Don't Call it a Comeback....

What a difference a hammy, sciatica, and a few weeks of rest can make! Arsenal captain Thierry Henry was pulled back into the lineup last night a week early due to a striker crisis (which turned out to not be as bad as we thought) and was back to his old goal scoring, happy self! Leading up to yesterday’s match, Henry was still a week away from being back in the squad, Adebayor had a knack, and Robin van Perise supposedly had an ankle injury. But, to Pardew’s surprise, Henry was called up and RvP made a miraculous recovery. Well played Arsene, well played. Hleb was also fit again and completed the midfield that consisted of Rosicky, Gilberto and wonderboy Cesc. Seeing this formation and knowing that their top goal scorer Darren Bent was out to injury, the Addicks pretty much seemed resigned to the fact that they were going to lose. They sat back and put very little pressure on the Gunners when they had the ball. As a result, Arsenal were able to have time on the ball and pass it around freely, which typically ends up in a goal frenzy, which is what happened. The match ended 4-0 but could have been a lot more except for a poor decision on a disallowed Henry goal and Charlton keeper Scott Carson who had a number of outstanding saves.

The Gunners came out firing from the opening whistle and never seemed to let up. After a number of missed chances and saves, Henry opened up the scoring by putting in a PK after RvP was taken out through a professional foul in the box by Sankofa (who got a straight red for his efforts). Charlton’s new gaffer, ex-West Ham manager Alan Pardew, had issues with the red afterwards but he is an idiot and none of the players, even the one sent off, had any issue with the call by ref Mike Riley. After resuming play, the pressure kept mounting and just before halftime, reserve right back Justin Hoyte played a nice give-and-go with Henry to be sprung clear giving him an opportunity to curl a shot around the keeper to the far post. Congrats to Justin on his first Premiership goal! Both he and Henry were beaming and went into the locker room full of high spirits. The second half started off with even more pressure as Arsenal were given more time and room on the ball. Bad move by Charlton. Rosicky hit the woodwork yet again (I’m going to start calling him Woody until he gets a Prem goal) and there were countless other opportunities. The third goal came from van Persie on a PK after Henry was clearly tugged down by his jersey in the box. There was nothing that Riley could do but point at the penalty spot. Henry graciously gave the kick to Robin who put it home with such authority that you couldn’t find a keeper that would have saved it. The final goal gave RvP yet another brace this season and was a brilliant chip over the keeper after a nice through-ball from Flamini.

The Gunners were riding high and finished the match with no new injures and I have my fingers crossed that they can get through training this week without picking up another. Other than having a healthy, happy Henry, I was even more excited to see other players looking to create their own goal scoring opportunities and taking shots. There were a few times last night where they looked like they wanted to pass the ball into the goal, but other than that they were all looking to get in a good shot, especially van Persie who is on 12 total goals so far this season. The Gunners have 2 trips up to the Merseyside to play Liverpool in both the FA Cup and League Cup. If they can keep the same attitude and work rate they will advance in both competitions.

Over here in the States, there has been a ton of College football played recently, but I haven’t really been bothered to watch any after the Aggies got spanked by Cal in the Holiday Bowl. The game started off good with A&M holding Cal to a 3 and out and then marching down the field to score a touchdown. But that was pretty much it and the Aggies were abused after that. I couldn’t even finish watching the game it was so bad. I don’t think that Coach Fran is the man for the job, but the athletic department has yet to consult me on it. I saw that the Boise St. win over Oklahoma was a great game and am glad to see that the Broncos did so well (and remain undefeated this season). I was going to watch the Rose Bowl, but when I saw that USC was up over Michigan I turned the channel as there is hardly anything worse than seeing a happy Pete Carroll. Argh, that guy drives me nuts! Anyway, LSU plays Notre Dame tonight in the Sugar Bowl, so I may catch some of it, and then sometime next month the national championship game will be played between Ohio State and Florida. I am pulling for Ohio State solely based on the fact that I REALLY can’t stand the Gators. Six years living in Florida and having to listen to Spurier and Gator fans has embedded a deep dislike of the school and all associated sports. So….. GO BUCKEYES!!

In Olympic news, the Chinese are planning on taking the torch up Mt. Everest on its way to Beijing in 2008. Supposedly the flame will go up the mountain from the southern slope in Nepal before descending to the north into Tibet. I guess it will show that the Chinese are a powerful nation and can conquer any task, like the invasion of Tibet in 1950 and the exile of long ball hitter, the Dalai Lama (The flowing robes, the grace, bald... striking). Good move China in bringing that up. Good move.

Finally, an Official says Britons like getting drunk too much. Thanks for the update there Einstein. That’s like saying breathing is important.

And with that tidbit,

Adios.