It all started to see well, just like against Schalke, then just like against Schalke we conceded a 2 goal lead. It was a match where had we just been tighter at the back we could have gone on to score more and would have easily taken the 3 points.
Giroud, who was fantastic, opened the scoring after just 11 minutes with a powerful header than Schwarzer couldn't keep out. Then on the 23rd minute, Podolski converted Arteta's cross and we were 2 nil up and cruising. However, once again, defensive problems at the back saw Berbatov find space far too easily and simply nod it past Mannone. It then got worse as Berbatov then crossed for Alex Kacaniklic who peeled away from Sagna and headed into the ground from 14 yards. Mannone perhaps could have done better but he did have to travel the length of the goal to get there.
The second half didn't start well either. 20 minutes in Arteta, who had an absolute mare, was caught dallying on the ball by Ruiz and then gave away a penalty. At which point Berbatov stepped up and cooly put the penalty in. We had squandered a 2 goal lead and we all feared the worst. 2 minutes later Giroud came to our rescue, he hit the base of the post with a great effort, it fell to Walcott who then crossed for Giroud to head past Schwarzer again. With seconds left, we got a dubious penalty decision when Arshavin put in a cross that hit a Fulham defenders hand. Harsh, but in this league you have to take these chances and sadly we didn't. Arteta rounded off his shocker by having his penalty saved very well you have to say by Schwarzer.
I understand that the manager has his penalty takers set out before the game but it seemed the logical move to let Giroud take the penalty, although he missed one against Coventry earlier in the season. That's not a moment to linger on or worry about, everyone misses penalties it just happens. What worries me more is the fact that we once again shipped 2 goals that we should have dealt with.
It's the derby this weekend and its a real chance for either team to kick on as we've both been playing badly. I've heard reports that we will start with 3 centre-backs. If Wenger decides to do that, he will have lost it. For 2 reasons, firstly as an attacking team, removing an option going forward isn't smart. Secondly this is the derby at home, we have to go out and show we mean business, we can't sit an absorb pressure.
A lot of mixed feelings and opinions ahead of Saturday, I'll be back with mine beforehand on Friday. I'm going to finish by saying that I've seen a lot of talk on twitter about people wanting us to lose at the weekend. We support our team, always. We can be disappointed with results and we have the right make those feelings known but we always have to support the team. It's what we're here for. Until next time enjoy the rest of your week.
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