Stamford Bridge Awaits

By: travis | November 29th, 2008

Morning. It’s been a long week and I apologize for not getting something up after the win against Kiev. It was a hard-fought match, and Arsenal was quite lucky to come away with a win. They didn’t play particularly well for long stretches of the game. The ball Cesc played to Bendtner for the winner was great; but you can’t help but admit the refs handed us a break. Good finish for the Dane, and he’ll need to step up. On the one hand, it was a result - kind of a unfamiliar sight for fans of Arsenal. Usually it’ll be a brilliant performance, complete with slick passing and clumsy finishing that will end in a draw. However, winning ugly is better than losing beautifully - I don’t care what Wenger says. And to advance to the knockout stages of the Champions League is another huge plus to the result. The disturbing fact is that this team has performed at such a low level over the past few weeks that it is difficult to envision them winning today at Stamford Bridge.

This is a huge test if Arsenal still thinks they are in some kind of title race. However, last time I checked, a race required close competitors who look like they have a chance of coming away with the spoils. The last few performances have indicated otherwise, with a 3-0 loss last weekend at the Middle Eastlands and the 2-0 loss to Villa at the Emirates. Which squad will show up? I have a hard time believing that this Arsenal team is capable of winning today, and I do hope that they convince me otherwise. Chelsea has conceded a total of four goals this season. That is a staggering statistic and one that makes them the title favorites. I guess the good news there is they have conceded three at home while just one away from Stamford Bridge.

There’s no point in beating around the bush; any hope of an Arsenal victory relies on goals, goals, and more goals. This team has underperformed at the back all season and there is no signs of reversal (despite a shut out on Tuesday). Gallas and Silvestre are shaky at best, and while I admire Clichy and Sagna, they have committed their share of mistakes. Fabregas, Nasri, and Adebayor are absolutely essential to a win today. Good news is that the latter two plus Sagna are fit and you would think they would get the start.

Any pre or post match thoughts are encouraged. We’ll see how this plays out.