 'Boro
Matt may be taking Middlesboro back, and taking them to the bank. I was so happy to see their 2-1 victory over Chelski that I watched it twice, once at home and once surprisingly at the pub. Seriously, how many million quid do you have to spend to defend a header in 80 minutes. Captain John, still my favorite player, has again been no where on a goal scored in the box. Shevy's goal wasn't much to see, it just happened to go in against a keeper leaning the other way. The final strike in the 89th was enough for me to want to see the game at the pub again. I will say that the officiating was horrid in this game against both sides.
The great thing about this match is that it gives hope to everyone in the Premiership against Roman's mercenaries (oh, I like that, I should write it down). The annoying thing about this match is that it shows Manchester United as the clear front-runners early in the year. But better them than Chelsea.
The other thought on Chelsea's side that they, unlike my beloved Gunners or Liverpool, cannot be happy with their UEFA group stage, drawing Germany's Bremen and the always dangerous Barca. Apparently, Abromavich's billions didn't have any sway with the draw committee and I will buy anyone who is interested in watch the Champion's League matches at Tir Na Nog a pint every a goal is scored against Chelsea.
The only person on Chelsea's side that I like to hear about more than Captian John is Manager Jose Mourinho. especially with his magical quotes following games like the Community Shield and this latest one at the hands of 'Boro: "It was difficult to lose this game against Middlesbrough; It was a little bit of a joke, but sometimes that is football" Alright, Mister Jokie Jokemaker. Let me hit you with some knowledge: your ninth.
Rounding out the Weekend
Liverpool got an easy three points from the West Ham, which delighted Will, while Man United avoided an early shock from Watford to also win, 2-1. My beloved Celtic won 2-1 at home over kindred Irish-Scottish Hibernian, their Edinburgh. Celtic is happily sharing the top of the Scottish Premier with rival Hearts, by the way Arsenal has started the season, I may jump the English Premier and solely support my Glasgow Catholics. Dave's Newcastle meet Villa and Chelsea visits Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. Right now newly promoted Wigan is taking on Reading. I think I want to take a nap and this match is encouraging me to do so.
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| | Posted 8/26/2006 3:32 PM - 31 Views - 4 eProps - 3 comments
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