Well we didn't get tanked - as many had predicted.
Not a bad game for a goaless draw. I had the distinct feeling that Arsenal came happy to settle for the point they needed to finish 2nd in the PL and qualify for the CL. They never appeared to get out of 2nd gear. Nevertheless, I thought we battled hard and earned a share of the spoils with one of the better PL sides.

In the first half we seemed nervy and lacking in confidence, although you couldn't fault the effort. Arsenal looked comfortably the better football team, effortlessly moving the ball, and continually moving into space to provide options for the man in possession. In contrast, we spluttered along with the man in possession always seemingly under pressure and lacking options. Even short passes were continually played either too far in front, or just behind the target, such that by the time he has it under control he's being pressurised.

On at least two occasions Solano hit away-swinging crosses behind the onrushing attackers from free-kicks, leaving Arsenal able to break at pace and outnumber the remaining defenders. However, it has to be said that some good and some last ditch defending, and some rank bad finishing by Arsenal, precluded Given from having to make a real save by HT. At the other end, we had a few chances with CC missing the best when he headed weakly wide from 6 yds from a excellent cross from Hughes.

In the 2nd half we had a real good go at them, and had them under pressure for good spells without ever finding the really telling pass to create an good opening, and again were unable to convert the few half chances we created.

As the half wore on Arsenal increasingly seemed content with one point. Gallacher got a fantastic, and well deserved ovation as he was subbed on possibly his last appearance in b&w at SJP - the SJP faithful still know a 'gamer' when they see one.

Given was flawless again, and has really come good. I thought defensively we did OK, with all four defenders individually doing alright. In particular, I was pleased for Captain WB, who had a really good game - giving a real skipper's performance. CC and Gallacher did quite well up front against Adams & Keown.

We battled away in midfield without ever gaining control - however, the critical factor in the game was that we didn't allow Viera and Lauren to dominate, and Speed in particular should be commended for a battling if unspectacular performance. Solano and Glass worked hard without really shining, but Bassedas was largely anonymous and our inability to make the telling pass from midfield is arguably our biggest problem.

Not a game for the purest, but a battling point, and a performance it is difficult to be overly critical about - plenty of effort and committment resulting in a hard-earned point against a very good side, if one not firing on all cylinders. What we were missing was simply top-class guile and craft.

Final points - the atmosphere was better than recently, and I feel sure a couple of choruses of "Robson's Wonderland" will not have gone unnoticed.

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2001

Answers

Thanks Clarky - Your view matches the impression from the Radio 5 commentary almost exactly. The crowd were silent in the 1st half but after half time the noise was much better and Robson Wonderland stuck out nicely.

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2001

We played well anjhd could have won. Decent atmosphere. Support for YBR. Nowt wrong at all today.

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2001

Very heartening to hear, Clarky. If we could perform that way more consistently we'd have something to really build on. One more time on Saturday, lads!

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2001

Thanks Mr C. I spooked you with Glass, but didn't think Hughes would get the LB slot. Damn! It sounded on the commentary as tho Barton should be MotM - that is the Most of the Mentions tho if Dougal is to believed, he and AH were outstanding ;-)

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2001

Thanks Clarky - top match report and some interesting comments about giving the guy with the ball some decent options - for me it's a teamwork thing and has been lacking most of the season. There's sometimes a worrying element of players just not pulling out the stops for their teammates - not making things easy for each other. They'll do their bit on the ball when they have to, but won't be focusing on the game as a whole so won't foresee the blind alleys their teammates are running into.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2001

The fans sounded in good voice on the radio - have to admit to being suprised by Robson Wonderland. Hey, perhaps we are magnificent fans after all?

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2001

My MOTM was the man who managed to drive a silver BMW ,( which you could win for a pound, Yes only one pound, tickets available for 50 ticket selers dotted around the ground) around the pitch between the seated area and the advertising hoardings. He didn't hit any advertising hoardings, cameramen, stewards or disabled fans. I was paticullay impressed with the way he took the East Leazer end Chicaine corner with only inches to spare.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2001

It wasn't Solano, Dyer or Griffin then?

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2001

Nice one DB . took a while for the penny to drop.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2001

Being totally honest Bobby the "Robson Wonderland" - two of em - were less than totally equivocal, but IMO were welcome nevertheless. This man deserves better than the bull-sh*t letters he was referring to that were published in the Journal and Ronnie by their so-called Fan Panels. Tossers!

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2001