After stamping our authority on the game early on, creating chances and hitting the post, we quickly faded away. Our passing became sloppy, our movement non existent and our defence nervy. Yakubu' s goal came against the run of play, but even that could not kick start our performance.
We began the second half much as we had the first; playing with a fast pace and with a range of exquisite passing moves. This time however, the chances didn't come. We huffed and we puffed, probing away on the edge of the area but lacked that killer final ball. Again, the second goal came against the run of play thanks in no small part to Cygan. Make no mistake, I am not the typical plastic Cygan basher, but I am edging ever closer to joining them! First, he sent a defensive header back into the danger zone where two Boro strikers were waiting, rather than putting it out of play to give us time to regroup. He then proceeded to play Boro onside after dropping back before stepping up painfully late giving Maccarone the simplest of chances.
We eventually managed to get a consolation goal through Reyes, who rounded the keeper after a neat flick from Van Persie, and almost got an equaliser when Cole shot deep into injury time, but his effort went wide. So we have the worst possible start on the road. It's time to regroup, refocus and make sure we get back on track as soon as possible.
A quick word to the lads – please show some appreciation for those that travel all over the country to support you. Once again they disappeared straight down the tunnel, with most not even applauding the fans from the half way line. Would it really be too much effort to take thirty seconds to walk over to us?
Arsenal Man of The Match – Alexander Hleb
Jens Lehmann (7) Could do nothing for the goals. He made one world class save to deny Maccarone with a one handed effort to push the ball around the post.
Ashley Cole (7) Provided an outlet on the left when our play became too narrow.
Pascal Cygan (4) If he wasn't hoofing the ball out of play, he was gifting Boro chances.
Kolo Toure (6) Unlucky not to be able to stop Yakubu's goal, and burst forward late on.
Lauren (6) Sent plenty of balls into the Boro box, but unfortunately nobody gambled on them to get in position.
Robert Pires (6) Started brightly, but mirrored the teams fortunes as he faded away after the first twenty minutes.
Mathieu Flamini (6) Got stuck into the midfield to good effect early on, but seemed to become over run in the second half.
Gilberto (7) He sat back to provide a passing option, but could never find the killer ball.
Alexander Hleb (8) Another excellent display. He passing and dribbling are superb, and his vision up there with the best.
Jose Reyes (7) Unlucky not to score early on after having two great chances. He worked hard for the full ninety and was rewarded with his goal.
Dennis Bergkamp (6) He was unable to make the telling passes when it mattered.
Subs:
Robin Van Persie (7) His direct play was exactly what we needed, and he broke into the Boro area on more than one occasion.
Cesc Fabregas (6) Like for like for Flamini.