Man City v. Arsenal 3-0 23/Nov/08

Title contenders Arsenal faced not only an overwhelming opposition in the visit to Manchester but the shame and disgrace of William Gallas' declarations. His words spawned a whole universe of reactions and the immediate result was the exclussion from the team to face the Citizens, and the so-desired controversial captaincy.
Even though several journalists,including Dale Johnson, have stated his inability to lead I would put the blame into who chose him. Mr Wenger made the mistake of, first, bringing him to Arsenal when he had a rift with Mourinho, then gave him the glorious number 'Ten'. Then after many players had Wenger's confidence (Toure and Gilberto Silva), he relieved them from their responsabilities and named him captain. Even when all that seems enough, in the last European championship he commmanded, along Thuram, the catastrophic failure of the French side.



Here, fulfilling his "captain abilities."


We all can remember his horrid display at Birmingham last season, when the title began to slip from our hands.
Several blogs have noted the capability of William Galas to count, yes to count. From recent declarations it was obvious that the Dutchman van Persie was the one of the suppossed turmoil, since his counting addressed a 25 year-old but it could be around the count of 24 or 23.
I told you, dear reader, the obvious dangers of keeping William Gallas as captain, or even as player for the club.
Hopefully is there is some light at the end of he tunnel; Cesc is taking the captaincy. One of the things that since last season, dear reader, I expected. Maybe you remember the name Skipper Cesc. Well now it has materialized, ofcourse for good.





Regarding injuries there were bad news for the Gunners with the absence of Adebayor and Walctott. But in the match things began quite calm with the usual strong possession. It was interesting to see the debut of Gavin Hoyte in the same position of his so-much criticized brother, now at Middlesbrough. But oh what a delight is watching again Robinho playing! As with Wigan Huges exploits he unlimited capabilities of the 3-3. But neither of both sides experienced any goal highlights until, incredibly enough, the 27' with City. As far as the 30' City achieved a denial towards the passing of the visiting squad. Arsenal's forward attempts were made first in the form of a free-kick by Nasri at 34'.
City gave Arsenal to many liberties which the visiting side could not used. Final minutes brought excitement to the game but neither of the teams contemplated opening the scoresheet. But as if it were not enough mid-week missery for the Londoners, Stephen Ireland took advantage of the wretched Arsenal defense, and added a goal to the stoppage-time show for the Citizens.





Second half began like a tempest for the Gunners with a wide shot by Diaby at 47', Bendtner at 48' and van Persie freekick at 50'. At 56' Wright-Phillips set up Robinho with such a fine ball that was chipped even better with the infinite quality of Robinho. Although it hurts to name it, the finish made by the ex-Merengue was one of the best of the tournament. City took advantage of the situation and began to touch, with a far better percentage of possession that the visitng side. Recently debuted Welshamn entered, at 60', for also recently debuted Hoyte, that did not have the best of the matches. Immediate glamour sparked from the boots of Ramsey when Bendtner missed a shot after a through pass. Robinho nearly flicked the third goal but the flag was up. Even though Arsenal produced several brilliant plays inside the box they were not resilent enough to make an impact in the scoresheet. After some wide attempts from the visiting side the Citizens slowed the pace and gave calm to what was supposed to be a smooth lead. Arsenal's missery began to pile by the minute with several attemtps and strikes by the Northern team. And the final touch of irony to a mid-week declaration hazard came with the brilliant display of Sturridge, putting in the back of the net the ball in a kick spot after a childish foul by Djorou.