Oh God! Woke up as early as 3.30am (the fact that i slept at 2am shows how early that was), waiting for the English FA Cup 4th Round Replay between Arsenal and Bolton at the Reebok Stadium. Now if you’re a football fan, you’ll know the feud between these two teams. Bolton have always frustrated Arsenal with their defensive long-ball tactics that costed Arsenal some important points in the English Premier League. But this morning, Lady Luck was with the young Gunners.
As usual, Arsenal rested Henry, Fabregas and Lehmann for the cup match, and Denilson and Diaby were given the chance to start. And i must say, i was so amazed with these two young lads. Denilson is only 18 while Diaby 19, but they played far far better than those experienced players at Bolton. Arsenal dominated the midfield right from the kick-off, with Rosicky and Helb playing amazingly well especially how they dictated Arsenal’s opening goal. It was breath-taking to watch beautiful one-touch passess involving Helb, Denilson, Rosicky to open up space for Adebayor to score. A goal that made me shouted so loud that i awaken the next-door neigbour. Haha. Now, who said Arsenal only rely on Henry!
While Arsenal continue to dominate the game with their smooth-passing possession football, Bolton continue their negative defensive football. Imagine 11 players guarding the goal mouth from Arsenal’s constant attacks. Just when Arsenal look comfortable to emerge as winners, Gilberto missed a penalty! Then few of Arsenal attacks were not properly killed-off by Baptista, who seemed a little tired throughout the match. If Henry were at his place, i’m sure Arsenal would have gone 3-0 up before half time.
Few seconds away from Victory, Bolton scored a freak goal from a set-piece. End of official 90 minutes, the late goal took the game into extra time (30 minutes) Bolton thought they would be able to break Arsenal’s heart once again by attacking late but hey Lady Luck was with Arsenal all the time. Bolton squandered several open chances and Arsenal hit on counter attacks, which eventually led to the two goals later on (one beautifully taken by Ljungberg and another breakaway goal by Adebayor). Never mind if Baptista missed another penalty, the fact is that Arsenal are back at their best and smashing Bolton 3-1 at Reebook Stadium is definitely a boost!
Well, my first match in 2007, and seeing Arsenal playing their usual beautiful dancing football is surely a supreme entertainment. That’s why i like Arsenal so much, not because they win leagues or cups, but the way they play is simply amazing.
