By Boris Mellor
March 19 2006

Charlton had lost only one of their last six games in the Premiership before Saturday’s game against Arsenal. They had beaten Liverpool at home, and only a fortnight ago drew with them away. I was not expecting them to be a pushover.

 The last two home games had been tumultuous matches, with great atmosphere and good results. This turned out to be a stroll in the park, with the crowd singing the praises of the Arsenal Physio. As the absence of stiff opposition allowed their concentration to drift.

On thirty seconds Bent found himself with only Lehmann to beat, he lamely kicked the ball wide. That was to be the last thing of any importance that Charlton did in this game, unless you count picking the ball out of the net.

In the following 10 minutes Adebayor had three very good chances, but was unable to find goal. But it only took 13 minutes for the Gunners to find the net. Hleb, from deep, got the ball to Henry who threaded his way through Charlton’s defence on the left, who passed the ball to Pires to tap in.

Arsenal were playing beautiful football, Fabregas was roaming everywhere, winning the ball and spraying passes reminiscent of the one he gave to Henry against Liverpool. Arsenal were shredding Charlton to pieces, but it was not until the 32^nd minute that they doubled the lead. Again Henry was at the centre of it, this time it was Adebayor who was the beneficiary. At first the defence got the ball back, but Adebayor hustled the ball back in Kanuesque fashion. As he was falling to the ground he stretched to hit the ball home. That was it the game was over, the spectators and team could relax, saving their energies for the tougher opposition that is yet to come.

At the end of the first half victory was almost certain, but two goals was hardly a fair reflection of Arsenal’s dominance, and even at 2-0 there is always a faint hope for the opposition. My neighbour in the next seat agreed but said an early third would put a stop to all that.

Within five minutes of the second half commencing our wish was granted, this time it was Hleb who found the net. The match was truly finished. Now the bloke on the other side of me started cheering Charlton on! He had got 50 to 1 for a 3-1 score, it was amazing how accurately he imitated a real Addick. "Penalty ref " he cried out (Why? Nothing had happened), "break come on break, you are rubbish" he moaned as his stake went down the plughole.

Meanwhile the rest of the Clock End amused themselves with the pun "Song we’ve only got one Song" and Adebayor, Adebayor to the Pompey chimes.

It was a great performance, the Gunners had 61% possession and 16 shots to Charlton’s two. England job you’re having a laugh sang the Clock End. "At least he is English" shrilled back one Addick to much amusement. "Good luck in the World Cup" the Clock End generously wished the departing Charlton fans.

Curbishley was puzzled after the game had Arsenal been that good, or was Charlton that bad? Perhaps they had their mind on Thursday’s cup-tie. There again it could be normal service has been resumed, as the result is a typical one for Arsenal against the Addicks, most times, home or away.