Cesc’s back and the good times roll

By: travis | April 5th, 2009

Yesterday’s 2-0 triumph over Manchester City was a vision of what might have been. I wonder what this season would of looked like had Adebayor worked tirelessly and finished well when he was healthy. What would have happened if Cesc hadn’t unluckily injured his knee against Liverpool? His first appearance in 2009 looked liked he had never missed nearly four months of action, and two he was back with a bang, setting up Adebayor on two goals against the Citizens. A shame that these two haven’t been available all season — but there is still time left and trophies to be had, so we’ll see what they can do over these next few weeks. There is a chance for success in the FA Cup or the Champions League, as far flung as those hopes might be. But first, a look back at yesterday’s solid performance.

Spring time at the Emirates meant a warm sun beaming onto the pitch, and fans were soon given a reason to cheer. Bakary Sagna drew a foul against Robinho — who had a stinker of a day — on the right hand side near the touchline. Captain Cesc stepped up to take the free kick, sending in a beautiful ball that Adebayor headed in. It was an easy finish, as no one in a sky blue jersey decided Ade was worth covering. Watch the highlights and you’ll notice the lanky striker didn’t even have to jump.

Things were still a bit precarious at the back, though Almunia was always up to the task when called upon. He made a great save against a low blistering shot off the foot of Micah Richards, and got a lucky break when Gelson Fernandes, left unmarked in the penalty box only managed to hit his shot off the outside of the bar. While another goal in the first half would have rounded things off nicely, the lead looked fairly safe.

The second half kicked off much like the first — a quick goal. This time it was just two minutes in, with a lovely pass from Cesc going over the head of Richard Dunne by inches, falling to the feet of Adebayor who rounded Shay Given and slotted home into an empty net. The 2-0 lead, while sometimes a precarious position, was enough. City looked flat in the second half, much more so in the first. Robinho was out of sorts for most of the match, and while Arsenal’s performance was far from flawless, it was a fourth win in a row in the league. That, combined with another Villa meltdown today — albeit against Man United — has fourth place looking pretty safe at the moment.

Although a Champions League berth looks assured, seeing more ambition from this club to close out the season would do wonders, not just for a slightly disheartened fanbase, but for players, both potential signees and current stars. With Fabregas rumors once again swirling and Robin Van Persie speaking about his contract extension again and again, success will relieve any stress about the big names taking off.

Other news around the squad — Tomas Rosicky may be making a return in a reserve match this week. Although it’s News of the World so don’t read into it too much. Shareholder Stan Kroenke, who recently bought more control of Arsenal, reveals that Fabregas may be in line for a new deal, making an obscene amount of money.

On that note, there’s just two days until Villareal in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. Bad news on their side with Santi Carzola missing out for the rest of the season with a broken leg. That aside, it’ll still be a difficult match nevertheless.