Blackburn 1 – 1 Arsenal: Lehmann Drops Two Points
208 comments August 20th, 2007
Jens Lehmann has made his second major mistake of the season, and this time it’s proved costly. Whilst his clanger against Fulham was so early it allowed us to claw our way back to victory, his latest error proved the difference between three points and one.
It was a terrible mistake. A left-footed effort from David Dunn was sailing straight at the German, who inexplicably allowed it to slip through his hands and into the net. It was down to a lack of concentration, and nothing else, just as when he passed the ball straight to David Healy a week ago. Why are these mistakes happening? It’s Arsene’s job to get to the bottom of the matter and act accordingly. I think we could do much worse than bring in Manuel Almunia for a few games to wake Jens up.
If I was in the back four, I’d be furious. We defended stoically throughout, even after losing William Gallas to injury (one more casualty and the decision to let Johan Djourou join Birmingham will look about as wise as Rob Styles). Bacary Sagna was particularly outstanding. If Arsene ever needed proof that buying quality works, then this man is it. At the start of the Summer, many were surprised to see us linked with a right-back whilst the promising Eboue and Hoyte were still in the squad. However, Sagna is a rare purchase for Arsene: one bought not out of neccessity but because he is an improvement on what we already have. Other areas in the squad could do with the same attention.
We had grabbed a first-half lead thanks to a typically clinical finish from Robin van Persie. Eduardo, who was making his debut, had caused suitable panic in the box for the Dutchman to pounce and bury the ball past Brad Friedel.
Theo Walcott should’ve done better with a one-on-one, and Mathieu Flamini and Cesc Fabregas were taking on Blackburn at their own aggressive game and doing rather well at it. However, in the second half we seemed to sit back. Gallas’ leadership was missed as stand-in skipper Toure failed to push the team out of defence. Blackburn’s goal felt inevitable, though the manner in which it was conceded still grates.
Arsene is right – it’s not a bad result for us. I said I’d take a draw and I stand by that. Manchester United’s slow start to the season is evidence that the general quality of the league has risen – it’s going to be pretty tight this year. Chelsea have had a great start in terms of results but they hardly look invincible – Birmingham and moreso Reading both took them close, whilst they were lucky to get a point at Liverpool.
This weekend it’s a tricky game against a resurgent Man City. Win that one, and we’re right on track.
