What an incredible opening day to the 09/10 season. No sooner had I got back from work had I heard of Denilsons stunning opener. I still did not expect what was to come. This was Wengers first chance to play his new 4-3-3 system at it appeared to work wonders. Arsenal's passing and decisive running was at its sparkling best and this early in the season. With Song sitting in front of the back four and Denilson breaking up the play it was the recipe for success with Fabregas being able to pull the strings. One thing I hope is that the goals by Fabregas are not just in the same vain as he began the 07/08 season because they certainly dried up. We could do with him adding goals from midfield as if Wenger is looking to provide the teams balance through a midfield trio of Fabregas, Song and Denilson I can't see many goals coming from these players.
Lets continue with the latter of the three. His goal today was simply stunning and provided todays platform. It was a sensational strike and totally came out of the blue. Denilson may have his critics but you just have to see that goal to see what a player he could be. The second goal followed up just over 10 minutes later. Beautiful in its simplicity, a perfect delivery from Robin van Persie from the right handside met by a deciving unmarked run by new summer signing Thomas Vermaelen. I say its a simple goal but our new belgian centre back did brilliantly to generate enough power to head home. Then the floodgates were opened just before half time with gallas's glancing header from a free-kick in a similar position on the opposite flank delivered by Fabregas. Gallas has such a beautiful way of popping up with goals through his striking instincts. Half time and a really good lead with Arsenal looking good for there money.
Arsenal began the second half as the ended the first. Scoring goals. This goal was created so well by a lovely free flowing counter attack. Arshavin began it through his determination to win the ball. This goal was made by a very determined run by our sensational captain Fabregas who just gets better and better. He took the chance well but from Howards point of view the goal was a bit soft. The fifth goal was wonderful from an Arsenal point of view but truely terrible from a Everton point of view. Fabregas ran unchallanged for 45 yards before drilling the ball low into the bottom corner from the edge of the area. To put the icing on the cake a sixth goal was added and it was a goal of real significance. Its an incredible thing to see Eduardo score after all he has been through. His first premiership appearance since his injury and his first goal. He seemed delighted and so did his teammates. Arshavin played a vital part in it and was unfortunate not to see the ball go in off the post. However yet again we have seen the natural striking instincts of Eduardo. He is truely the fox in the box we once cried out for.
What pleases me the most of today however is the player we have found in Thomas Vermaelen. I had one eye on him during the game and he seems to me to be the real deal. He is exactly what we have needed. His no nonsence and organised style is for all to see. He is intelligant and determined in his play. He is vocal and focused during the entire 90 minutes. He's deceptively strong and dominant in the air. He is cultured and as all Arsenal players, exceptional on the ball.
This proves promising as hopefully he will begin to sort out Arsenal's defensive issues that plagued them last season.
I have always been an optomistic Arsenal fan but lets hope for a big season and our first silverware in far too long. I know for a fact this side is capable of great things and is only a tweak here or there away from really challenging on all fronts.
Starting eleven (4-3-3)
Almunia, Sagna, Clichy, Gallas, Vermaelen, Denilson, Fabregas (C), Song, Van Persie, Arshavin, Bendtner
Subs: Mannone, Silvestre, Gibbs, Eboue (63), Ramsey (73), Merida, Eduardo (73)
Everton 1-6 Arsenal
What pleases me the most of today however is the player we have found in Thomas Vermaelen. I had one eye on him during the game and he seems to me to be the real deal. He is exactly what we have needed. His no nonsence and organised style is for all to see. He is intelligant and determined in his play. He is vocal and focused during the entire 90 minutes. He's deceptively strong and dominant in the air. He is cultured and as all Arsenal players, exceptional on the ball.
This proves promising as hopefully he will begin to sort out Arsenal's defensive issues that plagued them last season.
I have always been an optomistic Arsenal fan but lets hope for a big season and our first silverware in far too long. I know for a fact this side is capable of great things and is only a tweak here or there away from really challenging on all fronts.
Starting eleven (4-3-3)
Almunia, Sagna, Clichy, Gallas, Vermaelen, Denilson, Fabregas (C), Song, Van Persie, Arshavin, Bendtner
Subs: Mannone, Silvestre, Gibbs, Eboue (63), Ramsey (73), Merida, Eduardo (73)
Everton 1-6 Arsenal
Denilson 26,
Vermaelen 37,
Gallas 41,
Fabregas 48, 70,
Eduardo 89,
Vermaelen 37,
Gallas 41,
Fabregas 48, 70,
Eduardo 89,
Saha 90
