Another Win and Beware of Captain Tackles...
Lots has been going on in the Cam-universe lately. Actually, it has been happening for everyone’s benefit, but I’m the one talking about it here. Anyway, I’d like to first start off with the historic event yesterday of Obama’s inauguration. I was able to sneak away for an hour yesterday and I went down to the lower level food court here at my office building to watch the swearing in and presidential address. I was truly amazed and inspired by the event. I really feel that the new administration is going to put the country back on track and help it regain it’s place as a respected world leader. Right after the election, an English friend remarked, “Welcome back to the world, America,” or something along those lines. I think there is a lot of work to do, and there is never an instant change, but I foresee the US being back on the right track. The size of the crowds also show a renewed hope in our country. Having been to Washington and stood on the west Capitol steps, the Mall is an immense area and seeing it full was breathtaking. With that, I’ll leave my political statements aside and move on to more pressing matters. Namely football.
So my friend, the Gunners seem to be on a bit of a hot streak. Well, they aren’t losing, and that is a good thing. The lads traveled to Hull City and were looking for some redemption for their loss at home earlier in the season. As the match began, the Arsenal looked to be playing OK, but again, not getting much. Eboue played on the right wing and I didn’t see much to impress me. Arsenal had a couple of early chances from rocket free kicks by RvP that were either just wide or finger-tipped into the cross-bar by the Hull keeper. Not much else happened for awhile with OK play from both sides, but in the 30th minute, RvP whipped a corner into Ade who nodded it far post to go up by 1. This was the score at the half and it stayed that way with more OK play until Hull leveled in the 65th minute. Clichy should have dealt better with closing down their winger, but instead he nicked a cross that went straight to the head of Cousin (or Coo-zin as it is properly pronounced, in a snooty French sort of way) who then nodded it past Almunia. The match was now level and it really looked like Arsenal were going to draw the match. Bendtner came on for Eboue (thank goodness) and the formation switched to a 4-3-3 and it started to free things up a bit. Though it came late, RvP claimed a pass in the middle and was able to hold off the defender just long enough to play a beautiful ball into Nasri, who slotted it home far post to go up 2-1.
A few minutes later, RvP made another fine cross to Bendtner who knocked that home to give the Gunners a 3-1 win and 3 needed points. RvP didn’t have any goals, but he did wonders for setting them up. He’s really doing well and is showing some great creativity in the absence of Cesc. I hope he keeps it up. Nasri has also been doing quite well and isn’t afraid to shoot the ball, which is a nice change of pace from Hleb, at least in my opinion. So the Gunners now travel to the land of sheep to play Cardiff on Sunday in the FA Cup. Should be an interesting match and it sees young-un Aaron Ramsey return home. I hope he gets to play and sneaks in a goal or three!
In American football news, there isn’t much to comment on, at least as far as I’m concerned. The Steelers beat the Ravens, though I was hoping it would go the other way. Then the Cardinals did the country a favor by taking out the Eagles. Having a Philly-Pittsburg Superbowl would have been a bit annoying. Plus, I don’t like either team, so this way I can root for the underdog Cards and cheer for some crazy catches by Fitzgerald. What a good receiver.
Lastly, I’ve been watching more and more rugby over the last few years. And that’s union, not crappy league rugby. This has been partially spurred along by a Kiwi friend of mine and out enjoyment of watching the rugby and drinking beer. Plus, he turned me on to Jed Thian of the Rugby Roundtable podcast and Alternative Rugby Commentary. Those are truly great shows and a fantastic way to keep up with the sport or watch a match. Anyway, as a note to you, my one (I hope) reader, there is some good rugby coming up. The European 6 Nations tournament and the southern hemisphere Super 14 are about to kick-off in February. There should be some good matches and I’m looking forward to seeing Captain Tackles (aka Richie McCaw) back in action, even though he nearly knocked over my daughter! Ah, the joys of learning photoshop.
Well, I think that is enough for one day (or week as these posts have been going… well at least I am posting, so stop with all the nay-saying. Jeez!!)
Adios
So my friend, the Gunners seem to be on a bit of a hot streak. Well, they aren’t losing, and that is a good thing. The lads traveled to Hull City and were looking for some redemption for their loss at home earlier in the season. As the match began, the Arsenal looked to be playing OK, but again, not getting much. Eboue played on the right wing and I didn’t see much to impress me. Arsenal had a couple of early chances from rocket free kicks by RvP that were either just wide or finger-tipped into the cross-bar by the Hull keeper. Not much else happened for awhile with OK play from both sides, but in the 30th minute, RvP whipped a corner into Ade who nodded it far post to go up by 1. This was the score at the half and it stayed that way with more OK play until Hull leveled in the 65th minute. Clichy should have dealt better with closing down their winger, but instead he nicked a cross that went straight to the head of Cousin (or Coo-zin as it is properly pronounced, in a snooty French sort of way) who then nodded it past Almunia. The match was now level and it really looked like Arsenal were going to draw the match. Bendtner came on for Eboue (thank goodness) and the formation switched to a 4-3-3 and it started to free things up a bit. Though it came late, RvP claimed a pass in the middle and was able to hold off the defender just long enough to play a beautiful ball into Nasri, who slotted it home far post to go up 2-1.
A few minutes later, RvP made another fine cross to Bendtner who knocked that home to give the Gunners a 3-1 win and 3 needed points. RvP didn’t have any goals, but he did wonders for setting them up. He’s really doing well and is showing some great creativity in the absence of Cesc. I hope he keeps it up. Nasri has also been doing quite well and isn’t afraid to shoot the ball, which is a nice change of pace from Hleb, at least in my opinion. So the Gunners now travel to the land of sheep to play Cardiff on Sunday in the FA Cup. Should be an interesting match and it sees young-un Aaron Ramsey return home. I hope he gets to play and sneaks in a goal or three!
In American football news, there isn’t much to comment on, at least as far as I’m concerned. The Steelers beat the Ravens, though I was hoping it would go the other way. Then the Cardinals did the country a favor by taking out the Eagles. Having a Philly-Pittsburg Superbowl would have been a bit annoying. Plus, I don’t like either team, so this way I can root for the underdog Cards and cheer for some crazy catches by Fitzgerald. What a good receiver.
Lastly, I’ve been watching more and more rugby over the last few years. And that’s union, not crappy league rugby. This has been partially spurred along by a Kiwi friend of mine and out enjoyment of watching the rugby and drinking beer. Plus, he turned me on to Jed Thian of the Rugby Roundtable podcast and Alternative Rugby Commentary. Those are truly great shows and a fantastic way to keep up with the sport or watch a match. Anyway, as a note to you, my one (I hope) reader, there is some good rugby coming up. The European 6 Nations tournament and the southern hemisphere Super 14 are about to kick-off in February. There should be some good matches and I’m looking forward to seeing Captain Tackles (aka Richie McCaw) back in action, even though he nearly knocked over my daughter! Ah, the joys of learning photoshop.
Well, I think that is enough for one day (or week as these posts have been going… well at least I am posting, so stop with all the nay-saying. Jeez!!)
Adios
posted by Cameron at 10:32 AM
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