Tottenham v. Arsenal 5-1 22/Jan/08

I feel miserable, even to the extent of not willing to make this review in order to not remember the events that happened yesterday at White Hart Lane. The team, Arsenal FC, was used to humiliate, to bombard teams, but now it was our turn the other way round. We bombarded teams such as Middlesbrough 7-0 in 05/06, Blackburn 6-2 in 06/07 and Slavia Prague 7-0 in this current season. It was for sure one of the most miserable and awful days as a Gooner. Twelve years of devoted faith showed very few sufferings, all countable; the UCL loss against FCB, the departure of Mr. Unamable, a couple of losses v. Man Utd, the retirement of DENNIS BERGKAMP, the departure of Robert Pires and Mr. Dein attempt to sell the club. But this defeat really has shocked me in a sense of despair. And as Frank Stubbs in the official Arsenal FC blog said it, with a naive tone; "Let’s be honest, we all knew simply by the law of averages one of our teams would eventually lose but would we swap last night for the previous nine and a half years where we have remained unbeaten?". Nine and a half years of paternalism concluded and in a way nobody expected it. The unbearable singing went all over the night. The Spurss fans have waited long time for this, they dreamt to crash the Gunners in a way that was even unimaginable for them. It was the 60' and I could not see the the end of the devastation. They will never forget this match, a highlight just as Gazza's goal at Wembley.
What was supposed to be a thrilling match right from the beginning was shadowed by the Jermaine "Gooner Undertaker" Jenas. The precise start with the touch play different from the previous clash was worthless. The defense was reluctant on the mark allowing him to get straight into the box and striking to the surprise of Polish keeper. The own goal by "Dinosaur" Bendtner showed the weak side of Arsenal at set pieces, again. The Dane was not affected by the sudden blow and had a very participative game, with an early strike in the woodwork in the beginning of the second half. The 3-0 was the complete 'burial' for the match. The Irishman took a very good chance and gained the challenges on what it could have been a save by Fabianski. This particular goal set another of Wenger's flaws tactically; the counter-attacks. Obviously this mode of play is enhaced by spaces created, but in this occasion huge gaps between the lines. This gaps and bad-marking were the leitmotivs of the fourth and fifth goal. The fourth one specially a mistake of Gilberto Silva. The midfield suffered particularly, more than any other region of the pitch. The core of Arsenal's style, the nucleus of the game was shocked by the early 18' substitution of Denilson. Cesc entered to give a little more space to the center but Juande strategy worked perfectly. It was this way: Two gunners in midfield with the aid of a winger (in this case Hleb) to help restoring the game and create more touch. Tottenham used two midfielders also but with one exception, to create game you need at least four meters and when an Arsenal midfielder, particularly this three had the ball immediately three or even four men made pressure in order to negate all game play. The key of the game was this tactic, which Juande Ramos really did well. He watched tapes, and although it is not difficult to reach this conclusion he really made an impressive display of tactic, playing with the game of Arsenal, he ensured that his team could stop Arsenal at his flaws. Enrique Sacco on ESPN said the evident: the efficiency and effectivity of Tottenham.
Theo Wlacott did nothing. Patience is one of Mr. Wenger top qualities, but everyone runs out of it when the results do not show up. Justin Hoyte is as well another who could run out of luck in being named in the squad. Overall the players that at least showed the dignity to fight against the result were the previously mentioned 'Dinosaur' Bendtner, Manu Adebayor, Alex Hleb and Abou Diaby. A good attitude was shown by this players specially in the goal. A very few hope and the slightest of chances against a tremendous Spurs. Even the desperation of Arsenal FC reached its peak at 75' when it was evident the formation used (although indirectly, off course): 2-5-3. The struggle between Bendtner and Adebayor was a resumée of the game; the frustration in the crisis. Bendtner complained Manu in a set piece regarding marking, the Dane wanted cover, but Adebayor on the rush of the game did not listen him something that upset Bendtner. Finally Gallas interposed and crossing words with the 'Dinousaur' reaching even the confrontation until Gilberto cleared them off. A situation went out of hand both to the manager and the captain, which will not go far from that. We hope.
Tottenham played very well,excellent, without mistakes, although it hurts me saying it, its the truth. It was evident and no one can not deny it. My relief is that Tottenham still has mediocre players such as Jermaine Defoe whose failing aptitudes seem his born officium. Now the only thing left is to look towards the UCL, EPL and in a minor term the FA Cup.