Boro remain the scepter for Arsenal…a run of 5 unbeaten versus les hommes de Wenger. Live viewership was impaired due to faffing about with this for a good 30 minutes – we get the broader picture courtesy a late Sunday afternoon replay…
A new look Boro took the pitch, borne not just of necessity, but necessity of invention. Emanuel Pogatetz slid to left back, Chris Riggott and Robert Huth returned from injury, and Tony McMahon made his first senior start in over 2 years. Adam Johnson occupied the right side, w/ Jeremie Aliadiere deployed up top as a lone striker. The hosts were fulgent and lively to start – asking the questions of Arsenal, until an egregious lapse in the 17th minute. AFC won their first corner – Cesc picked out Emmanuel Adebayor on his own private island in the geographic center of the 6-yard box to head home the opener. Late goals, goals from set pieces, late goals from set pieces – they all conspire to doom us.
As the end to end action tapered, a calm and composed display was being put forth by recent loan returnee McMahon – he’ll get his immediate chance to secure the spot now. He proved attacking as well, deflecting a poor clearance from Gael Clichy into the path of Tuncay – the Turk pounced and pinged a laser across the box to a stooping JA for a glancing header to equalise. The move easily equalled the class the pair portrayed @ The Emirates last year for Boro’s goal in that tetchy 1-1 draw. We continued to press…in the 36th min an ironclad penalty was dismissed as Clichy clipped an onrushing Adam Johnson. Not just contact, but intent – time to relax the restrictions on remonstration and adherence to the Respect agenda…successive weeks on the ass end of abject decisions. Robin van Persie fluffed the last real scoring chance of the half, fizzing a shot across and past the far post. 1-1 at the break…
Half Time Fag
Didier Digard – really resourceful and claiming his midfield position…JA flourishing in his natural role, relishing the additional space he has to operate…Nigel Winterburn is absolutely fantastic as a football commentator
Both sides returned to action brightly. Stewart Downing attached to a lovely ball from Julio Arca, firing directly at Manuel Almunia. RVP followed at the opposite end, agonizing the away support w/ another near goal. Abou Diaby spent the next 15 minutes trying to add to his existing yellow card. Separate incidents in the 77th and 79th both warranted bookings. Arsene dispatched Nicklas Bendtner to replace him before referee Peter Walton was given another chance to deliberate. The Danish sub and his lime boots nearly put Arsenal ahead…Ross Turnbull deflected his shot for a corner. Bendtner again emerged later in the 3 minutes of added time…this time his header went far and high. Gaz freshened up the midfield with the additions of Mohamed Shawky and Marvin Emnes – Digard and Adam Johnson made way…cosmetic only in their effect. Full time arrived…Boro 1-1 Arsenal.
Completely acceptable and encouraging given the suspensions/injuries/shattered confidence of Brazilian strikers…Adam Johnson to Barca/Inter/Bayern rumours should persist now after an intelligent and energetic performance. We’ll have to keep him though if Stewie is heading south to the capital…
Real Madrid lost…and won @ the Nou Camp?
December 16th, 2008 @ BA
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