Arsenal v. Middlesbrough 1-1 (15/Mar/08)

Another tie in this unending series of draws saw the Arsenal waste another opportunity and this time loosing the one lead point against United. The Londoners miraculously found the back of the net late in the game. Next week tie is against west Londoners Chelsea, and the team is at this point balancing in the thin rope, not just by loosing points but also in the bad functioning of the team. Title contending chances are lesser and lesser and although it would be a very tough ending there are three teams fighting for the title and two of them had one game in wait. A great chance of cutting that advantage was given today but the Gunners could not get the job done, saving from a defeat that would have left the team with little choices for title. Now is the time for becoming what the team has been in the whole season. The youngsters must take the lead and show what they are made of. AC Milan game has past and it is for certain that this games will be the turning point if the team does not earn any silverware. Both games against Boro and the eight point loss, are the turning points of the season regarding mistakes. Tomorrow is also a turning point but for Mexican U-23.
The transmission, here in Latin America was supposed to begin at 1400 Mexican time at Fox Sports Cono Sur, but instead it was broadcasted fifteen minutes before the hour and at another channel; Fox Sports en Español. This channel transmitted for at least four years before the Argentinian version monopolized English football. Before the introduction of English football by Fox Sports I used to watch it at BBC. There was a change in signals and therefore BBC Latin American Channel stopped broadcasting English and Scottish football as well as Rugby. This transmission was a really nostalgic one. I heard the voice of John Laguna again and I remember all those games in Highbury, the unforgettable 'Unvincible' season and the departure of one of my Great footballers of all times; Dennis Bergkamp. All those matches brought up and commented by Pepe Mantilla were really enjoyable. Now it was the time for this experienced man to bring us what was supposed to be a spectacular game. Those Good Old Days.
Returning to the game began with the same pace as last week's, and also with the introduction of Robin van Persie in the starting eleven. The pace between the first twenty five minutes of the game was tranquil and slow, with no initiative on the away side. Cesc began to move the ball around the wings, thus creating at least movement between the lines. In this time it was clear that Alex Hleb is not in his best shape. Since Wenger lost Rosicky due to a long and awkward injury, Diaby performed impressively in the left side. Hleb has been seen in three positions through his years at Arsenal; both flanks and as a link, usually helping Adebayor. One of the most technically rich players at Arsenal has not been able to shine in his tremendous capacity of assistance. It is a shame that unfocused players spread insecurity. That is why Gaël Clichy has not been able to push in than side as usual. The home side was passive. And it was due to a throw in distraction on Adebayor and Hleb that lead to the lead by Jeremie Aliadiere. The team was sleeping. Apparently on offside, Aliadiere convert a cross from the right and left Almunia and the two center backs staring dumbly at the ball. His celebration was a shock. He was in the institution since fourteen. The crowd at the Grove really pissed when he was waving on his goal. Following the goal the team entered in the common desperation that this situations produce. Van Persie had a clear chance and showed his arrhythmic situation. Cesc, who was organizing the team, became shy and 'hid'. Boro grow on confidence and began to push on the sides, specially with Stewart Downing in counter-attacks. At the final part of the first half the Arsenal, like in every game of the season (and previous), overwhelmed the away box. Middlesbrough showed a good tactical work on defense. The game began to take the shape thanks to the referee which made terrible decision that affected the game.
The second half was more of the same, Arsenal attacking while Boro defending effectively. The Gunners became more and more desperate, trying to put every ball in the box. The game follow the leitmotiv of an Arsenal game. It was at 61', with the substitutions, that the game became a litle clearer. Impressively Eboué, who has not got the best seasons, was one of the best players, among Flamini and Bendtner. The subs, Bendtner supportive as always and Theo in a daring situation, diluted the away side physical presence. Cesc missed a golden opportunity when his header hit the woodwork. At 71' all the eleven players of Middlesbrough were in its side of the pitch. The team was unclearingly pushing towards the away box. The equalizer came in a corner at 86'. The header by Kolo Touré was deflected by a Boro defender, which Schwarzer could not see. Immediately after the joy that unleashed the late equalizer, Gaël Clichy fell to the ground after a horrible Mido tackle. Whether Mido watch or not the ball this injury seemed even worst than Eduardo's. The hit of the cleats in his heads produced external bleeding, which completely alarmed the stadium. Post-match reports that there is nothing wrong beyond a very big hit and a couple of stitches. Thus the ending became even more dramatic after the sent off of the Egyptian. The home side became desperate on getting the lead. The ricochet situation that Bendtner finished with a reluctant shot was purely cardiac. Four minutes were placed for injury time, but the referee ended it at 3:54, just before a corner kick that could have changed the history. It was really disappointing although it is not the referee but the players.