Arsenal 1 - 0 West Ham - Phew...

Firstly, apologies for the slackness of the blogging - Mrs Footy and I have been away in Brazil and we meant to write the blogs from there but we didn't get round to it..... (too much partying and caipirinhas...)

But on to the game, I'm sure that many other Arsenal fans like me are breathing a huge sigh of relief after Alex Song's 88th minute winner finally defeated a determined West Ham side. We started the game slowly and didn't have the attacking pazzazz of recent games, but still forced Rob Green into a number of good saves. West Ham were looking quite threatening from set pieces and crosses into the box but Fabianski did well with a couple of punches.

In the second half we came out with a bit more purpose and West Ham started getting more desperate. Nasri cracked a 35 yrd free kick against the bar (who knew he could do that?) and Walcott hit the inside of the post after latching on to a Fabregas through ball. But for all the pressure Rob Green was having a stormer and it looked like it was going to be one of those days. Then the ball fell to Clichy on the left and he dinked a great ball in with his right foot and Song stooped to head in a priceless goal!!

Overall the performance wasn't our best but we did more than enough to win the game - it's all about the result which keeps us within 5 points of Chelsea (who somehow managed to scam another win despite being outplayed again...). In terms of performances I think the defence did well and it was pleasing to keep another clean sheet, thats three in a row now and will do Fabianski's confidence no harm. Hopefully I won't jinx anything but the sight of Fabianski in goal is no longer as heart attack inducing as it used to be, if he continues the solid form of the last few games then we may not need to sign a new keeper in January after all - the problem is one mistake and its back to square one....

I think Fabregas was having a rare off day and Arshavin was getting in to good positions but not capitalising on them, but its always good to have options on the bench and the fact that we were able to bring on an in-form Walcott and Bendtner shows that we have a good sized squad. With the injuries starting to clear up I think we in a good position right now. I think with everyone fit we have one of the strongest squads in the league, for example who else has players of the class of Chamakh, Van Persie or Bendtner competing for one spot up front, or Fabregas, Song, Wilshere, Nasri, Denilson, Diaby, Rosicky, Ramsey, Lansbury and Eastmond for three midfield spots. Anyway lets not get too carried away, we know injuries could just be around the corner and we have some tough looking games coming up.

Enjoy the weekend, just sitting down now to see Spurs do their usual "roll over and die" tactic against Man United...

Mr F

Chelse 2 x 0 Arsenal - And the peace is back in the Mr and Mrs Footy house

The game is over and the peace has return to our house. Mainly for the reason that Chelsea won, as I'm less "forgiven" than Mr Footy.

It was a great game in my opinion. I was very nervous trough the whole game until that blast for Alex.

The game started very nervous and fast paced. Arsenal started a bit better and missed a golden opportunity when Koscielny headed a great cross over the bar. The game kept going with Arsenal attacking a bit more than Chelsea, but we defended well every time they got into our side of the pitch.

At the end of the first half the first goal was scored by of course, Deadly Drog! It could not have been different, he has scored 13 goals in 13 games against Arsenal and we won't want that to change now. A great pass from Ramires to Ashley Cole who fired across the goal to Drogba with a lovely finish, off the near post into the goal!



I was watching the game by myself as Mr Footy went to the pub (we can't watch Chelsea-Arsenal together) so I jumped up and down in happiness and relief ! The first half was over. And at this point I just wanted the game to over.

A bit more of the same at the second half. Arsenal had more of the possession but no clear goal opportunities. We were trying to counter attack them and it was working. Ashley Cole scored but it was offside and Anelka missed a sitter after getting around Fabianski. I though we were going to have a nervous ending but a fault on Anelka. We all though Drogba was going to take it but Alex did. Malouda created a space in the wall for Alex to smash a stunning powerful free kick in the top corner ! Beautiful ! So that was it, game over !

Chelsea played well and we defended superbly. Arsenal had a good game but it was not enough. The wasted opportunities, and could not find a goal. Possession is worth nothing if you don't create goal opportunities with it.

Great performance by Ramires and Ashley Cole. Also, solid defence job by Terry, Alex and Ivanovic. Of course, let's not forget Deadly Drog, deadly as usual !

Chelsea now leads 4 points of second place Man City and I can go into the international break with a smile on my face. I'll be nice though and I won't blag about it at home, just here ! :)

In other news, Man United drew with Suderland, which is brilliant for us and a big surprise (not that big actually), Liverpool lost to Blackpool at home? Who would at though? Any Liverpool fan want to tell me what is going on there?

Have a great week !!!

Mrs Footy (THE CHAMPION) :)

So we are playing Chelsea on Sunday after a good result in the champions league mid week. We won 3 - 1 away at Partizan Belgrade despite some difficult conditions (not least having no lights / electricity before the game!) Goals from Arshavin, Chamakh and Squillaci sealed the win in an eventful game.

Everyone seems to be expectng a comfortable Chelsea win on Sunday and with some bad injury news it's easy to see why. Fabregas, Vermalen and Almunia are all out in addition to the 5 longer term injuries. However I still think we can put out a strong side and could spring a surprise. I think Arshavin is our best bet for a goal as he seems to play better in the big games. However to get any result we are going to need 100% concentration from the whole team, and to not give away any soft goals. It's really going to test some players such as Fabianski and Clichy to stay swithced on the whole game. It will also be a big test for Wilshere who will be up against the usual packed midfield from Chelsea, who I'm sure will have no qualms about kicking and fouling him at every opporunity (as we saw from Spurs in the Carling cup). Drogba will be a threat as usual against us and I think Squillaci will have to have a big game to deal with him.

The key is to keep it tight and not concede any sloppy chances, and try to focus on our game. If we get into our flow I think we can outplay Chelsea and our quick passing could be too much for the lumbering centre backs Terry and Alex. It's going to be tough but who knows, Chelsea haven't been in the best form lately either. Anyway, thats it from me, I'm going to chat to Mrs F abaout our arrangements for watching the game! It might not be a good idea to watch it together so could end up heading to the pub for this one ; )

PS just seen a replay of an absolutely shocking tackle from Karl Henry of Wolves. The same player who nailed Rosicky last year, injured Zamora a couple of weeks ago and spent the game against Newcastle kicking Joey Barton around the pitch, much the hilarity of the MOTD crew. Isn't it time these self styled hardmen like Henry, Shawcross and Robinson are properly punished to stop them endangering other players on a weekly basis?? >: (