Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Arsenal 7 Boro 0
Wonderful! Those denying a crisis at the club needed only to look at the scoreboard at 5pm on Saturday, Boro's last ever trip to Highbury. Any thoughts of doing the double over them crumbled pre-match, realistically, with several "youngsters" again brought in to fill the ranks of the lame and the missing - however, a goalless draw seemed within our powers at least, that is until Thierry Henry stepped up! With Brad Jones again in goal instead of transfer listed Mark Schwarzer we were always going to be vulnerable to strong attacks, and the Arse being no mugs they took advantage of that from the first whistle, never looking like anything but easy winners.Andrew Taylor came in at left back and Chris Riggott was made a reluctant captain in a threadbare defense that must rank amongst the youngest ever seen in the premiership. However, as Boro capitulated to a 4-0 half time deficit it was the experienced veterans who came under fire - sloppy passing, lack of spirit and a total inability to cope at the level led to goal after goal and no silver lining. No excuses either, we got exactly what we deserved - and Arsenal got their biggest ever premiership win.
How the boss isn't getting more flack for this decline I just don't know. Injuries are one thing, but the squad is strong enough to battle to mid-table if properly motivated and I'm becoming increasingly concerned that they aren't. This isn't a blip anymore, it is a relegation struggle and we better get used to it. Things are not healthy - no win since November and no confidence at all. Big hills to climb...
My MOTM: Lee Catermole came on and at least threw a few tackles in, the rest were poor
