I watched the Arsenal-Manchester City game on delay after returning home from a back-to-school shopping trip to the mall with my daughters. Ah, sweet relief to go from the horrors of the mall to some televised Gunner football!
The match started promising enough with Arsenal pressing into a variety of build-ups, but struggling to find a good shot at the end. Manchester City for their part looked very good, and dangerous in the counter. New keeper Kasper Schmiechel had a heck of a game, although he eventually gave up his first Premiership goal and center back Richard Dunne was every bit as good. The two gave the City defense an impenetrable look that belied their true strength.
The match had a good flowing back and forth quality to it, until about the 30th minute, when Arsenal built into a period of posession that can only be faulted for the lack of goals to show. They dominated the ball like a frat boy with the last beer in the fridge. A period of more than ten minutes of this mastery looked to result in the go-aheader when RVP ran onto a pass and sent a cross that beat the defender and keeper to the far side of the goal, which was just waiting to be had. Adebayor, however, had cut off his run leaving the game tied, and RVP somewhat beside himself.
The Togoan had several moments of promise, but looked more rusty than shiny in his 2007 EPL debut. His hard-running work rate from last season was not in evidence and I had to wonder if fitness was to blame. I'm sure Adebayor will get it going once he gets a few more games under him.
The teams broke the half at a 0-0 draw and the 2nd half started up almost where Arsenal left off. But the Gunners soon looked to lose composure as they failed to find a way to unlock the Man City defense. Arsenal's own back four began to shake as an already improvised line (with Gilberto in center back for injured Will Gallas and Senderos) had to contend with losing Bacari Sagna in the first half.
Manchester City had their best chance when Petrov flashed a sharp shot across the far post. Almunia who was excllent when tested (particularly in the 62nd minute when he stuffed an Mpenza shot) was beat, but the accuracy betrayed Petrov and the match remained drawn.
It looked like the Gunners were to have their goal when Hleb flashed a great run in the box and was chopped down by Micah Richards. However, RVP, who I thought otherwise had a strong game, hit an uncharacteristically poor PK shot that Schmeichel saved, though only because RVP shot it into his legs.
Undeterred, the Gunners continued to plug away and work the ball around, finally finding the sweet spot, when Fabregas played a give and get with Hleb, recieving the ball in copious amounts of space and from 8 yards out blasted a rocket over schmeichel's head, that the kid couldn't have had time to stop even if he'd been told it was coming.
All in all, a good win over the once and then table leaders, and a worthy team. I'll have to say that from this impression, I'm wondering whether Svennie G is not the dope I thought he was from the English team's performances. City looks to make some noise this season.
Fabregas was less than brilliant, but still better than most of the players on the pitch. And the game winner was a beaut. Hleb continues to impress. His game in the EPL is still finding its form, and he has got to work out his boundary issues with RVP, but he's showing more attacking instinct, his rubber legged moves with the ball continue to confound defenders (in bunches) and he is developing into a real danger with the quick give and go, particularly with Cesc. Gilberto was solid. What can you say? Old reliable. RVP, I've mentioned. The kid should have a great year. Neither Adebayor, nor Da Silva are making me forget my favorite Barca player (yet). Adebayor will come around. Da Silva is like any other promising foreigner - he's going to take some time before it shows whether he's a bust or not
Almunia. I thought he was good all game long and there when we needed - though to be fair, Manchester City did not rain down shots on him. Given the first 2 games of the season, and the inevitable composure issues, I'm more than comfortable with Manuel being the man.
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