Thanks Fanny

By Boris Mellor
November 8 2009

The commentators really enjoyed the first 20 minutes of this game, they could sense an upset. Arsenal are not passing that well they salivated. I agree they were not, but that was because of Wolves tactics. McCarthy had decided not to go down without a fight. Attack would be the best form of defence.

The pitch was drawn out to be the smallest possible under FA regulations, and Wolves players hurled themselves forward at every opportunity. It was Kamikaze football, I am not complaining about that, that was the tactic used on the day and Wolves are entitled to. Who knows it might work, but there again it might explain why most teams don't use such tactics against us.

There is only one problem with the Kamikaze tactic, and that is that if you miss the deck of the ship below you land in the sea. Also the frenetic pace means the action cannot be maintained.

So Wolves lobbed a couple of big ones onto the Arsenal foredeck, but they failed to explode. Also much credit to the crew who kept chucking the bombs back out again with some last ditch defending. I find it strange that when other teams keep out shots its magnificent defending, when the Gunners do it its luck.

But all credit to Wolves they tried far harder to create chance than that other lot last week, yet lasted only 28 minutes. When the goal game there was a slice of luck involved, it was an own goal. However it was a good corner by Cesc and Eduardo put pressure on Zubar.

Oh why do only big teams get this kind of luck whined the commentator, do they hear themselves? What kind of luck was involved when Diaby headed in at Man U without an opposition attacker in sight? A game that Arsenal had been leading without playing Kamikaze football.

Talking of luck they didn't dwell too long on the penalty that Eduardo should have had. He was definitely clipped in the area. But he knows it's a waste of time with thousands of cretins booing him wherever he goes.

Nonetheless, the minute the ball went in the net you knew it was the end. Suddenly all the mad rushing about stopped as Wolves tried to think and fight their way out of the problem.

Space

Now acres of space appeared as Wolves gave up on the pressing game and went to look for the reply. It took only another 7 minutes to get the second. Once again there was an element of luck, but the move that created it was scintillating. Eduardo and Ramsey hared down the field in acres of space, and Ramsey passed the ball to Eduardo. Whether Eddy was trying to pass back or have a shot is not clear, but his chip skimmed off Craddock's head and looped in.

There was no luck about the next two goals; van Persie set Fabregas up on 45 for an easy shot into goal. Three nil at half time, ah just like the old days. It's so relaxing these days.

On 65 minutes Arshavin showed what a predator he is, the keeper punched the ball clear from a corner, the Russian lurking at the edge of the area  just hit the ball straight back into the low corner of the net.

Yes conceding a late goal was annoying, but to keep it in proportion the Gunners are still on target for 125 goals in the Premiership alone.

Match Facts

Arsenal had 60% possession, and nine shots to Wolves five. Five were on target to Wolves two.