Arsenal 2 – 1 Hull City: Barmby 13, Van Persie 74, Gallas 84. Highlights here.
Morning all! Last night provided a satisfying win in controversial fashion. Hull’s early lead, through a lucky Barmby goal, was cancelled out by typically late Arsenal goals, from RVP and Gallas. Arshavin was the all-important factor again in this win; this was the sort of game we would have lost a few months ago.
A twisted Phil Brown had a bit of complaining afterwards which focused on three points:
1. He claims Gallas’ goal was offside, as Djourou headed it last – this is debatable.
2. He was unhappy that Wenger didn’t shake his hand
3. Most controversial of all – his assistant Horton, claims that Fabregas spat on him in the tunnel, and he is taking this to the FA.
Firstly the Gallas goal – it looked like it did come off the goalkeeper’s fist last, so Gallas probably wasn’t offside, but it may have come off Djourou. In either case it has been given, we were looking like scoring a second at some point, and luck, which we have lacked, finally came our way. So I can understand his frustration.
Wenger saw the goal afterwards on the Setanta interview and looked very awkward, the questions asked also focused on the fact he didn’t shake Brown’s hand – this was because Brown had gone off to the away fans and players at the final whistle, that is all.
The most crazy claim is the spitting accusation. Wenger told the post-match interview that this was the first he had heard of it. A very bitter Phil Brown said that Fabregas had spat at Horton:
“I was there and I witnessed it, he spat at my assistant manager down the tunnel, that’s their club captain. Hopefully he’s proud of himself. He spat at his feet.”
Fabregas has now put out an official statement on Arsenal.com.
“I categorically deny that I spat at anybody after the match. I have never done this in my whole career on the pitch, so why would I do it when I am not even playing?
“I can understand the frustration of losing a game to a dubious goal, that has happened to me many times in my career as well. But this is not the fault of me or any of the Arsenal players.”
I can believe Fabregas, I see no reason for him to spit, but we don’t know the whole story. It may be some sort of mix up, which has been misinterpreted. It would be in our best interest to get this sorted out as soon as possible. It would be very sad it if it has happened, but equally stupid if bitter Hull have fabricated this story.
Anyway a great result, with a good performance from Song yet again. I was happy with Walcott who looked dangerous at times too, even though his delivery wasn’t the best. Our best player by far was Arshavin, he created most moves, again showing his value, whilst Nasri and Bendtner showed their class, coming on in the second half and changing the game.
Nasri is looking increasingly effective in the central role late on in games, while Bendtner can drop off into the hole, and Arshavin drift in the wide left area. Our attack looks very convincing even if we were poor in the first half, I think that was down to the suprising nature of Barmby’s deflected goal. The fact that we have so many players who can switch from attack to the flanks and midfield is very exciting. We have kept the momentum up with that win, and now we need a result at Newcastle on Saturday.
ArseSpeak 
Why would Brown make something up? He didn’t need to make anything up to deflect any criticism, Mike Riley had already given him enough ammunition to do that. As none of us were there and therefore didn’t witness what happened, we cannot say who is right or wrong. Far better to wait for the incompetance that is the FA to agree, like nodding dogs, that Arsene is right.
Rob…you are no Gunner are you? The FA will not and have never given Arsene the benefit of any doubt in 12 years so why would they start now?
All of the controversy came out of bitterness from losing from a goal which with the benefit of untra slow motion we have but the ref does not, showed that (a) Myhill touched the ball and (b) Djourou was fouled before that in the box and a penalty should have resulted.
But all that is letting facts get in the way of Daily Sun type hype from Brown & Horton….both should be instructed to take very big breaths before speaking in front of the TV….sadly both are known not to have this talent.
When a small club gain a lead by fluke and tries to hold on for 75 mins by using tactics against the spirit of the game then they deserve to lose.
just heard Phil Brown on 5 live…….the guy is deluded…..forgot he said we are ‘that kind of club’. Won’t report us…….the guy is a prick……
the Gallas goal should have been disallowed, here’s a definition from a FIFA presentation:
“Gaining an advantage by being in that position”
means:
Playing a ball that rebounds to him off a post or
crossbar, having previously been in an offside position.
Playing a ball, that rebounds to him off an opponent,
having previously been in an offside position. ”
Click to access 5.%20law%2011_554.pdf
So in effect you’re showing that you don’t know what the rule on offside actually is. As the the rest, turn it around, and ask, would Arsene have reacted any differently to Brown if the Gunners had lost by a controversial goal and he alleged that Hull club captain Ian Ashbee or Geovanni spat at Pat Rice?
I don’t think he would have acted in the same petulant manner, because he has more experience and he knows it is not good to let the media see you lose it. I can understand Brown may be angry, but he is actually speculating in a very controversial way with unsubstansiated claims.
The ref gave the goal, Arsenal have had decisions go like that go against them in the past, I am not debating the rules, I know what they are, but the ref gave it.