Review – City ‘v’ Arsenal

By: Darius Vassell is my Hero | November 23rd, 2008

A scintilating second-half performance from the Blues at the City of Manchester Stadium secured a much needed and much deserved three points against Arsenal on Saturday. The final score of 3-0 did not, as Arsene Wenger suggested, flatter City. Goals from Stephen ‘Superman’ Ireland, Robinho and young striker Danny Sturridge made certain of the victory after a dull, eventless first-half.

City boss Mark Hughes sprang a major surprise in his team selection, with the inclusion of keeper Joe Hart only days after it was predicted he would be out for between three and four weeks. The only change from the draw at Hull was the return of captain Richard Dunne in place of Israeli international Tal Ben-Haim.

Arsenal were missing at least five key players, including Cesc Fabregas, Kolo Touré, Emanuel Adebayor, Theo Walcott and William Gallas through a mixture of suspension, injury and being an idiot!! Gavin, brother of Middlesborough defender Justin, Hoyte made his Premier League debut and was given the thankless task of marking Brazilian star Robinho.

The first forty minutes were a rather lacklustre affair with few chances being created by either side. Robin Van Persie had a free-kick saved by Joe Hart, and Darius Vassell wasted a couple of exciting breaks for City.

The deadlock was finally broken at the end of the frst-half when an interception from Argentinian full-back Pablo Zabaleta found Stephen Ireland in the six yard box after a blotched clearance from Gael clichy. The Irish midfielder then displayed a fantastic touch by lifting the ball over the advancing Manuel Almunia. It was Ireland’s seventh goal of the season, and City led at half-time by 1-0.

Arsenal, clearly boosted by the rousing words of Wenger at half-time, came out like a house on fire. Abou Diaby was causing Javier Garrido problems on the wing, and creative midfielders Denilson and Samir Nasri had more time and space on the ball than in the previous half. Danish striker Nicklas Bentdner saw his close range shot saved low down by Joe Hart and Van Persie saw his powerfully taken free-kick hit the side netting.

City’s second goal was scored just before the hour mark, and it was courtesy of a sublime finish from Robinho. Shaun Wright-Phillips, playing in a more central role than usual, intercepted the ball from Van Persie, ran past three men and played a delightful through-ball straight into the path of the Brazilian superstar, who took the ball in his stride, carried it forward and lifted it gloriously over Almunia. It was a sensational finsh and put the game beyond Arsenal’s reach.

There were a couple of contraversial moments later in the half, first when Robinho had a goal disallowed correctly for offside, and then when Arsenal had a goal disallowed after Van Persie nicked the ball away from Hart as he tried to take a goal-kick.

The final goal, which rounded off a brilliant performance from the Blues, came from the penalty spot after a clumsy challenge by Joahn Djourou on Danny Sturridge. The young striker picked himself up off the floor, and cooly slotted the peanlty home, sending Almunia the wrong way. The final whistle went and the Blues celebrated a wonderful victory.

Player Ratings:

Hart – 7
Zabaleta – 7
Richards – 8
Dunne – 9
Garrido – 6
Kompany – 8
Ireland – 10
Wright-Phillips – 8
Vassell – 4
Robinho – 8
Benjani – 6

Subs:
Elano – 7
Hamann – 6
Sturridge – 7