Arsenal took a tough game on the chin this past Saturday in a 3-0 loss away to Manchester City. The match, closer than the scoreline suggests, was nil-nil until Stephen Ireland put the home side in front seconds before half-time. A second goal came against the run of play, as Robinho finished with a dandy chip over Almunia, who was making his 100th appearance. Daniel Sturridge sealed the match for City in the 89th minute, scoring on a penalty conceded by defender Johan Djourou.
The big story of the game was the absence of usual captain William Gallas, who did not even board the bus on the trip to Manchester.
Monday saw a major announcement, as the club publicly unveiled 21-year-old Cesc Fabregas as the new, permanent Arsenal captain. He takes over the role from Gallas, who had recently created a stir after making public statements regarding in-fighting and challenging the club’s fighting spirit.
Fabregas stated via Arsenal.com: “It is a great honour for me to captain one of the biggest clubs in the world… It is a proud moment. I know it’s a big responsibility but together with my team-mates, I know we have the spirit and commitment to get back to winning ways and fulfil our potential.”
Cesc strapped on the armband for the first time on Tuesday, as Ukrainian side Dynamo Kyiv visited the Emirates for a midweek Champions League clash. Carlos Vela got a rare start, and Gallas made his return to defence, seemingly welcomed back by the Gunners fans who cheered him the same as any other night. Nasri and Diaby were missing, having picked up knocks earlier in the week. This brought Aaron Ramsey into the starting eleven, who played unfamiliarly on the right side. The rest of the 4-4-2 formation included Van Persie, Fabregas, Alex Song, Clichy, Gallas, Silvestre, and Djourou.
Arsenal had a great deal of possession and chances early, but their finishing was lacking. Vela was quick and effective, providing his usual spark as he ran at defenders and gave them problems all evening. Ramsey did not look comfortable in his unnatural position, but managed to create a few good chances for himself and the others.
Wenger took some chances in the second half, as he had yet to find an opening goal, and replaced Ramsey with Bendtner in the 68th, as well as Vela for 16-year-old Jack Wilshire in the 76th. The goal would come, although late, as a Fabregas spot kick from near his own eighteen in the 87th minute found the run of Bendtner, who took the ball on his chest (though there may be some debate if he used part of his arm) and finished strongly. The Kyiv players were furious, as the ball was clearly rolling when Fabregas hit it, and the referee quickly waved off claims of a hand-ball.
The match ended with that the only goal, a 1-0 win for Arsenal, who sit atop Group G with 11 points. FC Porto, their last group stage fixture, is second with 9; Kyiv have 5 and Fenerbahce 2.
Arsenal’s next match is a massive away clash at Stamford Bridge, where they play co-first place Chelsea. Arsenal has stated that Samir Nasri, Emmanuel Adebayor and Bacary Sagna may recovery from injury to be ready for Sunday’s game. Chelsea and Liverpool have 33 points in the Premier League, while Arsenal has 23.
Justin Barrie
