Arsenal vs. Tottenham

5-2, Premier League, Emirates, 26-02-2012
Sagna 40,
van Persie 43,
Rosicky 50,
Walcott 65, 68

It was a battle that looked to be over before it had even begun, but we managed to find the true Arsenal spirit and turned it all around!! We have regained North London!!

Tottenham started the game slightly better than us, however, we find ourselves behind due to bad luck as Saha's shot was deflected and went over an unprepared Szczesny. After roundabouts five minutes the game was in our hands and we dominated the game for pretty much the entire eighty five remaining minutes. But we fell behind once again through some tough luck as Bale went down easily in the box. The ref gave them the penalty and of all people Adebayor just had to go and score from the penalty spot. But we showed them all before long.

Five minutes from half-time we took the lead. And what a class example it was. van Persie hit the post, and then the ball eventually came to Arteta, who crossed the ball into the box and Sagna met the ball with his run and a powerful header! This rallied the team and merely three minutes later we were back on equal terms. Robin van Persie twisted and turned the entire Tottenham defence inside out before firing with his left foot, an amazing shot and a potential goal of the season I dare say.

Tottenham made two substitutes at half-time, like that would change a thing! We kept our momentum going right from the start and the atmosphere became euphoric when Tomas Rosicky started the move and graciously ended it when he flicked the ball over the Tottenham 'keeper from a cross from Sagna! It was quite an occasion for the midfielder to score, it's been a while since he last did and he was our man of the match by far throughout the game. A goal very well deserved!

Our next and last goalscorer was a deserved one as well. Theo Walcott had had a dismal first half and was heavily criticised by the fans after that first half. But he came out to the second half as a man possessed! Right from the beginning did he start to look at his best as he tormented the Tottenham defenders. And within the span of three minutes he would secure the lead for us. Robin van Persie held off many defenders when he alone led the line, waiting for back-up. And it came, fast. Theo Walcott came racing into the picture and the skipper timed the pass perfectly to the young English winger, and the finish was nothing short of perfect itself. Another gracious flick over the keeper, and we were starting to truly humiliate Tottenham, which I can't say I didn't enjoy to the fullest! Three minutes later the humiliation was complete and Theo had his redemption for the display of the first half. Song's passing ability is often underestimated, he makes amazing passes every now and then, but it is rarely put into the spotlight. Well, take a bow Alexandre Song, for that pass to Walcott's second was nothing short of majestic! (So please, be sure to take an extra careful look at the assist to the last goal!) Theo Walcott made (as he often does) a brilliant run that Song spotted with his brilliant pass and the final scoreline was fulfilled. It was a well located shot that went past the keeper and in by the far post.

The atmosphere at the Emirates was (I said it before, but it can stand being repeated) euphoric! It reminded me to the night of the Barcelona game last year, when we did a comeback of a slightly different sort. It feels like ages ago since I was this proud of being an Arsenal fan. I mean, I can't be the only one to have felt the full effect of the recent dark times (and a pretty dark season over all). Now we look ahead to the Anfield game next weekend with confidence and form.

Injury Update;
-Gibbs started the game and did it well, same goes for Koscielny. Jenkinson was also brought on for the latter stages of the game, and did a really good job as well.
-Vermaelen and Rosicky have both picked up injuries, an ankle and a back problem.