Only one Badger

By Boris Mellor
January 30 2008

Some reporters suggested that this result was “ground out” but I really don’t think so. As I had predicted King Kev parked the bus in front of the Arsenal goal, and for a while, the Gunners’ pretty football made no impact. In the past Arsenal might have persisted in trying to thread the ball through, but not now.

Arsenal have joined those teams that present an aerial threat, and once the team found it couldn’t break through down the middle they took to the wing, within minutes they got their reward. On 40 minutes Adebayor headed a head height cross from Flamini into the ground and past Given; the wheels were off the bus.

 

 In the second half the Magpies had to attack, and it made them very vulnerable. On 72 minutes, Diaby and Fab combined to put Flamini in on target about 30 yards out, but to the side of the goal. The Frenchman did not stop to think he just belted it across and past Given. One of the finest goals I have seen this season. It capped a great performance by Flamini, on this showing he is better than Gattuso.

Flamuso 

 

Adebayor received an ovation when he went off, and Nic a rousing cheer when he entered the field. Some like to moan about Arsenal fans, but at times, they have the best of instincts; it was a gesture that showed the crowd value them both. That they were not influenced by the sensationalism of the media.

 Nic like Kennedy?

 Ray Kennedy was 19 when he became Arsenals leading scorer, he scored the goal at White Hart Lane that won the first double.However, what was so good about Ray, apart from his very low backlift, was his ability to bring the ball down and feed his partner a perfect assist. He was a mountain of a man, but moved like a ballet dancer, at the same time no one could get him of the ball, and he had the ability to bring other players into the game. Powerful in the air, a great passer, he had one weakness, he lacked pace, and seemed lethargic at times. Nonetheless, he was one of the most cultured players I have ever seen.

 Fans like to talk about once you leave Arsenal your career is over; well Ray disproved that theory in spades. His second career at Liverpool saw him moved to midfield, where he helped the Scousers win 10 major trophies, including European cups. Many insisted he was the player of the 70s; Arsenal had made a big mistake to let him go in 1974.

 Nic certainly can be as sluggish as Kennedy, but that does not make him another Ray, after all not every woman with no arms is the Venus de Milo. Nor does he score as regularly, well not yet, but he is a man mountain, and he can hold the ball and give the killer assist.

Last night he helped a player who has not scored since November the third, it was the perfect layoff, just what Fabregas needed, and he did justice to it. Three nil game over, and Fabregas was rid of an itch that could have developed into a sore. When Bendtner gave that pass, just for a moment, I thought this is it, he could be the next Ray Kennedy, but to do that he will need to lose a little of his arrogance.

 Ray was a dedicated footballer with great skill, but also humility, there was more to him than goal scoring, it was the way he also created goals for his partner John Radford. The Radford/Kennedy partnership proved you can play two big men up front. Ray would just as likely make space for Radford as he would make room for himself. Football is about partnerships and if Nic can learn that then the sky is the limit.

For a large selection of Arsenal Books, DVDs, PC games AND MORE at Bargain Prices visit the Arsenal Times Store CLICK HERE

 

Nic another Kennedy? Toonking gets Tonking

Discussion started by Arsenal Times , 30/01/2008 19:32

Arsenal Times
30/01/2008 19:32

Nic another Kennedy? Toonking gets Tonking

Reply Quote Report

H.C
30/01/2008 19:45

Good to see Big Ray getting props from an Arsenal fan who knows what he's talking about.

Good thoughts going out to Ray and his family

Reply Quote Report

AJ The Gunner
31/01/2008 10:07

we need to win games by scoring lots of goals 6 goals in 2 games within 4 days gap.we need more goals

Reply Quote Report

Bergmars
31/01/2008 13:50

If Bendtner is half the players Ray was he will have a good career.Why we sold him i dont know still an Arsenal legend though,if only for that goal at the scummers.

Reply Quote Report

Merlion96
31/01/2008 13:56

Welcome back Bergmars....

Reply Quote Report

Padre Pio
31/01/2008 14:12

He scored the most important goal in our history the away goal at Anderlecht

Reply Quote Report

bergmars
31/01/2008 19:07

Thanks Merl old boy

Dennis Bergkamp, simply the best

Reply Quote Report

Zissors
01/02/2008 08:10

Welcome back mate

Reply Quote Report

Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net