Arsenal Versus Middlesbrough Full Time Report

I was expecting a really good result for arsenal especially after their recent run of draws. I thought this one would be it where they would spring back to life, needless to say that my 2-1 in favor of arsenal was wrong. The game started out nice and slow, a typical arsenal game start. But ten minutes into the game we saw arsenal driving forward, with good play from the wing back eboue and midfielder fabregas. They played well to create many chances one of which adebayor even converted only to find out that he was offside. There were other really good chances for arsenal like a great attempt by fabregas from the edge of the D to squeeze the ball throw two defenders but only to find the goal keeper. Then there was shot by eboue that bounced off the bar.

Middlesbrough didn’t have much to brag about first most of the first half besides the goal. There was the shot by O Neil from far out that didn’t even swing by the goal. Though I have to add that the goal by Aliadiere was great play by the team. The long ball from the defence to tucay who passed it nicely to Aliadiere, who finished it off was a nice play by the entire team.

The second half saw arsenal looking desperate for goal. They had a reputation to protect, not to lose to Middlesbrough twice in a row. And not only that they had to keep up with Manchester United to give it a good race to the final match. While middlesbrough brought all their men back to defend arsenal changed their formation to 3-5-3 to push on with kolo toure moving up. The move eventually paid off in the 85^th minute when toure scored his second goal of the season. The next ten minutes were very intense. We saw a sending off, Mido who was sent off for a high foot attempt to get the ball. Instead of the ball he got clichy’s face and a red card to follow, who was later carried off the field.

Even though arsenal worked hard towards the end of the game it just wasn’t enough as the referee whistled for full time and teams closed play to a draw. I think there were two reasons for arsenals draw today instead of victory. First one was the luck just wasn’t on their side. We saw the ball bounce off the post three times, once for eboue and twice for fabregas. Then the goal from Aliadiere had a hint of offside but of course the officials missed that. Other reason why I think arsenal drew the game today was due to their poor passing. Even though they did well to bring the ball forward, the final touches which counted generally ended up with the defenders, even the short clear passes. I my opinion I didn’t see a good effort from Adebayor and Van Persie but was pleased with the way Fabregas, Flamini and Eboue played. I just hope arsenal can get their act together before its too late. Make sure you all catch the next live football coverage to see how arsenal plays or better yet get your sports tickets and watch the real show.

Tags: Arsenal, English Premier League, Middlesbrough, Soccer