Life’s too short to stay sober

So Portsmouth is done and dusted. 3-0 to the Gunners. What it means:

- the next game is against Manchester United in the second leg of the Champion's league semi-final
- I am now waaaaaay closer to my first paper

BAAAH.

Arsene fielded a very young side, but not one without experience. The rotation he did was marvelous. Before the game I was hoping for a young side, specifically for Carlos Vela, because we haven't seen much of him as of late. A young side would mean less of a hangover from midweek European action and would mean a game the team will go for, instead of sitting back and being lazy, on the pretext of saving energy for the next game.

So Adebayor got a week's rest. We'll see if it makes a difference.

Anyway, this isn't about Adebayor. It's about the Carling Cup dudes, and there was one time Chelsea assistant coach Ray Wilkins accused Arsene Wenger of disrespecting the Carling Cup. Karma hit him and Chelsea lost with their full team squad. But it's not about Chelsea too. We all know why the Carling Cup is used to blood youngsters.

This game precisely shows why.

Through the ranks the lads play together and with the correct formula, i.e. a 4-4-2 formation, we did it. Song slotted in nicely at centre back with Djourou, and did pretty well. Eboue at left back is fantastic too. The way he went forward today and created chances was the Eboue we missed of old at right back. The defence kept a clean sheet today, and it was a job well done. Sagna got more playing time under his belt so we hope he can be back to maximum sharpness for Tuesday.

Up in attack there was Arshavin, Captain Arshavin, Walcott, Bendtner and Vela. 4 forwards in attack. And Vela was fantastic. The all were. Especially the captain. Who'd thought he'll be the one leading them out of the tunnel? I screamed with joy.

I think the result proves that the young ones are growing up well. Ramsey did well in midfield and sometimes, it did look a little like Cesc with the ball, the way he looks up and searches for the right pass. It was his pass which led to the Arshavin breakaway which got Pamarot sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity. The pity was that the lads couldn't increase the advantage with the opponent one man less with 12 minutes to go. Free kicks wise, apart from Van Persie, we haven't really seen anyone else as good in that area to at least get a good shot on target. Nevertheless, 3-0 is a scoreline we'd take any day, especially away from home. It is such a step up for the youngsters to do that. The crowds aren't on your side and it's unfamiliar territory and the never showed signs of that. They started the game strongly, settled in and showcased their passing and movement. What other teams with all their money do not have is a well oiled youth system which works so marvelously. How could anyone accuse Arsenal of being detrimental to the English squad with all the players coming up?

Bendtner with a brace. So Nicky should get a picture right?

He is a giant. I know it is difficult sometimes to be taken off a game, but him being taken off should be a compliment. Theo was off in the 64th minute obviously for the Man Utd game. Now it should be clear that Nicklas should play some part in it. And I think he should, even if it means dropping Adebayor or Diaby. I wouldn't mind putting Nicky up front with Robin if he makes it, or Nicky on the right with Walcott on the left.The downside is that Diaby was also rested meaning he most certainly will take part in the United game. That's a real bummer.

Ferguson had the opinion in mind that Arsenal didn't have much to play for in the league when he said that Wenger could play centre forward with Pat Rice at right back. He's right. We don't. Realitically, it would be difficult to grab that 3rd spot from Chelsea but in reality, we should always be doing the best we can. And while doing so, we managed to rest our key players as well, to keep them as fresh as possible for the United game.

Kolo got a good break. He's been playing game after game after game. Nasri too.

Whatever it is, I would like to see a 4-4-2 on Tuesday, at least with Bendtner starting. He may not be the goalscorer, but he certainly works hard for the team. They're young and still learning. Vela lost the ball many times today, but as a team, they got it back. To win a game it takes a team effort. Someone else might lose the ball and Diaby doesn't really give a flying fuck about it. One more person trying to get possession back makes a difference. One more person winning more 50-50 challenges makes a difference.

If the young ones can do it, why not the senior players? Bendtner is just 2 goals behind Adebayor in the league, one behind Van Persie. That ought to kick Adefucyor in the ass.

Lastly, Vela and his goal celebration could come under fire. Don't have a clear pic of it, but yeah, making fun of the swine flu? Not very mature considering people have died. On his part it's funny to him because he was quarantined for a day (not very kiasu English people) but is safe. Wouldn't be as funny if his visiting Mexican friends were carriers. The incubation period is 2-7 days so the only way we know that he's okay is the performance he managed to put in. Which is good news.

This swine flu thing isn't as bad as it looks since it's not as deadly as bird flu and it doesn't spread from eating pork. We don't have to go halal as such. Vela would make a very cute pig though.

He is very cute to begin with. ♥

Labels: Andrei Arshavin, Carlos Vela, Emmanuel Adebayor, Nicklas Bendtner, one of my many theories

A Little Drunken Madness @ 1:17 AM