Plans for Sunday

Decided to make an early start this morning since I had to see a referral from Park City. I’d rather go there first and then back to Subang as sometimes the blood results on Sunday mornings took a while to come.

The boys and Anita was still asleep while I to made the quick exit. My maid was already up and was on the internet, Skyping with her relatives back home listening to updates on the aftermath of the storm last night. Looked like the worst was over, although only now the real damage could be assessed. There were still fire going on at places which were hit.

So, ward round, breakfast, packing, back to Subang, and then Arsenal! Might try to make it to the KLickr party at Titiwangsa late afternoon weather and time permitting.

Fair Scoreline

I managed to catch the last few minutes of the earlier Arsenal-Norwich game and it was a good one. It was end-to-end, with can Persie scoring a couple of late goals to bring the Arsenal up 3-2, only to see the lead cancelled out by a late goal. The 3 all score line was a fair one even though Arsene Wenger would have thought otherwise.

So, next would be the FA Cup Final. But I would need to get the admissions sorted out first.

Away at Arsenal

Personally, I was rather tired last night and the fact that Balotelli slotted in late minute penalty for Manchester City destroyed my mood further. As far as I was concerned, he should have been sent off for his kick on Parker. I am sure however that he would be receiving a ban soon when the FA had a look at the TV replays. I would not be surprised if Lescott also receive a ban for his elbow on Kaboul.

Anyhow, United played well against Arsenal and at the end of the day, was good value for their 2-1 win. I was glad to see that Wenger, for some reason decided to bring off Oxlade-Chamberlain after their equalizer spite him setting up the goal and other chances, and being Arsenal most effective attacking player. That boy can play!

Van Persie took his goal really well and I was hoping that Jones would recover soon from his ankle turn. It looked nasty. As for the winner, Wellbeck finished up a great team effort, and a very good assist from Valencia again. Apart from that, I thought Wellbeck was a waste of space.

Three points away from home is always welcomed. Next week would be the fourth round FA Cup tie against Liverpool. Should be another cracker!

Home to Arsenal

It was a privilege. A sort of birthday present. Asking for a clean sheet would be a tad ungrateful, but the eight goals were taken very well. And it was clear that the turning point was the penalty save by de Gea. Not only it lifted the team, that save would have given his confidence a world of good. A low hard penalty to his left from van Persie. Got down well to palm it away for a corner. That shot was poised for an equaliser.

We were cruising after a lucky goal from Wellbeck. How did he managed to get his head to the ball while being surrounded by three defenders and the goalkeeper would make Arsene cringe. Then came the first of two Ashley Young wonder strikes. We were playing champagne football by the time Rooney chipped the keeper from a free kick. We shut down before half time and conceded a goal in the dying minutes of the half.

Arsenal started the second half with impetus and got a few half chances. Then came another chipped free kick, again from Rooney. 4-1. Nani missed a glaring chance in front of goal a few minutes later, but atoned with a goal later, put on one-on-one by Rooney. No mistake there, but that was his last kick of the match before being replaced by Giggs. The sixth came from Park, before van Persie volleyed from point blank range to make it 6-2. United then wrapped things up when Arsenal was down to ten men. The seventh came as Rooney's hat trick from the penalty spot after Walcott clipped Evra inside the area. No mistake or penalty safe this time. The final goal came with the second wonder strike from Young in injury time. And that was how it stood when the fat lady sang. 8-2.

United could easily scored more, well into the double digit. Jones was solid at the back, de Gea was growing in confidence, but the man of the match was certainly Ashley Young. Arsenal did not help their cause, when they decided to play a high defensive line against a quick team like United. Even Alex Ferguson was sympathetic during his post-match interview. Arsenal could have made Rooney think twice about chipping the free kick if they had had a man to guard the post. They just did not learn their lesson, and did not change their tactics during halftime. Something very atypical of Arsenal. The only reason for that must be lack of personal. Arsenal definitely need to buy.