Let’s see how long I can go without mentioning Eb*ue…
Add comment February 9th, 2009
Tottenham 0 – 0 Arsenal
Highlights here; Arsene’s reaction here
Apologies for the tardiness and potential brevity of today’s blog. I have spent the last twenty-four hours convinced I am dying. Yes, that’s right: I have a cold.
In an attempt to rouse my spirits, perhaps I ought to start with the positives. I got a real lift when the teams were submitted yesterday – not because Andrey Arshavin, our new record signing, had been included in the squad – but because after almost a year out, Eduardo was back. Whatever happened in yesterday’s match oughtn’t overshadow just how good it was to see the Croatian striker involved in the matchday goings-on once again.
Although he didn’t get on (for reasons of which I’m sure you’re already aware), it’s a huge boost to have Eduardo back, especially with Adebayor picking up a hamstring injury that could keep him out for anywhere between three and six weeks. With the Togolese putting in another fairly ineffective performance yesterday, one can only hope that by the time he is fit again he is forced to raise his game and fight for his place in the side.
I suppose the other positive is that in the circumstances, a point wasn’t a bad result.
Ah. ‘The circumstances’. I’ve managed to avoid it for a few paragraphs, but now The Idiocy of Emmanuel Eboue is finally casting its horrific shadow over this blog…
I have no sympathy with Eboue. Arsene suggested his first booking for dissent was harsh, and I’m not sure I even agree with that. But having got that booking, to do anything as stupid as to kick out at Modric really shows an unbelievable lack of professionalism – arguably, the ref would’ve been entitled to give him a straight red for that offence (Shaun Wright-Phillips has just picked up a three match ban for something very similar). It’s clear Eboue was frustrated after he had a goal disallowed (and it was undoubtedly a close call), but that is no excuse. Some have said he is “trying too hard” after coming in for stick from the fans earlier in the season. I would understand that explanation if he had been dismissed for lungeing committedly into a tackle he stood only a small chance of winning, but that simply isn’t the case: he got himself sent off for an act of pure petulance.
After the game Eboue attempted some sort of apology, but it’s one in which he completely fails to take responsibility for his actions. I could sit here and say, “I hope he never plays for us again”, but I know that’s not realistic. However, with Nasri, Walcott, Arshavin, Rosicky, and Wilshere all as potential wide options next season, I do think it’d be best for everyone if Eboue was moved on in the Summer. Meantime, his suspension will see him miss the FA Cup game against Cardiff – a match for which Arshavin is unfortunately ineligible.Â
Having gone down to ten men in the first-half, it was always going to be tricky, but I thought we defended very well, with William Gallas and Alex Song particularly impressive. Manuel Almunia was also solid throughout, and made one tremendous save to deny Luka Modric when the Croatian was one-on-one in the games dying moments.
Unsurprisingly, we struggled to create, but still had a couple of chances to nick it ourselves: Alex Song stabbed wide from a corner, and Nicklas Bendtner’s fierce drive was tipped over by Carlo Cudicini.
But neither side was able to find a way to goal, and the game finished as a draw – not a poor result in isolation, but it means we now have no wins and one goal from our last four games. Yesterday’s rear-guard action was indicative of the increasing defensive stability in the side, but we’re desperately lacking in attacking verve. Hopefully the impending presence of Eduardo and Arshavin in the side will soon put an end to that.
Till tomorrow, when I will feel better (crosses fingers/toes/eyes).
