Chelsea v. Arsenal 2-1 (23/Mar/08)

The title race is over. Watching early in the morning the Gamecast from Soccernet was really devastating. Mexican private TV did not broadcast the match. And they retransmitted it in a completely unavailable schedule, 20:00 GMT. I could not saw it live but the extended highlights and the matchcast along with live commentators and postmatch reviews gave and overall of the loss. It is nearly stupid that such an important game is not broadcasted live. Instead of the Arsenal match, CONCACAF club knockout stage was repeated. It is important, but seeing Saprissa beat Atlante with two days of delay, is as awkward as seeing Mexico U-23 play. I am still very angry and completely shocked by this decision, that is why I will concentrate this post on the second aspect of the reviews, which are the comments, not the formal analysis of the game.
The home side was really eager on getting the lead all the game, through many attempts, in which both Coles shone. The Arsenal made little progress in founding their gameplay and obviously were overwhelmed by Chelsea midfield. The game was pretty even, with both sides looking for action and many attempts made. A pretty entertained match until the Sagna header came, then nearly all the game was on Chelsea's side. Didier Drigba showed the quality of his gamestyle nearly reaching a hat-trick. The Arsenal saved from a thunderous 4-1, thanks to Almunia's savings. The final stages of the match were tougher for the North Londoners. Final whistle was the lowdown on mistakes. The final dismay of the dropping-points melee ended in a disappointing game.
Man Utd will not hold back any points from now to the end and is pretty unsure that Chelsea too. Arsenal's next schedule is against the toughest rival for the Londoners, aside the big three. Bolton has proved to be a very difficult side in the last five years. Then is Liverpool thrice and Utd away. This schedule can be no tougher and the prospect of winning is just in the UCL matches. There is no room for mistakes if Arsenal wants to end in a better position. Forget about the title. I know I am being to much fatalistic on this position but if we face the reality the pace of Utd is no longer reachable considering the current functioning of the team. What appeared to be the season of seasons is a struggle for hope in the isle and a bright future in Europe.
Apart from the sadness that the match brought to many Gooners around the world, and although some say title race is not finished (including Mr. Wenger), it is pretty obvious that the London side will have to struggle with the remaining weapons to achieve at least a second place to direct UCL qualification next season, and putting all the energy on the clash against the Mersey side.
Something that I will consider unappropiate will be Mr. Wenger declarations finishing season , which could justify himself; "We try to fight for the two main trophies". He did it when we reached the final at Paris, saying all the season that they "Will keep fighting for the title". Contradictory as many of his statements when under pressure. Its a supposition but it will happen.