I should preface this by saying that Andrei Arshavin is one of my favourite footballers. He’s got it all, scores goals, makes them, and one of those players you just can’t pin down.
However, one lesson we learn watching football every week is that even the best players aren’t great every time they take to the field. And yesterday Andrei Arshavin just wasn’t interested. John Paintsil (above) kept a close eye on him early on, a number of passes that could have come his way didn’t, and by half time you sensed that he had half a mind on his dinner.
I thought Fulham played very well but Arsenal still created more chances and should have scored at least one more. Arshavin is not fit yet and needs time to recover.
I was disgusted with those Fulham fans jeering Gallas, the guy fell very badly, and if he had fallen at an even more acute angle may have been hospitalised. He was genuinely in agony. Nobody caused the accident and he wasnt claiming they did – the game was restarted with a bounced ball. Shame on those who booed.
Comment by Padre Pio — September 27, 2009 @ 8:20 am |
We don’t normally boo opposing players who are injured. Have a think about why Gallas might be different…
Comment by weltmeisterclaude — September 27, 2009 @ 9:37 am |
I loved how they were chanting Chelsea reject when they just signed Damien Duff.
Comment by williamgallas — September 27, 2009 @ 4:25 pm |
Err … it might have something to do with the fact that Gallas made insulting gestures to Fulham fans as he left the pitch having been sent off for Chelsea at Craven Cottage. It wasn’t big, it wasn’t cool and it wasn’t clever.
Comment by Dan — September 27, 2009 @ 9:41 pm |
I thought Fulham played very well, at times they were easily the better side. As a Gooner, I was glad for a change for us to have a keeper playing well instead of it usually being the opposition’s keeper keeping us out.
I respect your manager, he has got a great bunch of players and you play good football – I truly hope you go on a great run now and don’t lose again until we play you ;)
Good luck for the rest of the season, play like you did yesterday and you will be top 6 at the end..
Comment by rico — September 27, 2009 @ 8:37 am |
Arsenal fan in peace…totally agree. I felt Arshavin’s performance was absolutely woeful. True to everything else as well for me, he is world class and can do everything plus was coming of an injury but still the point of the post is valid. He looked miserable and had a really bad game.
Comment by LAzer — September 27, 2009 @ 9:00 am |
I think the team didnt get into its usual passing rhythm. Against Liverpool Arshavin only touched the ball 5 times too. But efficiently scored 4.
It was as much Fulham’s excellence as Arsenal’s poor passing that made yesterday interesting. Murphy and Etuhu bossed central midfield. I am not quite sure how but it is a rarity for Arsenal’s engine room to be bossed by anyone as the City and United matches (and the 60% possession against each) prove.
Comment by Good to be a GOONAH!! — September 27, 2009 @ 11:50 am |
That was the best i have seen Fulham play for a few years.Gera was awsome yesterday i will never question Roy again! Why cannt we play like that most weeks? Even the crowd was responding to the performance of the team which was great to see/hear.I think we need to get behind the players more like we did yesterday.
Comment by jeff — September 27, 2009 @ 1:02 pm |
Another arsenal fan here!! i actually really love fulham and i love going to your ground, it just has a nice feel to it!!
your bunch played real well yesterday, and i reckon u can go far this season again if roy gets them to play like that every match. do us a favour though and beat manchester utd like last season!!!
Comment by NickTheGooner — September 27, 2009 @ 5:22 pm |
wow; there goes the neighborhood!
Comment by HatterDon — September 27, 2009 @ 11:42 pm |
Arshavin looks bored because he’s being played on the left.
Comment by wandarah — September 28, 2009 @ 8:27 am |
Arshavin does not have a great attitude, lets be honest Arsenal fans. Great player undoubtedly, but he goes missing often, just like the Man U game, before he hit that scorcher.
Comment by Gooner — September 28, 2009 @ 10:33 am |
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