Rockin’ Robin to be unleashed on Black Cats…
Add comment November 5th, 2005
A 3-0 victory over Sparta Prague was just the boost we needed returning to Premiership action today, against struggling Sunderland.
There were a few nervous moments thanks to the erratic kicking of Manuel Almunia, deputising for an injured Jens Lehmann. But nerves were settled when, midway through the first half, the returning Thierry Henry sent a curling side-footer past a stranded goalkeeper from 25 yards.
Henry put in an impressive performance, but was withdrawn on the hour for a rest. His replacement, Robin van Persie, made sure we barely noted a difference, blasting two excellent goals in the last ten minutes to produce a far more flattering scoreline.
Van Persie’s form at the moment is scintillating, and has led Arsene to remark, “I bought him not to put on the bench but to develop and bring into the side. He is making huge progress at the moment.”
Throughout van Persie’s short career, there has been much debate over what his best starting position might be. He arrived as a flamboyant winger, who could also play in a Bergkamp-esque second striker role. But Arsene thinks differently.
“He is a kind of guy who can play centre-forward and knows enough football to play a little deeper as well,” said his manager. “But at the moment, I see him more in front as the first striker.”
With Dennis Bergkamp having played the full 90 on Wednesday, RvP could today get a real opportunity to show that he might just be the answer to Arsenal’s goalscoring needs.
Let’s hope so.
Come on Arsenal.
Ps. You may have noticed that I’ve failed to comment on the Mourinho/Wenger PR War. That is because I find it very, very dull.
