07/08 carling cup: blackburn v arsenal, 1-2 1st half
kojodinho - talkingOfArsenal.com
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A very quick summary of the first half, which has ended with the Arsenal kids leading Blackburn by 2-1.
Blackburn set themselves up for their usual physical game, with a few tackles flying in. Unfortunately for them, the Arsenal kid's passing has meant they've been virtually 'untouchable'.
Blackburn cannot tackle or physically manhandle what they cannot get near to! I've always felt that Arsenal's pass and move game, could be used as a counter to teams that want to play physically - against tough tackling sides, rapid pass and move can leave the opposition chasing shadows, and end up being the difference.
It was a fantastic cross from Bendtner that set up Diaby, who by the way, finished very coolly with a skillfully cushioned half-volley.
The only negatives so far for me, have been that we haven't taken our set pieces well - a terrible corner to the near post which was easily cleared, and a free-kick that went awry. The mistake by Traore that led to the first Blackburn goal, is down to a little bit of naivity, which he will learn from, no doubt.
So far, no-one's made mention of the English contingent in the Arsenal side that includes the two Hoyte brothers, as well as Mark Randall. Talking about the reserves, I hope we see Merida and/or Barazite play tonight.
Diarra is so far my man-of-the-match, with Diaby coming a close second. The second Arsenal goal was just that - pure Arsenal. An unbelievable killer pass from Denilson, a panicky mistake by Samba, and then a very cool Henry-esque finish by Eduardo. Fabianski has made a couple of really good saves, and could do nothing about the goal. The Blackburn goal was offside, and should have been easily spotted by the linesman who was in line.
This game may turn out to be a high scoring game, a little bit like the one away to Liverpool, with our defence being a little shaky, and our midfield and forwards taking the game to Blackburn at every opportunity. In a previous post, I said something along the lines of Arsenal's kids being served up to men. How wrong I was. So far, the boys are outplaying the men.
Where are the Blackburn first team? Apart from the Santa Cruz goal, I haven't seen anything of their first team! Where is Robbie Savage? And Morten Gamst Pedersen? David Dunn? I really haven't seen that much of them, which is a testament to the way the kids have played.
I'm expecting Blackburn to come out of the traps flying at the beginning of the second half, trying to get an early goal to settle their nerves. This is going to be a good test for the kids, who are going to have to learn how to keep a lead.
Here's wishing for a goal or two more in the second half.
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