After a disappointing false alarm last season, where Cashley Cole failed to show up and face the wrath of Arsenal fans, thankfully he turned up this time - allowing everybody to get him out of their system. It was actually a bit of an anti climax in the end, the level of hatred falling far below that at last season's game (when he wasn't even there), and well below the abuse he deserved. Of course, the little shit was booed every time he touched the ball, and laughed at every time something went wrong for him (which was quite a few times, as he had a stinker of a game), but I think many were expecting something more. The crunching last minute tackle from Fabregas was one that many Gooners wanted to make themselves, and his possible FA charge for flicking a v-sign at the Arsenal fans is amusing - but compared to what Sol Campbell got on his return to Spurs, I can't help feeling he got off a bit lightly.Anyway, enough about a money grabbing little bastard, and on to the game. It was fairly uneventful for much of the first half, with not much of interest going on really. Chelsea looked very good when they got the ball and went forward, something that I hadn't really seen from them since the pre-Mourinho era (which seems like a very long time ago now). In fact, at certain points when Chelsea were on the attack, they seemed to be playing Arsenal's kind of game, although in fits and starts. Arsenal couldn't offer all that much in return, partly because of Chelsea's very effective, but quite cynical, fouling - just enough fouling to break up Arsenal moves, but not enough to attract too much attention (or too many yellow cards). A very clever way to break up a good side's play. That said though, Arsenal did take some time to settle in, the return of Fabregas, Flamini and Hleb to the team probably not helping the cohesion.
Many people had already left their seats for half time when Arsenal scored the winner. What seemed like a routine corner was floated over, straight at Peter Cech for an easy keeper's claim. Except that, for some inexplicable reason, Cech didn't get to the ball, and Gallas was waiting just past him, for an easy nod into the net. Watching the TV replays, the corner looks like such a straightforward one, that would have been claimed 99 times out of 100. So, a lucky break, but Arsenal are probably due one of those against Chelsea - its been a while.
The second half was significantly more open and eventful than the first - both teams created some good chances, and the ball flashed across Manual Almunia's 6-yard box on far more occasions than I would have liked. Chelsea seemed to miss Drogba, and I got the feeling that they would probably have scored if they had had him up front instead of Shevchenko, who looked useless. Still, Arsenal were missing Van Persie for much of the game too, and when he came on with 20 minutes to go, it was obvious what a big loss he is to the team, and how much of a boost it is to have him back. He was electric, quick, skillful, and his presence completely transformed Arsenal's attacking game. Wow, now I'm really excited that he's back, because that appearance reminded me how good Robin Van Persie can be when up for it and at his best.
Special mention in this game must go to referee Alan Wiley, who was lucky not to have needed a police escort out of North London - only the fact that Arsenal held on for the win saved him. As well as seeming to give most of the small free kick decisions Chelsea's way, he disallowed 2 Arsenal goals in the last 10 minutes, at least one of which was for no discernable reason whatsoever. He then saw fit to add a whole 5 minutes of injury time, to a second half where I don't even recall seeing either physio, at least not for very long. And, 5 and a half minutes into injury time, when it was all kicking off between Fabregas and Cole, he totally bottled out of doing his job, by blowing the final whistle. A hard tackle by Fabregas had sparked some pushing and shoving, and had seen Cole appear to punch Fabregas. Justification to punish Cole there - but he booked Fabregas for the foul, then blew for full time - a disgraceful chickening out of making the right decision.
Still, we got the result in the end, and that is what matters. Gallas's performance (again) was outstanding today, and the displays by Fabregas, Van Persie, Flamini and Hleb showed just how much we miss them when they aren't there. We are still top of the League (and maintained our ground) with another tough game out of the way, so it was a good day all in all. I can't help thinking that winning the title this season will depend on how many games we can keep a small band of players fit for - and the 4 mentioned above are most of that group. Their presence will be vital if this season is to live up to the miracle that may be on the horizon.
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