Life’s too short to stay sober

That sure was a tough game.

Arsenal beat Bolton at the Reebok 2-0. Ever since Sam Allardyce left, it seems that Bolton as our bogey team has since passed. Actually, it has passed since that 3-2 comeback win 2 seasons ago in the pouring rain, when Cesc scored the winner.

We came away with the points, but it didn't come easy.

Evidently though, it was Arsenal with the shooting boots on. (Thank God for that)

Cesc got us the early goal. I love early goals. In Arsenal terms, early goals means goals in the first half, not in the first 20 minutes. He was magnificent throughout the game and that was probably the reason why he was getting fouled like nobody's business. Nasty stuff really, from Bolton. He should have had 2 penalties as well.

Eduardo did pretty well today, despite not getting a goal to his name. Both goals were a result of his assists and he is growing into this role. He was always dangerous when the crosses were coming in and that isn't easy especially when you're often the only one in the penalty area. Crossing was much better today, and it was down to Rosicky. He adds so much more to the team and he seems to be like the only one in the team who can put in decent crosses.

Traore was getting owned on the left side by South Korean winger Lee Chung-yong, probably because Arshavin wasn't really supporting him. I suppose that's the difference between playing centre forward and on the wings. You have defensive duties as a winger, even though we all know that Arshavin does what he does best, goal side of the pitch. Clichy then came on and he brought more defensive stability on the left side. A good comeback from him after being out for so long.

Latest injury news see Ramsey and Nasri joining the list. This isn't good because we're wearing really thin in midfield. Diaby sure does look like a 90-minute player now and he definitely is Wenger's starter, making him and Fabregas 2 out of 3 in midfield. Song is the third but he's away so there's a chance for Eastmond and Fran Merida, who did very well to get on the scoresheet. I'd imagine Merida to play higher up in the pitch with Rosicky dropping deeper in the centre of the park. The only problem is, Mr Tomas Rosicky cannot be trusted to stay fit just yet. I'm so thankful he's back, but I feel like it's all borrowed time. Need to get that feeling out.

I think Wenger will sign someone. He knows his team and he has ambitions too. And of course, Sol Campbell and Galindo do not count. We really need someone who can slot right into the team and make an instant impact. Time is running out. We may have beaten Bolton, with another game against them still to come, but I don't think we are able to match Chelsea like for like. That run of games against the big teams is going to shape the title race drastically and might put us out of it so we need reinforcements for this crucial period.

Bolton again on Thursday morning. Owen Coyle hasn't had a chance to bring any of his teams to the Emirates. Make no mistake - they're going to come at us as they did last night.

Labels: Andrei Arshavin, Cesc Fabregas, Eduardo Da Silva, Tomas Rosicky, transfer window hoo-ha

A Little Drunken Madness @ 1:57 AM