The score was a bit severe for how the game really unfolded. Had Arsenal been better with their finishing, they might have killed off the game in the second half before the Manchester City deluge took over. Or if Almunia had been stronger on the first goal. He seemed to take a lackadaisical approach to the shot and then tried to parry the shot with his bottom hand rather than use his top hand (as you are taught)
What I take away from the game is that Manchester City may have what it takes to make a challenge to be in the top 4...talented player depth. They scored 4 goals and did not have the services of Robinho nor Tevez. They will not have the Brazilian for a few more weeks and next week's fixture against cross city rivals United will be a large test for the Citizens. The other aspect of the game was
the chippiness that ensued in the second half, primarily related to former Arsenal and Monaco striker - Adebayor.He supposedly stamped on Van Persie, on the replay it looks somewhat intentional. He clearly got under his former teammates' skin, at one point barely avoiding a wild and violent tackle from Bendtner (who was surprisingly back tracking to his end line). Could that tackle have been attempted pay back from the on field fight that broke out between the two men 2 seasons ago? Give Adebayor credit, he demonstrated his motivation to beat his old team and played like a man possessed. This should make for a very interesting return leg at the Emirates.
Hopefully next time Arsenal has better luck finishing, what I fear is that they are still trying to walk the ball into the goal. Maybe they should follow the example of their Belgian central defender Vermaelen who tested Givens from distance and forced a tough save from the Irish international.
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