Arsenal 2 – 0 Blackburn: Five Points Clear!
Add comment February 12th, 2008
We knew the prize that victory would grant us, and we started in a suitably determined fashion. We had already had a couple of decent chances when Philippe Senderos powered home a header with just four minutes on the clock.
However, after that, our performance waned. With Gilberto and Flamini in the centre (Cesc played on the right in the absence of Rosicky and Eboue), we lacked a creative spark, and Blackburn were allowed to come back into the game. However, despite having large amounts of possession, they never really threatened.
In the second half, we were markedly improved. Adebayor, who had been poor, became a genuine outlet, whilst Aleksandr Hleb (who was excellent throughout), stepped up his game, striking the post before having another long range effort saved.
It was no surprise when it was those two who combined for the second goal in stoppage time. Hleb’s pass found Adebayor, who flicked the ball back inside before firing into the near bottom corner to continue his remarkable goalscoring run – inspsired, he claims, by Thierry Henry. That’s twelve in nine, including a run of scoring in seven consecutive league games.
The goal was good, but the interview the pair provided afterwards was even better. Funny stuff, and indicative of the team spirit within the camp.
Finally, a word for Bacary Sagna, who was undoubtedly my Man of the Match. On a night when David Bentley’s advanced position kept Gael Clichy pegged back on the left, Sagna marshalled the right touchline with authority, pace, and intelligence. The best right back in the league? Beyond doubt.
