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Date: Mon 3 May 2010
Teams: Blackburn v Arsenal
Venue: Ewood Park

Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Campbell, Silvestre, Traore, Eboue, Diaby, Nasri, Walcott, Vela, Van Persie

Blackburn: Robinson, Samba, Givet, Nelsen, Olsson, Salgado, Dunn, Grella, Pedersen, Andrews, Roberts

Due to an overseas trip and local television restrictions (with no alternative this time to watch through Slingbox), this was the second Arsenal match that we have been unable to watch, and therefore we did not feel it would be fair or appropriate to do a full report as our observations would only have been based on what we had read and the television highlights. We have, however, provided our usual conclusion / final thoughts below.

Conclusion/Final Thoughts:

1) 1 point from a possible 12 has seen Arsenal drop a full 10 points behind Manchester United and 11 behind Chelsea. From winning positions, we have lost to Wigan and Blackburn, not to mention Spurs. I realise the squad is ravaged with injury and many of the goals conceded can be directly attributed to the loss of Vermaelen, Gallas and Almunia. However, that does not excuse the recent run of results. I know a lot has been mentioned about the growing maturity of this side, but I think recent results have proven that there is still some way to go. I sense that some of the players have decided to hang up the boots early after a long season and while there may not be a lot to play for there is something to be said to finishing the season strong and playing for pride and in respect of the travelling supporters.
Blackburn adopted their usual tactics and targeted Fabianski aerially, which is what most teams would have done. We were sadly unable to deal with it, which reflects how shallow our squad is.

2) Wenger said before the match that we should trust his judgment in the transfer market. I still do. He has a good record, making only a handful of bad moves which are far outweighed by a consistent record of excellent business. I just hope the manager has seen enough this season to convince him that to be competitive with the best, the squad needs considerable investment.

3) Arsenal are 5 points clear of Spurs with one match to play. Our goal difference is so superior that even a point at home to a distracted Fulham on the final day should guarantee third place. It shouldn’t come to this given that Spurs are likely to drop points to Manchester City on Wednesday evening. So whilst this awful run has seen us drop even further behind the “top 2”, third place should be safe. Let’s hope Toure and co. give Spurs a true mauling.

4) Nice to see RvP back in the starting eleven, although clearly some way from full fitness. Fingers crossed he makes it through the World Cup unscathed.

The final game of the season is Fulham at the Emirates on Sunday at 3pm. This season has been the most up and down in our 26 years supporting Arsenal and given the performances in the last few games, its one I’m glad to see the back of.

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