Well That Was A Bit Shit

from the factory floor

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE

Liberty Stadium

Referee: Michael Oliver

Swansea 3-2 Arsenal

Sinclair [pen 16]                  Van Persie [5]

Dyer [57]                               Walcott [69]

Graham [70]

I was a few minutes late for the start of the match. Jack pointed out that Arsenal had the good grace to wait until I got to the Factory so I wouldn’t have to ask who scored, only for me to get there, not see the goal, and have to ask who scored.  I ordered an official beer of Euro 2012 forgetting what happened on its debut 2 weeks ago against Fulham. Things didn’t go so well that day.  It only took about half of the first pint for it to have the same effect today, Crap penalty given, and it was level.  It occurred to me that the Carlsberg was quite possibly the reason we were suddenly so shaky in defense.  Next round was a Bass.

The next ten minutes were nervy, Swansea continued to expose our lack of defensive width and we seemed to be in a bit of shock still over the penalty. A habit, we all agreed, we thought had been broken. The same nervousness from the final minutes against Fulham was back again. But we began pressing high up the pitch, got the spacing between our lines closed down, and it felt like another goal for us was coming. It didn’t and we went in 1-1.

The Return of the King

Dumping Carragher on his ass. Thierry Henry.

It will be very interesting to see how much of an impact Thierry Henry will have on the current squad. We have all been well advised not to expect moments like this one, when he turned around a deficit to Liverpool to preserve our unbeaten title push after crushing defeats to United and Chelsea in the cup competitions.

But there he was again versus Leeds, peeling off the shoulder of his marker, same foot-same post, making the difference in a match we needed to win and having the kind of impact we need to provide in Van Persie’s absence. And in some cases, he will be available to play in tandem with the Dutchman, in tasty encounters with United, Milan and possibly Tottenham.

I especially enjoyed the uncontainable joy showing through the competitive rage in his celebration afterwards. The normal scowl spoiled by a grin that betrays an ever-growing adoration for Arsenal. I’m very optimistic about the kind of influence that can have on and off the pitch. 


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He Scores When He Wants

Ripping an unstoppable shot against Chelsea at the Bridge in 2008

In 2008 after Arsenal conceded a two goal lead to draw 4-4 with the enemy down the road, they entered into a period where we began to see the real impact of Robin Van Persie. Nerves were jangling and we went to Stamford Bridge needing to make a statement.

Van Persie did just that with an outstanding brace, first with this effort, about a yard offside but executed with sublime technique and awesome power, and the second a brilliant one time turn and finish. Right foot, left foot, three points.  Heading into January of that season he began a stretch that would last a month and a half in which he scored or created every goal, with other incredible hits against Liverpool at the Grove and Everton at Goodison.

Now he’s just managed that kind of form for a full calendar year, and seems to be growing in every game. That’s a captain worthy of salute. 


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Happy Charmonica

from the factory floor

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Villa Park
Referee: Jon Moss
Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal     21 December 2011
Albrighton [54]       Van Persie [17 pen]  Benayoun [87]

He likes bourbon. He is an awesome host. He's got mega dart skills. And turns out he busts out a pretty sweet pub report when I'm out of town. Cheers for that jbrad.
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Kick-ass NYG showing today! I showed up 8 minutes late - missed the 6 train by seconds @ GCT.  I sidled up to TJ who was looking fine and perhaps 15lbs light in his blue & orange GKE shirt. He was talking some shit that I was ignoring as I concentrated on securing a Stone ipa from Liam. I got a hug from Nil. My pint arrived. 

We've Only Got One Song

He Plays The Way He Is Faciii-iiinng

Alex Song has quite simply been a monster of late. He has shown a physical presence and a renewed ability to protect the back four that has played a vital role in the turnaround of the Arsenal's fortunes since the beginning of the season. A certain Mikel Arteta deserves a shout as his place in the team surely allows Song to focus more clearly on his role. That said, his timing and understanding of when to attack the ball seems to have returned, and when he does put pressure on the opponents his strength so often mean he comes off best.

At times he may appear to get caught in possession only to beast his way out  and drive on. That skill on the ball pays dividends going forward as well, most notably against Borussia Dortmund recently in the Champions League to set up the opener for Robin Van Persie. So often Arsenal have faced teams that will put numbers behind the ball, so having a holding midfield player who can easily step up into the attack to provide the pass becomes a vital component to our fortunes. So far this season he is getting the balance just right, so much so that we're only to happy that we've got one Song.


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