Arsenal began the 2013/14 Premier League season in disappointing fashion as they were beaten at the Emirates by Aston Villa 3-1. The gunners were favourites to win this opening day clash but were stunned at the end of 90 minutes to realise that they had lost by 3 goals and have lost 3 points.
I had left my place of work, with high expectation, awaiting a Villa Slaughter. I had predicted enormous scoreline and didnt see these coming. I never wanted to miss the Opening game of the season but I wonder if i would have been better if I hadnt watch yesterday’s game.
within 6 minutes, Arsenal seem to have continued from the Pre-season fantasy of winning (except the drogba return) when Rosicky’s twist-turn-pass laid off Chamberlain who raced in to square for the on-fire Giroud. The Frenchman converted ecpectedly and we were all on the jolly good mood.
well, that was the end of the positive excitement as the Arsenal went on a spiral with Benteke converting two penalties. the first of which was correctly called as Szczesny brought down Agbolanhor but the second raised questions of the officiating of the game. Koscienly didnt foul Agbnlahor, the Linesman didnt give a foul, but the Referee Anthony Taylor gave the penalty.
In as much as I hate to attribute loses to Officials, the ref was bad. how can you call koscienly’s 2nd yellow card a foul? that shouldnt have been a card. unfortunate Koscienly. for the second time, he is being red carded on the opening match of the season.
2-1 and the Gunners were away at the Villa end, bombarding the walls with their tame cannons and booom, a Villa counter and it is 3-1. Game Over.
Thomas Rosicky did have the opportunities to put Arsenal ahead but he would ruin the two chances he missed. He was the most active gunner on the pitch and look more tastier for victory than any other person.
At the end of the game, our thin squad grew thinner. Sagna, Gibbs, Chamberlain joined the Injury FC that had Vermaleen, Diaby, Arteta et al. Koscienly is suspended for the next Premier League game and I wonder who would play CB with metersacker? Djourou?
Everything points towards the thinness of the squad. Wenger needs to buy players as soon as possible, if not, He would destroy what he has built. that is if he hasnt already destroyed it.
This a season we have all expected great things from the Arsenal but starting like this is disastrous. All the good works of 10 matches unbeaten from last season is in Oblivion.
Wenger has to spend.
on the Funny side, I enjoined Szczesny’s gung-ho display. I had a good laugh and did clap for him when he returned to save the goal.
Fenerbache is next.
SoccerGunz 