Another frustrating defeat for The Gunners, as they failed to take advantage of Liverpool's 0-0 draw at Villa Park. A win for Arsenal would have all but secured the 3rd place spot, but a late winner from Andy Johnson has left the race wide open. However, Arsenal's slim chances of 2nd place have disappeared after a Chelsea win on Saturday.
The first half-chance of the game was a penalty appeal for Everton. Gilberto flicked the ball away from Johnson, before he chased the ball, only for Lehmann to magnificently palm the ball to safety. On the first view, it looked a penalty, but replays showed that it was just great goalkeeping from the German. And besides, the only protests were from the Evertonian fans. Then on 25 minutes, Lee Carsley rattled the post from 30 yards, giving the sloppy Arsenal defence a wake-up call. Arsenal's only decent chances of the half came right at the end, Cesc Fabregas fired a shot on goal, following a typical, flowing Arsenal move, only for Howard to save well. Then Julio Baptista was unmarked at the back post, but headed over when he should have hit the target.
Arsenal dominated the first half and just before the hour mark, Jeremie Aliadiere fired over after Rosicky's cutback. Ljungberg and Toure also had half-chances before Fabregas fired another powerful, swerving shot, that landed comfortably in Howard's arms. The game was still very dull and then the sucker punch came. A corner was only half-cleared and Johnson steered home impressively from six yards. Despite Arsenal's domination, it was on the cards. This was the sixth Premiership defeat of the campaign for Arsene Wenger's side, and it summed up the entire season.
Match Ratings:
Lehmann: Dealt with the Everton threats well (7)
Toure: Looked off the pace, lacking match practice? (5)
Gilberto: Please Arsene, don't play him in defence!!! (4)
Gallas: Without him, the defence would have crumbled. A rock (7)
Hoyte: Remarkably quiet and did nothing to impress (5)
Ljungberg: Way past it, I'm afraid (5)
Fabregas: Diabolical in the first half, the best player on the pitch in the second (7)
Diaby: Sloppy for the majority but showed glimpses of his class (6)
Rosicky: Off the pace (5)
Aliadiere: Has to go. Awful display. Lazy and useless (3)
Baptista: Average. Like Diaby, sloppy but showed potential (6)
Hleb: Quiet (5)
Walcott: Quiet (5)
Denilson: Not enough time (5)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment