Gunners Smashed By The Hammers

Arsenal lost to West Ham today in what can only be described as a poor performance. It all came in the 88th minute when West Ham strung together a nice play along the left which ended with a cross and a goal. And then it was over.

The entirity of the match was a brutal affair full of unattractive football. Our passing was weak and frequently off target, and we only have a hand-full of chances that we just couldn’t make happen. The only great performance of the night came from Kolo who held the defense together and nearly scored a zinger from outside. Henry, Fabregas, and Hleb looked particularly lost and as a result we just couldn’t string anything together.

Hleb was taken down in the box and it clearly should have been a penalty. The ref had no way of seeing it and the linesman didn’t raise a flag, so the play went on unnoticed. Spector, the defender who tackled Hleb, already had a yellow and had this been appropriately dealt with he would have been off and we would have had a penalty.

Van Persie was hit with a coin from the crowd. I hope that the police find the bastard who did it and take him away, or if necessary fine West Ham if the tosser goes into hiding. I’ve just finished up learning and reading all about football Firms and I know that West Ham had quite a history in that arena. I can’t believe someone would actually throw something at a player like that, regardless of the team or player.

There was quite a nasty spat between the managers at full time. I’m curious to hear exactly what happened. It seems like Pardew celebrated directly in Arsene’s face, and as a result Arsene tried to push him away. I’m sure it will be in the match report from the ref’s, I just hope it doesn’t come to fines or penalties. Maybe the managers can resolve it on their own (doubtful). Cesc was also seen fighting with Harewood at full time. They were both screaming in each other’s faces but I couldn’t quite tell why. Hopefully the details on that will surface.

For more on this grim situation may I recommend Goonerboy and Goodplaya.

So with this unfortunate result we are still at 5th, now tied with Villa. We’ve got to figure out something quick or the title will be long gone. The rest of the spots are up for grabs but Manchester and Chelsea appear to be taking this one all the way. If we can’t find ways to win away in scruffy matches, we won’t be a contender. Around the Prem we saw Chelsea lose to Tottenham, another surprising result that no one had expected. This gives Manchester United more leverage at the top of the table, those wankers.

It doesn’t matter though. I’m still a gunner, and I will still cheer the team on. I still won’t miss a match and I just hope that at this point we can pull things together. Arsene can always pull something out of his magic hat.

COME ON ARSENAL.