17/04/07: Arsenal 3 City 1Updated: October 3rd, 2007
They were a lot better than us, but then, they should be.
As this was yet another performance that was hard to judge, now might be a good time to rant about Arsenal.
There’s always been something about that club that didn’t sit right. The “Man United of the south” tag just fitted too comfortably. But recent years have made the club appear even more unpalatable.
That boast by David Dein last year that they could charge more for tickets than any other Premiership club, their aggressive poaching of the most talented youngsters from around the world, and the annoying perimeter advertising that distracts you during the MOTD highlights.
Not to mention those “footie, cocaine and fill-yer-boots” fans who emerged from the winebars of London’s financial districts in the 1990s to become the cornerstone of Arsenal PLC’s corporate strategy.
I should have enjoyed their superb passing game last season, but just couldn’t. Which is why I love these comments about yesterday’s game from poster Rip-it-up at Bluemoon (registration required):
“Just got back from the game, battling performance but totally outclassed. Got to mention the stewarding/policing, total disgrace. We got told to sit down all the time, got warned about content of songs and guy in front of me was also told to stop looking at the Arsenal fans. They of course could do whatever they wanted. He eventually got taken out.
Big fat comfy seats in a souless stadium where any sign of emotion is banned. If that’s the future of football I’ll be gone.”
~ Getty Images photos
~ Latest Premiership table.
Match stats
The stats (below) are compiled from a live commentary.
You can find more detailed match stats at Eurosport. Sky’s stats are here and BBC stats here.
Match reports
Baptista fuels Arsenal’s climb (Martin Smith)
Arsenal started brightly last night, scoring early on, but then took their eye off the ball to let City back into it, and were indebted to goals in the last quarter from Cesc Fabregas and Julio Baptista. By the end the fans were ‘ole-ing’ every pass.
Arsenal 3 City 1
City suffered defeat against Arsenal despite a battling performance at the Emirates Stadium…
It was far from easy for the hosts, who were pegged back for long periods by a determined City side after Rosicky had swept Arsenal into an early lead.
Arsenal go third as stubborn City are finally broken (Scott Rutherford)
It was, though, far from an easy victory for Arsenal, who were pegged back for long periods by a determined City team.
Fábregas helps put Arsenal on road to Europe (Jeremy Wilson)
Before last night, Arsenal had scored four times in their previous five matches and it was noticeable that they began to lack ideas in the opening stages of the second-half. City sat deep and allowed the ball to be passed in front of them and, with everyone except Vassell behind the play, Arsenal frequently seemed unsure of how to proceed.
Player ratings
Ratings come from (in order): MEN, Man City Mad, Sky, Sky Your Rating, BBC.
Isaksson: 6, 7, 8, 8.2, 6.3 (av: 7.1)
No chance with first and third goals and looked a less vulnerable than opposite number. (MEN)
Onuoha: 6, 6, 6, 7.4, 5.8 (av: 6.2)
Was all at sea in opening quarter but got better and stronger as the game wore on. (MEN)
Dunne: 8, 7, 7, 7.6, 6.5 (av: 7.2)
Got in the way of everything that the Gunners could throw his way. He is having a great end to season. (MEN)
Distin (Corradi 77): 8, 7, 7, 7.4, 6.5 (av: 7.2)
The better he plays, the more options he will have in the summer. Another fine effort. (MEN)
Ball: 6, 6, 6, 6.9, 5.9 (av: 6.2)
Hleb caused him some problems but as an audition for permanent contract it was positive night. (MEN)
Sun Jihai (Samaras 77): 6, 5, 6, 7.1, 5.9 (av: 6.0)
Moved from holding role in the centre to right flank and performed with usual zest. (MEN)
Hamann: 6, 6, 5, 6.8, 5.7 (av: 5.9)
Performs holding role with little fuss or ceremony but broke up Arsenal’s rhythm. (MEN)
Barton: 7, 7, 6, 7.7, 6.7 (av: 6.9)
Always in the thick of the action both in setting up chances and trying to take them. (MEN)
Johnson: 7, 7, 7, 7.4, 6.4 (av: 7.0)
Did brilliantly well to set up equalising goal and is maturing into Premiership. (MEN)
Beasley: 7, 7, 8, 7.9, 7.3 (av: 7.4)
Still has a bit to do in order to earn an extended stay at City but third goal of season helped. (MEN)
Vassell: (Ireland 90): 6, 6, 6, 7.3, 6.5 (av: 6.4)
Lone ranger up front dragged defenders hither and thither and worried Gunners with pace. (MEN)
Subs:
Corradi ( Distin 77 ): 5, - , 5, 6.5, - (av: 5.5)
No real impact. (MEN)
Samaras (Sun Jihai 77): 6, - , 5, 6.0, - (av: 5.7)
One decent run. (MEN)
Ireland (Vassell 90)
Subs not used:
Weaver, Trabelsi.