The FA Cup 3rd round reached its climax on Monday night with the Gunners hosting Leeds United. These sides met in the same round last season and it took a Cesc Fabregas penalty to spare Arsenal’s blushes in the Emirates before the Wenger boys stepped up their gear in the replay at Elland Road.
The prematch proceedings dominated the headlines as Arsenal legend Thierry Henry was seen in the dugout with beards that reminded me of…I hold that thought to myself.
Arsene Wenger promised a strong lineup and the Gooners watching the game weren’t disappointed as Wojciech Szczesny turned out to be the custodian between the sticks instead of the shaky lot behind him in the pecking order.
Ignasi Miquel and Francis Coquelin manned the full back positions while Laurent Koscielny was partnered by…Sebastien Squillaci *gulp*
Mikel Arteta wore the arm band and he was supported by the midfield regulars, Alex Song and Aaron Ramsey. Marouane Chamakh delayed his trip to Africa for this game and he was handed a start alongside Andrey Arshavin and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The first chance of the game came early on for Andrey Arshavin but he killed a bird in the sky with his attempt on goal. Arshavin was a very lively figure with probably a point to prove so he made a slalom run showing his quick feet to tee up Aaron Ramsey spurned the chance.
The Ox used his pace to evade his marker but he was scythed down when he attempted a one-two. Arshavin picked up the ball and drilled it goalwards. Chamakh showed good awareness to link up Ramsey but he had a touch too many and wasted that chance.
There was a cause for concern when Francis Coquelin pulled up short when he attempted a sprint and he was replaced by Nico Yennaris.
The 1st half turned out to be a dodgy affair and everyone hoped for a better performance from the home team as Arsenal had all the possession but no penetration.
The second half didn’t have much bright sparks but Arshavin squandered a glorious chance when Ignasi Miquel launched a counter attack from the left.
After 68 minutes of play, Arsene Wenger ended Chamakh’s night and brought on the legend Thierry Henry. He received a rousing reception from the Arsenal faithful and many hoped that he’ll be the player to break the deadlock.
In a moment of never-ending 12s, Alex Song fed Henry with 12 minutes remaining, the legend scored his 12th goal against Leeds in 12 appearances wearing number 12 on his Arsenal shirt in 2012.
The trademark sidefooted curler was a goal made in dreams and the Gooners celebrated like they had won the FA Cup.
I watched the game in Nigeria but I hoped around like a kangaroo from Australia and my screams of joy were so loud that they could be heard on the Dark Side of the Moon.
Ross McCormack and Mikael Forssell made Wojciech Szczesny to make his first real saves of the night and Henry’s effort was enough to propel Arsenal into the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Szczesny (7.0) made some quality saves late on
Miquel (7.0) put up a decent shift.
Coquelin (6.5) didn’t do much before he got injured.
Koscielny (7.0) had a good day at the office.
Squillaci (7.0) didn’t create any horror scene.
Song (7.5) gave the match-winning assist.
Arteta (7.0) floated in many corners and did okay in his first game as Arsenal’s skipper.
Ramsey (6.5) was a bit profligate.
Arshavin (7.5) was a constant threat to the Leeds backline.
The Ox (7.0) used his pace to great effect.
Chamakh (6.5) worked hard for his team but he didn’t threaten the opposition’s goal.
Yennaris (6.5) deputized well for Coquelin.
Henry (8.0) showed his permanent class with an exquisite finish.
Arsenal will host Aston Villa in three weeks time and many Gooners will be hoping for the same from the legend Thierry Henry.
He told the fans not to expect fireworks but his goal will make fans drool with the prospect of seeing him play again.
Henry has rewritten the Arsenal history books,
It’s 227…and counting.
Sayonara.
Posted from WordPress for BlackBerry.
Posted from WordPress for BlackBerry.
Posted from WordPress for BlackBerry.
Posted from WordPress for BlackBerry.
