Toure and Lehmann – Friends Forever

So I somehow managed to become a top story yesterday and received a lot of traffic. I think it was the fact that I mentioned the Lehmann and Toure fight in my title so I feel a duty to set things straight today. Several of you commented on the matter, giving a very clear recap of what took place. One of you even posted a link to the YouTube video, which was quite helpful.

I’m officially making an effort to put this little issue to rest because I feel bad for resurfacing it. Lehmann and Toure have clearly made up because since that match they have played very well together. To set it all straight, I present to you the following lovely image, let’s call it an “I’m Sorry” card.

It’s worth noting that this was handled internally perfectly with no press. Aside from me of course, but how could you possibly call me fucking reputable press. But of course even more impressive is how these guys acted in the heat of the moment. It’s certainly unfortunate to have a spat during a match, but just a couple of weeks ago all of the Arsenal faithful, including Mr. Arseblogger, were calling for more passion and fury in order to win. Looks like we got it.

There isn’t too much news going about today. Justin Hoyte scored an unlikely goal in the England U21 match. He got in the way of an attempted clearance from the Dutch goalkeeper and then slotted a low roller into the back of the net. It’s reassuringly impressive how well the Arsenal youth perform for the club, but even more awe-inspiring is their consistent international performance. Let’s wait to see who will perform ahead of tomorrow’s friendlies to represent the Arsenal, Denilson maybe?

VP11 is taking international duty off this week as his wife is expecting their first child any minute. Robin’s still a young lad but it’s nice to see that he will become a family man. A nice family life might do him well, although to be honest he is settling in as a phenom as it is. Did anyone else notice how well he played on Sunday? Although he didn’t score, he did set up Toure’s goal with a great cutting pass. He also played all over the pitch, and made himself available in dire situations along the left side for Clichy and Flamini.

Speaking of good play on Sunday, I watched the match again last night and noticed how much Gilberto stood out. There is something to be said for watching a match again because you really pick up on all of the movement off the ball. It’s of course much easier to watch a match in which we absolutely thump a strong team, but I would recommend it to everyone.

Gilberto was nearly a mind-reader on Sunday, being in places where it seemed like the ball or a player wouldn’t end up, but always did. It’s almost like he has a sixth sense for on the football pitch. He truly is our unsung hero.

The other player that stood out in my match replay was Henry. He backtracked several times and even made some clutch clearances. We don’t often see him in back but on Sunday he was working extra hard. Hopefully we’ll see some more of that great workmanship in the future. He mentions on the Arsenal website about adjusting to his new role and the formation change. There’s some good insight there.

Arseblogger attended the match on Sunday and I’m supremely jealous. I’m still trying to find a way to get to a match this season but it’s looking unlikely. I’ll just have to keep living vicariously through the other bloggers, Flickr photos from the matches, and best of all YouTube videos from within the stadium. Well that’s it for today. I eagerly await to see if our players can escape injury in the absolutely meaningless friendlies.