3 Minutes Of Madness Gives Arsenal Options With Alex Song
ByI had only just popped out of the living room to get a second helping of the finger licking chicken my wife had made for dinner. As I lost myself in the thought of identifying the juicy piece I wanted, the screaming from my wife in the living room made me drop everything and bolt across to see what the fuss was all about.
I think she was pissed off at Cameroon’s Geremi for his suicidal back pass that gifted Egypt the first goal in extra time. Frankly speaking, such back passes get players lynched in some countries, and you couldn’t help but think what the hell the former Chelsea and Newcastle player was thinking trying to execute such a pass.
I shrugged my shoulders and headed back for the chicken pot that I was drooling over before that untimely interruption. I had only just placed my plate in the microwave to warm the food when another scream followed.
“Now what?”, was the first thought on my mind as I dashed to see the inevitable. As I watched the replay of the Egypt free kick, I couldn’t help but curse out Carlos Kameni the Espanol and Cameroonian goalie. What the hell was he trying to do with that ball. Punching such a ball instead of catching it outright was criminal in the first place, but it was like he was smiling and celebrating while punching it, and that’s what got my goat.
My wife though, was evidently pissed off about something else and it took me a while to realise that the ball never actually crossed the line. I didn’t know Stewart Atwell, the referee who gave the ghost goal at Watford was on duty at the ACN. What the hell had happened in the 3 minutes I’d decided to go for seconds.
And it was that 3 minutes of madness that consigned the Indomitable Lions to defeat. I think the 3rd Egyptian goal was criminal, and the referee should be taken out back, forced to kneel facing the wall and given a good hiding for allowing that goal to stand. At 2-1, Cameroon had a chance, but not at 3-1 with Egypt.
I know there’s a hell of a lot of Arsenal fans rejoicing today as Alex Song gets on a flight from Luanda to Heathrow some time tonight. Many are rejoicing about the fact that he could be reporting for duty at London Colney any time from Thursday.
I’m in two minds though about the Indomitable Lions going out at this stage. My rationale is that if Alex Song went all the way with Cameroon and won the ACN, it will actually be a great boost for his morale and subsequent performances for Arsenal.
The circumstances of yesterday’s exit were quite painful though. Moments of madness like that are known to knock the wind out of anyone’s sails.
Nevertheless, Arsene Wenger will not complain for having Alex Song as an option for the games against Man United and those that follow after this coming weekend.
Arsenal have had a squad of the walking wounded and the return of the Cameroonian ace will be a breath of fresh air at London Colney. I suspect the young man will have to be picked up at some point following last night’s disappointment, but Wenger has shown that he is a master at putting an arm around an excellent player and making them feel that it’s OK.
One other player that will provide much needed relief in the midfield is Emmanuel Eboue. Now how many times in the last couple of years would you have heard Arsenal fans saying they’re desperate to have Emmanuel Eboue back?
If Chelsea are getting Drogba and Kalou back, and Abu Dhabi City are getting Toure and Adebayor back, then it’s only fair that Arsenal get Emmanuel Eboue and Alex Song back.
The battle for the EPL title starts tomorrow. Despite the disappointments for Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon, it’s great to have Eboue and Song back.
Related Articles:
Tue 13th September 2011; 19:45, Dortmund
Your chicken sounds better than the football of the last few days.
Let’s hope our cup exits will be a blessing in disguise.
We really need to make a statement at Villa Park from start to finish, whoever we have playing.
As you say Darius, it’s not all good, Wenger discussed the effects a loss in a major competition can have, and often did have on kolo.
Let’s hope that Song comes back fresh, and not to defeated, as out of the entire Cameroon squad if anybody can hold there heads up high it’s song.
You know ELS, I actually wondered what Eto’o was doing on the pitch. It was almost like someone had held his family hostage and forced him onto the pitch or something – but that’s another story for another day. He better be on form when Inter visit Stamford bridge.
I think the manner of the defeat more than anything will actually affect Song. It’s different from fighting to the death and losing a game gallantly. What happened last night was suicide in footballing terms.
@Flint, you’re damn right that chicken was good…and I’m not just saying that because ‘er indoors may venture onto the blog. There’s some left over for lunch in a couple of hours.
I agree with you, a solid performance at Villa Park will give a psychological boost to the camp. Villa themselves have a few players walking wounded.
It’ll be interesting to see who Wenger plays – Ramsey or Eastmond. I personally prefer Eastmond to play the holding role simply because he is more specialized in the role, and Rambo is better off in the attacking 3rd where he is more lethal.
A midfield of Cesc, Denilson and Eastmond is more balanced than Cesc, ramsey and Denilson. Cesc, Ramsey and Eastmond is an option but Denilson’s experience may be needed more.
Having Sagna and Clichy bakc in the full back positions will help with our shape. Also, if the match allows, Wenger should bring in Campbell at some point to relieve Gallas – but I guess that depends on whether the game goes our way.
Thank God, entirely selfishly ofcourse, for small mercies.
Yeah Darius I agree with the inclusion of Eastmond, but personally i’d like to see TR in the middle as he’s a solid player. Along with Cesc and Deni, I think that would be the best midfield for Villa, but what do I know. I’m sure Wenger will have his finger on the pulse as always.
Good post today mate, as always.
It sure is sad the way Cameroon were ‘duped’ out of the ACN. I fully empathise with them. However, I cannot hide my delight at the prospect of having Song back.
It would be hard to disagree that it’s not fantastic the man is back. I really do hope he gets the plaudits he deserves this season. After all he’s won over his biggest critics, the gunners.
Nasri and NB both back in training, Song, Eboue back. And somebody mentioned that it seems like the first time Nasri and Rosicky are fit at the same time. Surely that can’t be true. However I always do seem to be thinking ‘who would get the nod if both available’.
We have masses of injuries but still seem to be gathering together options again, after the last 2 games slight struggles to field a balanced midfield, we really are now flexing our depth pecs.
Come on you gunners!