Arsenal 3-0 Burnley
I headed off at Saturday lunchtime from my home in Colchester to London in excitement to see my team play for the first time this season. The last time I saw Arsenal, they had booked their place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, which of course proved to be the end to the infamous 9 year trophy drought. Now, I'd hoped we'd progressed after that Wembley win but there have been mixed signals. The signing of Alexis Sanchez was one of ambition, quality and value for money as he is a world-class talent. As well as viable replacements in David Ospina and Mathieu Debuchy for the departed Bacary Sagna and Lukasz Fabianski, Calum Chambers has been an excellent signing. The 18 year old has fitted in so well after just 20 plus appearances for Southampton and now having to step to not only a Premier League starting place but Champions League football. Yet, the missing defensive midfielder and central defensive cover have exposed the squad with injury trouble, especially at the back. Chambers now finds himself in the predicament of being the clubs back up centre half and starting right back with youngster Hector Bellerin also forced to be promoted to first team duties. Too many draws have made the season very inconsistent and meaning it hasn't got going yet. But, the bright sparks of performances from Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and attacking dynamo Sanchez have put Arsenal in a steady position at this point of the season.
So as I met my Dad in Liverpool Street, I arrived in my new puma jersey, of course flaunting the name of Alexis (17) on the yellow away kit, which was rather baggy. It's safe to say I wouldn't be easy to lose with my bright yellow shirt, rucksack and slightly ginger hair. We made our way to Arsenal station along the tube line, which is annoyingly packed all the time! I always get that match-day buzz every time I hear the tanoy say, "The next station is Arsenal." I love watching my team and walking out of the station and turning right to the view of the beautiful Emirates Stadium and stall holders along Holloway Road up the stairs, along the bridge and seeing legends surround the outer layer of the stadium. Thierry Henry, George Armstrong, Tony Adams and Charlie George among many. As it was my first game of the season, I felt obliged to get a programme. It's a good read, you get a free poster and there's always a chance of winning the lucky number, although I of course didn't again. Me and my dad enjoyed watching the end to the lunchtime game in the refectory as a massive cheer went up when Newcastle scored against Liverpool. I had a hot dog whilst I watched and I was surprisingly impressed by how much better it was than past years, definitely recommended there. I know sitting in the corner isn't the most attractive of seating areas for most but any seat in the Emirates is one I will gladly sit in to watch my team play. I love where I seat and have ever since I first went in 2008. The pre-match warm-ups ensued and I was ecstatic to see Theo Walcott back, shooting, running and interacting with the action again after a serious injury which had kept him out since January. One thing I thoroughly miss from the pre-match build up is the playing of 'Wonder of You' by Elvis about 15 minutes before kick-off. It was a really uplifting track and encouraged the crowd to sing a long and I enjoyed hearing it just before the teams walked on, although London Calling is a very good pre-match track as well but it's not got the same ring to it. One thing I love, is the Arsenal montage. A montage of Arsenal FC with clips from over the years from Charlie George's winner at the Old Wembley against Manchester United and Michael Thomas' "It's Up for Grabs Now" Anfield winner to Thierry Henry's Invincible moments and Tony Adams' "Would You Believe It!" season defining goal against Everton.
Then, the teams entered the field. It was not the walk over thumping that I expect most Arsenal fans were anticipating. I certainly had thought we were capable of putting Burnley to the sword and were needing to lay our marker down with a comprehensive win. Yet, Tom Heaton was not on my wavelength. The Burnley keeper pulled off a string of wonderful saves to deny not only Danny Welbeck but the exceptional Alexis Sanchez who was trying from all angles. What did get me annoyed was the inexcusable decision making of the referee Craig Pawson. Heaton was wasting time from his first goal kick up to the first goal and didn't receive a booking. The amount of times he did it, he could've and should've been sent off for at least seven or eight occurrences of the same bookable offence. My frustration was building, as well as that of the fans around me. The fans sang loud as we tried to push the team on but it wasn't helped by the sheer abysmal taking of corners. It has been well known this season that we cannot take corners, whether it's Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain or even Sanchez, it's always over-hit or hits the first man. Cazorla was having another below par day as he continued to miss sitters after fluffing two last week he missed a great opportunity as he hit his shot against Jason Shackell on the line with the goal at his mercy. Then came the moment of quality, endeavour and pure delight. Alexis Sanchez had been the source of everything bright, positive and golden in terms of skill and genius. His vision, running and power reminds me of Sergio Aguero and to add he has an eye for goal. Sanchez's record since arriving is fantastic and he added to it by powering home a superb header from Chambers' cross. Just to clarify, Sanchez out jumped a 6'4 defender with his incredible leap, just a sign of his obvious quality. 70 minutes of frustration had been let out as roars went up around the Emirates and it was amplified when the excellent Chambers got his first Arsenal goal from, dare I say it, a corner. Sanchez then grabbed a superbly taken second after picking up a centre from Cazorla. But arguably the moment of the day was the return of Walcott. A standing ovation awaited as Theo played his first Premier League match since the 2-0 win over Cardiff back in January. He nearly scored as well but Heaton was again having none of it with an impressive parry followed by a sensational left hand claw to deny a thumping volley from Lukas Podolski. Overall, a good day in the end, an Arsenal win, a Sanchez masterclass and a Walcott cameo, I could enjoy the train journey home happily reading my programme and look forward to Match of the Day and see it all again!
I will sign off with the goals from the game at Emirates, until next week! sjt
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