Arsenal v. West Ham 0-0 31/Jan/08

Rival Hammers visit to the Grove was by far one of the most boring matches this season, different than the one made on October with a two-nil advantage to the North Londoners; the game can be resumed as an increasing effort made by the Gunners in ninety minutes, with a visiting side that was expectant. I ignore if I can get out something positive from this match and it seems pretty odd that Arsenal are still in some way of to the title race. With matches like these surely there must be another teams to watch. The deployment was dismal, ghastly and effortless. I think that if the Gunners are to secure an elite European spot for next season that must be as far as the team could get this period, and the prospect of UEFA Cup seems more likely with each tie.

Next match is the expectant Cardiff clash, whether the Gunners can officiallly pass the test the will ensure another Championship clash most likely against Burnley in what would become the "Capital Punishmnet V." Still nothing new on the Arshavin case. The utmost certainty of news is transfer deadline. Until then we shall hear from Zenit and Arshavin.





I have already said that I was annoyed with today's match. Even though the awful performance by both sides Diaby managed to hit the woodwork at 4' showing the prowess and overwhelming presence of Arsenal in the whole match. In any case one of the things that caught my attention was that Denilson was taking freekicks, but who told him that he does it in a good form? Nasri's runs provided some of the important features of the match, finding Bendtner twice. With most of the first half ensuring Arsenal's possession it was not much fight for the Hammers. Eboue, again, picked an injury and Vela came off the bench. Wide Arsenal attemtps ended in mediocre crosses. In the final stages of the first half the match began to gain more speed and at 43' the Hammers nearly got the lead in a header that Clichy saved.





Diaby managed to pull the strings of Arsenal's troubled midfield, as well as providing the so-much desired defensive facet. For much of the second half it turned out to be that Arsenal attacked, United held and eventually counteattack, and then the Gunners regained possession in order to attack again. Fans moanings finally ceased when van Persie entered in the 64'. Adebayor wide header at 72' and subsequent Green saves ensured the scoreline remained intact. The Gunners scarcely ended the match with the dismay for any viewer in a strange fashion.