West Ham 1 – 2 Arsenal: Ramsey will be a star of 2010
Add comment January 4th, 2010
West Ham 1 – 2 Arsenal (Diamanti 45, Ramsey 78, Eduardo 83)
Match Report | Highlights | Arsene’s reaction
You can’t argue with Arsene Wenger’s selection
With back-ups like Tomas Rosicky and Philippe Senderos unavailable through injury, Arsene’s selection was perhaps stronger than some expected. Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas played their umpteenth game of the season, but ahead of that there were some less celebrated names: Merida, Wilshere and Vela. However, unlike in the Carling Cup, where the subs bench is made up of unknowns and schoolchildren, Arsene had Abou Diaby and Samir Nasri waiting in reserve. It was their contribution that changed the game.
Diaby is our most in-form player…
When he came on yesterday he exuded confidence from every pore. The player he replaced, Fran Merida, had spent an hour misplacing passes and failing to get countless corners beyond the near post. Diaby immediately injected energy and penetrative power in to what had been a somewhat lifeless display.
…but he’s not the man to replace Song
In the aftermath of the game, Diaby made it clear he was willing to play in defensive midfield during Alex Song’s absence at the African Cup of Nations. However, the Frenchman is at his best when attacking the opponent’s penalty area, rather than defending his own. He is not a great tackler, nor is he as good in the air as his 6’3″ frame would suggest. The most suitable candidate to fill in for Song is Denilson, so we await further news of his back injury with baited breath.
Ramsey can be a goalscoring midfielder in the mould of Lampard or Gerrard
Ramsey’s goal was another vital strike in what is turning out to be a big season for the young Welshman. Naturally, comparisons are being drawn with club captain Cesc. For me, Ramsey is less like the Catalan conductor and more like his British contemporaries. His game-winning contributions are more likely to come from powerful surges than probing passing. I think that the next twelve months will see Ramsey become a regular in the Arsenal side – whether or not Cesc departs in the summer.
Eduardo’s goal suggests the first shoots of recovery
Although the Croatian now has three in his last four, yesterday’s towering header is the first sign of the return of his finishing finesse. There is nothing more important for a striker than confidence, and perhaps we’ve now witnessed the catalyst that could see Eduardo get his back.
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A tricky fourth round-tie with Stoke awaits. For now, attention turns to Bolton tomorrow night and an opportunity to go within a point of leaders Chelsea. Exciting.
