Well like some other Gooners I'm sure I was feeling a little nervous coming into this game missing 9 players from our squad. There was to be no underestimating the importance of a good start to the season. If we want to forge a title challenging season then we really need to hit the ground running like last season. If we drop off early I can't see us catching up with Chelsea or United, they are both ruthless when in a winning position and know how to hold on to it, we really need to win our opening 6 games or so.
It turned out to be a bit of a tense game but the stats tell another story, in fact you could say they suggest it was a perfect start to the season. Arsenal walked off the pitch was 3 points in the bag, and new boy Nasri bagged his first goal within 3 minutes of his debut, and what a great goal it was too. A fast move down the left from combination work by Denilson, Bendtner and Clichy put Denilson in a great position to pull the ball back for Nasri for a close range, well composed finish.
A lot can be made out of a new signing struggling to hit the net for their first time, and within 3 minutes really puts that to bed. It plays on the mind of players when they don't get their first goal, it clearly played on Theo's mind and was great to see the joy experienced by Nasri in his goal celebration... Add to that the fact he was possibly our man of the match I can't even remember what the guy from Belarus looks like these days, this kid is going to be better than Hleb.
Whilst our strike force were frustratingly poor (especially Adebayor who ended up getting booed for trying to much himself) we looked OK in defence. Djourou was OK, I think Gallas was wrong to have a go at him for not stepping up in a West Brom attack early in the first half because Clichy was playing the same line as Djourou, the player would have still been onside. Djourou then made a vital goal line clearance to make it 2 clean sheets out of 2 so far for the season, albeit against weak opposition but a good sign nonetheless.
Wenger confirmed before the game that Justin Hoyte will be going to Middlesbrough so lets wish him the best in his future career, was a shame he never made the grade but I am sure he will fit in well at Boro. I think that this departure opens up the door for us to bring in a new defender too, Wenger only signs players 'we need' and with the departure of Hoyte we have lost a member of the squad who he had not initially factored on losing so hopefully we will bring in a utility defender to fill the void left by Hoyte in the squad, hopefully an experienced one.
Fulham away next Saturday, they lost to Hull yesterday so we will go into this game fancying our chances. Cesc might not be back for this one but hopefully Van Persie will be fit after getting through the last half hour or so yesterday, and Kolo should be back too. A couple of players with exceptional quality should hopefully help to make the difference next Saturday and we can continue on course during our relatively easy start to the season.
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