No aggro as the landlord just won't have any chanting whatsoever - so a good afternoon was had by all.
No match report from me today but a few observations:
Riley is a cheating Manchester United supporting clown who should be suspended by the FA for six matches minimum. This season he's done Arsenal on a pen, given Manure a pen that never was, allowed the Mancs to kick people, done Man City for a pen and done Liverpool for two pens today against Chelski - he even had the whistle to his lips for the most obvious of handballs by a Chelski player but still didn't give it. The man is a scoundrel. It is obviously no coincidence that the three most hated teams by the Mancs are Citteh, Arsenal and Pool. Why do the F A persist in giving him big games? He shouldn't be allowed to officiate any team whose result can effect Manure's season. Better still he should be taken out and shot, then they can bury him in the Old Trafford goalmouth with his whistle shoved up his arse Six feet under is where he belongs.
Arsenal were proficient and slick, the kids worked hard and Arsene rotated his squad with fresh legs in mind and a view to the next game. With Lauren, Gilberto, Bergkamp and Edu out he still left Pires on the bench which allowed Clichy another match playing in front of Ashley.
Charlton had a reasonable amount of play until we opened the scoring but to my mind we always just edged it. Our first was a fine goal by Freddie, well taken with three players surrounding him in the box and a great turn to stab home from inside the box. The ball in came from Vieira who is back to really good form winning tackles and hitting some great passes. Charlton's equaliser came from a free kick and was a brilliantly taken goal by El Karkouri, the ball went in like a rocket just inside the post.
Arsenal were bright throughout with Cesc starting slowly but growing in stature as the game progressed. Van Persie made a fine pass to Cesc who back-heeled a great ball into the path of Freddie. Ljungberg took it on and fired past the keeper from an angle. From this point on it was our game. A ball hoisted into their box saw Henry challenge but the defender nodded it on. Robin was onto it first and hooked a powerful shot across the face of goal which slammed into the net at the far post. He's beginning to look the part and looked seriously pleased to get on the scoresheet. I also like the way he can hit a corner, put himself about and challenge in the air. Not to mention his fabulous close control.
Gael was a tad away from his best today, Hoyte was nothing special but still managed to do a few really things well, Henry worked well but his touch wasn't quite there today, he was only rather good instead of his more brilliant self. Manuel had little or no chance with their goal. Sol and Kolo were immense, although Sol, came off with an injury to be replaced by Senderos when we were 3-1 up - he looked to have maybe turned over on it and may be a doubt against City on Tuesday. Freddie was buzzing and played a big part in leading the kids. This was a good win and a very well deserved three points. 1-3 to the Arsenal.