Monday, March 13, 2006

Match Report 060312 at Arsenal: Disaster

1-2 and it was a disaster to see Alonso sent off for a slide and Stevie G back-passed to Henry for the winning goal. We may not deserve to win the game but at least a draw makes sense. The chance of catching up Manchester United is further slimmed, but we need to respond on Wednesday against Fulham.

The defense has problem in containing Henry, and the small size of Highbury means makes us difficult to pass the ball well. But still we do not create enough chance to win the game and yet we gifted Arsenal many many chances. Rafa need to re-shuffle the midfield now that Alonso is missing the Fulham game.

Player Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Can't do much for both goals, and he keeps us at 0-1 for his many good saves. At the end he still denied Henry a hat trick.
Finnan: 6 Has problem in containing Henry, but he has a few good crosses.
Carragher: 6.5 Also has problem in containing Henry.
Hyypia: 6 Tonigh he seemed getting old when facing Henry.
Warnock: 6 Shaky at first but gradually he gained control. Had a few nice crosses too.
Kromkamp: 6 Not a good choice for right midfield and only lasted 45 minutes.
Gerrard: 5 His error lead to the second Henry goal. But he will respond.
Alonso: 5 A bit hard in getting the red card as he was only slipped.
Hamann: 6 A fair game for Hamann
Luis Garcia: 7 Annoymous for most of the game, but once again shown his alertness in scoring the equaliser.
Crouch: 5.5 No clear cut chance throghout the game. Sit too deep at times.

Substitutions:
Kewell: 6 Not much impact.
Fowler: Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 6 Would be angry for the dismal performance.

Arsenal: 7 They controlled the game quite well. They probably can catch up Spurs if they start to win away games, but I don't think they can conquer Europe.

Man of the Match: Reina. Could have lost 0-3 if not for his alertness.

No comments: