Arsenal go top after controversial comeback – Thats a good thing
By: Rob | January 21st, 2010
Arsenal are top of the Premier League this morning after a 4-2 victory against Bolton last night. I suggest if you didn’t see it, you pursue the highlights above, it was a cracking match. Bolton went 2-0 up within 20 minutes, Tomas Rosicky got Arsenal back into the match just before half time.
Then, the controversy, as William Gallas lunged at Mark Davis, leaving the latter to be stretchered off, while play continued, into a Cesc Fabregas goal.
Vermalean and Arshavin scored the final two goals to ensure Arsenal were top. And as a neutral, I have to say, I think its a good thing.
Arsenal are a good role model for other teams in the league. Well run, not in massive debt, loyal to their manager, faith in young talent and play good-to-watch passing football.
I know some with criticise the lack of English talent in the side, but I don’t think it matters really. From an England perspective it would be nice if a few more English boys were playing in winning sides, but they shouldn’t get in just because of their nationality.
Besides, if Arsene Wenger is to be believed, he has a bunch of very talented English guys sat in his youth teams, so the next generation will be more anglo-centric.
To win the title they are going to have to grow in confidence, and show the kind of spirit they showed last night against Bolton. They sometimes look unsure of themselves still, but going top, even if it doesn’t last, will be a huge boost for Wenger’s boys.
Its been a great season for them already though, truth be told. At the start of the season many were predicting they would be the side to fall out of the Top Four following the rise of Manchester City, but they started the season strongly, and have bounced back from a loss against Chelsea admirably, winning 10 in 12.
The key is going to be firstly – keeping teh likes of Fabregas and Arshavin fit, and second surviving the following run of fixtures and still being well in the race
27 Jan A Aston Villa
31 Jan H Manchester United
07 Feb A Chelsea
10 Feb H Liverpool
Thats a horrible run of fixtures for anyone to face all sides battling for a Champions League place (Liverpool are back in the running after a 2-0 win against Spurs last night). The next few weeks then will define Arsenal’s season. As a neutral, I hope they come out on top.
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Category: Arsenal
Comments
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Arsenal get a lot of criticism for not playing that many English players, but the next wave of young talent has more. Walcott and Craig Eastmond both played last night, while Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was on the bench. Everyone knows about Wilshere, and Kieran Gibbs will be great as well (he’s been out injured most of the season). There are more, but those are the ones pushing for paying time in the first team.
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Yeah, also, Arsenal’s academy is one of the better ones in the Premiership. A lot of those players may not necessarily go on to play for Arsenal, but so many of them play at England’s top levels (either Premiership or Championship) for other clubs. Guys like Ashley Cole, David Bentley, Matthew Upson, Steve Sidwell, Jermaine Pennant, and Gavin Hoyte are English players that came through the ranks in North London who have gone on to good footballing careers. Given this, people who claim that Arsenal is not good for English football are just misinformed.
But mainly, I agree that it doesn’t even really matter — the Premiership is pretty much a worldwide league at this point, and teams are simply trying to field the best team possible, regardless of players’ nationalities.
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