Post Match: Arsenal vs. Blackburn (3-2)

By: Dan | December 20th, 2007

A nail-biting conclusion to cap off a fine effort by our young stars. The Carling Cup is once again the showcase for Arsenal’s young talent, and with an average age of 20, Arsenal beat Blackburn’s normal squad. Diaby opened up scoring in the sixth minute with a deft volley and Eduardo solidified Arsenal’s lead only ten minutes later. The first thirty minutes were simply outstanding, as Arsenal played Blackburn out of the park. Then, within ten minutes on either side of halftime, Santa Cruz scored two (one clearly, unarguably offsides). This set up a real character test for our youngsters, especially when Denilson, who was dominant in midfield with Diarra, was sent off for a bad challenge in the last minute of regular time. Yet, the ten-man Arsenal side saw off Blackburn with the coolest of finishes from Eduardo in extra-time, as he calmly took Alex Song’s through ball and converted. A fine win.

Our forwards were impressive. Eduardo showcased his ability to play in a 4-4-2 and to score clinically (though his inability to play left midfield was sadly also noted). Bendtner was very, very impressive, his calm range of passing enabling possession, and his sheer class and technique allowing play to flow around him. He had a lovely assist for Diaby’s goal. Diarra, despite this talk, played his heart out and had wonderful energy and tenacity. However, the biggest acolades must be given to Alex Song.

He has been a reoccuring joke around Arsenal since his transfer, his few glimpses of ability (Liverpool last year), hidden after careless blunder after blunder. When Wenger began to play him at centerback instead of defensive midfielder during preseason, more then a few eyebrows were raised. But today Song was fantastic, previous lapses forgotten. He was a rock in the back, adding steel and an ability none but Wenger would have suspected. And to cap it off, his penetrating run through midfield finished with a superb assist to Eduardo. My Man of the Match.

Thus, we move onto the semifinals with convincing wins from our youngsters. Even better, the semifinal will be played against the Spurs and our second string has the chance to beat them again. I can’t wait.