By Boris Mellor
January 8 2005

It is not often that those of us who sit in the Clock End get to see four Arsenal goals close up, and there was an appropriate festive spirit to greet this feast. All the goals were well taken, but Fabregasc’s was special.

A 17 year old was supremely cool in beating a defender and juggling the ball so he could place it well clear of the keeper.

 

At 3-0 the game was as good as dead, only an error by Almunia briefly gave Rosenborg hope. However, the team quickly responded to restore parity to three clear goals by half time.

 

The second half resumed at 4-1 and Arsenal were clearly trying to rest on the hoof for Judgment Day (said in deep husky voice, more dumbing down by Sky) or the Russians are Coming as Arsenal fans call it. The crowd had been supportive in the first half, and had celebrated the win in advance. The second half became a formality as the crowd chatted amongst themselves and doing Swedish Chef impressions for the benefit of the Norwegians.

 

Flamini teamed up well with Fabregasc who played an attacking role as the former imitated Ray Parlour right down to getting a yellow. It is hard to know how well they can perform against Chelsea as this was hardly a real test, but there must be grounds for hope. Hoyte also had a good game at right back.

 

Things only livened up with the introduction of Van Persie,         who was desperate to get on the score sheet, so the team shook off their lethargy to help him in his aim. A bit like Napoleons artillery, he took his time to find his range, rifling the ball into the crowd at least twice before finally scoring to make it 5-1. To cap a perfect evening the news that PSV had lost was immediately announced after the final whistle. Arsenal had finished top of the group.

 

So Arsenal now face Chelsea after scoring eight goals and achieving two wins on the trot. The opposition might not have been the stiffest, but you can only beat what is put in front of you. However, there is one nagging problem and that is the keeper situation. Who should Wenger play on Sunday? Almunia made one brilliant save and his kicking was much improved. However, he has made three blunders in a row, two of which cost goals. True he is less frenetic than Jens, but will the defence feel confident with him behind them against a team as good as Chelsea?  There again Jens bloomers against the Oil Magnates Best Eleven cost our place in Europe – Wenger will certain earn his corn if he gets this one right.

 

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