A good result on Humberside against the Tigers last evening. A continuing worry is our tendency to pub-team defending. With last gasp goals earning Yoonited and Chavski three points apiece, and Villa getting all three on Wearside, a win was essential.
We got it so are still in the hunt. Now for the Toffees on Wednesday 28th. Before we play them they face a Merseyside derby at Anfield on Monday night. A definite advantage for us with more than two days’ more recovery time than Everton. Hardly fare on Everton though. The Premier League really has to look at this. An adjustment is needed to the broadcasting contracts to cut this out
I don’t for a moment imagine this is going to happen. When the new contracts were presented to the League chairmen it was explained to them that having two domestic live broadcasters instead of one would mean decreased notice of fixture moves. Not one hand went up to ask a question about what this would mean for us, the travelling fans. “Show me the money!” was the cry. Another exercise in mind over matter – they don’t mind and we don’t matter. I for one bitterly resent this attitude.
At the KC Stadium we defended OK in the first half on a cold, windy evening on the East Riding coast. Going forward we showed more fluidity. Rockin’ Robin van Persie was “in his pomp”. Miracle of miracles, we managed a goal from a corner, far from our strongest suit. Van Persie’s corner kick was met by Emmanuel Adebayor who rose like the proverbial young salmon over the Hull City defender. The City custodian had gone walkabout. Goal.
After the half time oranges, we proceeded to stand on our collective crank yet again as the rain belted down. Gaël Clichy went loose on Bernard Mendy whose cross was met well, the attacker running in between Johann Djourou and Kolo Touré, a cardinal sin for central defenders. Wallop. One each. Oh dear. We then proceeded to pretty much camp in the Tigers’ half, late goals from Samir Nasri and substitute Nicklas Bendtner, both manufactured by Rockin’ Robin, our man of the match by a good distance. I hope Hull stay up, I really do. They’ve been a breath of fresh air. Off the park they charge realistic prices too. A maximum of £25 and as low as £3 for kids. Good on them.
Nice to see Spuds propping the League up again. Now if Pompey can only do themselves and us a favour at the Lane later on today. After an initial upsurge post the arrival of ‘Arry Redknapp, Spurs are showing a lot of vulnerability again. They looked poised to spend a shed-load in the window. Much as it would delight me I can’t really see Spurs going down. I remember the last time they did in 1977. It was delicious. Terry Neill’s greatest achievement for Arsenal for me was laying the basis of a relegation side at the Lane whilst on “detached duty” there. Still, we can dream. A mate of mine wouldn’t mind if we won nothing and finished seventeenth as long as Spurs went down, sick sod that he is. I am however with him to the extent that whatever happens to Spurs, I always hope it’s nothing trivial.
I am though far more interested always in what happens to us. We travel up to Murkeydive in good order. David Moyes has done a great job however with relatively limited money available. I think it’ll be game on up there.
That’s all for today, my fellow Gooners. Well played to all of you who were loud and proud up on Humberside.
Keep the faith!