Easy, yet still frustrating

By: travis | April 21st, 2008

Three points, too little too late. With the slight hope of second place as a decent target (a Man United win this weekend win help lots), Arsenal look to finish the season with three wins. Next weekend should be a formality with a visit to Derby County, a side that we beat 5-0 last time and who have conceded an astounding 59 goals more than they’ve scored this season. Quite remarkable really.

Although we managed the win on Saturday, it was still same old Arsenal really. Heaps of chances, just two goals. I know that it’s kind of bizarre to take a negative look at a win, but when the season is all said and done there is a reason to examine things as they are. The two goals were nice, especially the one for Gilberto. A true statesman and someone anyone should have no problem looking up to, he took a lot of things in stride this season: losing the captaincy, his starting spot. That’s not to credit Flamini, who has played well, but if we were to lose the two of them after this season it would not help things. Good for him for getting the goal, as well as nice touch and finish for Adebayor, who takes his total to a modest 27 on the season.

I was only able to watch the second half and it was not a particular convincing display. Reading seemed to threaten on a couple of occasions, but for the most part it was the same old story: dominating possession, beautiful passing, not finishing in the final third. I’m glad Wenger listened to me and started Walcott, someone who must remain at the club. I also feel a bit for Nicklas Bendtner who no one in the side seems to like, as evidenced by his solo walk off the field. The jury is still out on him, as he is quite talented, but seems to play inconsistent whenever he gets a chance.

That’s all from me. Go here for an interesting piece from the BBC about Arsenal’s tendency to win nothing in style. I just hope the boss can keep enough of his players to make a real run at things next season.