After the positive midweek result agaist Roma the Gunners faced another tough match, in the pursuing of Champions League football next season, when a mediocre Fulham side earned yet another draw over the speculative North London side. The point is that these types of performances are to be expected throughout next eason and certainly Europa League will await for Wenger's men if they are not able to challenge teams of the likes as Fulham. A dismal and shadowy performance could be enojoyed by Arsenal's detractors especially as the one as Birmingham. One thing, just to mention; Martin O'Neill is so keen on European Elite football next season that his greediness will bury him with the rest of his club. Arsenal has not failed to qualify to Champions league since 1997/1998 season and although it seems a difficult task and an overwhelming endevour for such a injury-tormented side, they will eventually be among the top four. That their place has fallen to disgrace due to several factors along the years, is no doubt but certainly the outcome will be positive, even when this blog is pesimistic about future developments in the current league.
Having said the obvious the first half was as struggling for the Gunners as unreal for the visitors: four opportunities in the first ten minutes (with Johnson's deflected shot at 9'). Van Persie was denied by Schwarzer also in the 10th minute and with this momentum the prospect of yet another spectacular match arrived. Not much could get out of Arsenal's performance as the home side struggled to find the defensive pieces. Meanwhile Fulham slowed the pace and attacked rather mildly among the confussion made by Arsenal's midfield and both Fulham's forwards. The tactically organized visiting side managed to overcome the difficult technically gifted home side. The most clear opportunity made by Arsenal was in ht 31st minute, when in a counterattack led by Nasri while Vela found himself alone to cross the Frenchman again and in the effort to dribble past the defense he drowned himself. The Frecnhaman's effort was the best of the afternoon working as the lone central attacking midfielder but the work of the Mexican winger, with his first Premier League start is one thing to mention.
As Arsenal built in possession with chances, Fulham's dismay was beginning to show but fortunately anough for the Gunners the half time whistle blew.
Propositions by Arsenal in the second half went from talented through desperate to futile; van Persie's headers at 53' and 59', Bendtner cross at 64' and again the Dutchman at 71', respectively. Reaching the 60 minute mark Arsenla grew eager and desperate to equalize, waiting an innumerable chances in front of Fulham's goal. The open spaces of Arsenal's centerback gave Fulham certain edge among several opportunities and in the 65th minute the visitors nearly took the lead. Constant threats arrived through the next ten minutes and reaching 70' Arsenal launched for the lead, in a desperate manner. It appeared that one of those late shows, so famous in the initial season at the Emirates, was going to take place but not even the clearest of horizons could set Arsenal back in track. Although for certain periods Arsenal seemed to grab the lead the defensive prowess of Fulham overcame the Gunners who grew impressively desperate by the minute. The lead did not come; and Arsenal is six points behind Villa, a thing to worry.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment