Middlesbrough 1-1 Arsenal

Middlesbrough 1-1 Arsenal

Postby SE13 » Sun Dec 14, 2008 11:08 am

Frustration for The Gunners as more points go astray, and so does fourth place in The Premiership. Former Arsenal forward Jeremie Aliadiere was on hand to head home an equaliser for Boro, and Arsenal's miserable form continues.

Arsenal, considering the injury list, started with quite a strong line-up. Almunia in goal, a back four of Clichy, Gallas, Djourou and Sagna, midfield quartet of Denilson, Fabregas, Song and Diaby with Van Persie and Adebayor up front. For the first twenty or so minutes Arsenal were in control, crisp neat passing, pacy breaks, plus a goal. When it arrived, it was simple yet effective. Cesc swung over a corner, and an unmarked Adebayor was free to nod home from six yards. At this point, one would expect Arsenal to push on and win by a country mile. However, this was not to be the case. A deflected clearance, a powerful cross and the head of Aliadiere saw Boro draw level, and with it a huge boost of confidence.

As always, Arsenal created numerous chances, Van Persie guilty of missing three of those, one where he steered the ball just wide, another where he couldn't quite make contact with a cross from Adebayor, and a third where he rather scuffed the ball in a good scoring position.

There are some games where Lady Luck simply doesn't turn up, this was not one of those games. Boro could have been awarded a penalty, and with it a red card for Gael Clichy. Inexplicably referee Walton failed to see the trip, and Arsenal got away with it. Almunia had to be at his best in the second half when Middlesbrough broke and the ball fell to Downing. But a strong arm kept the ball out.

On chances created, Arsenal really should have wrapped things up, but the usual combination of wasting chances and a fear of shooting from distance put paid to the three points.

It's going to take a real surge in the second half of the season to see The Gunners up there and challenging, but with the return from injury of Theo Walcott and Eduardo, who knows what lies in store.

Image
Image

Image

Please note that my comments are my own view, and not that of GoonersWorld. Everything I write is subject to © 2007-2013, and is my own work unless quoted otherwise.
User avatar
SE13
Rest in Peace
Rest in Peace
 
Posts: 38139
Joined: Thu Jul 26, 2007 8:12 am
Location: Lincoln

Re: Middlesbrough 1-1 Arsenal

Postby the real gooner » Sun Dec 14, 2008 11:23 am

Is Eduardo the finisher we so clearly need, as pointed out in your compact and well opined report?

I hope so, we are not finishing chances at all well.............
the real gooner
Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry
 
Posts: 1089
Joined: Sat Aug 30, 2008 11:21 pm

Re: Middlesbrough 1-1 Arsenal

Postby arseman » Sun Dec 14, 2008 11:31 am

I would say we are having a bit of trouble creating chances too......
User avatar
arseman
Dennis Bergkamp
Dennis Bergkamp
 
Posts: 6325
Joined: Tue Nov 13, 2007 10:36 am

Re: Middlesbrough 1-1 Arsenal

Postby gzagee » Sun Dec 14, 2008 11:40 am

Nice report SE. Let's hope that the return of Walcott provides us with the width and impetus we so dearly lack.
Image
User avatar
gzagee
Member of the Year 2008
Member of the Year 2008
 
Posts: 20802
Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2008 8:46 am
Location: Somewhere between Nadir and Nirvana

Re: Middlesbrough 1-1 Arsenal

Postby Andreys_Does_Simples » Sun Dec 14, 2008 12:21 pm

Nice report mate, agreewith GZA about the lack of width. Desperately need some new wingers when Nasri and Walcott are unavailable.
Reinvestment before Renewal.
User avatar
Andreys_Does_Simples
Match Reporter
 
Posts: 9590
Joined: Wed Apr 30, 2008 10:04 pm
Location: London

Re: Middlesbrough 1-1 Arsenal

Postby Cheese » Thu Dec 18, 2008 1:43 pm

Nice on SE. I don't care what anyone says, all the top teams seem to struggle there.
“What a great day for football, all we need is some green grass and a ball.”
Cheese
Arsène Wenger
Arsène Wenger
 
Posts: 15075
Joined: Fri Sep 21, 2007 8:48 pm


Return to Match Reports 08/09

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 5 guests