2-0 and, as Carlo would say, we still in de difficult moment, but things are looking up.
We started very, very well, but just couldnt break through - Ramires' shot against the crossbar in de first few minutes summed up our luck recently. As the game went on, the crowd and the players got increasingly nervous and it looked as if the bad spell was gonna continue. Finally our luck changed - from a scrappy corner Ivanovic squeezed in an ugly shot. The relief was clear and it was followed up not too long after by another scrappy Anelka goal. That was the kind of victory we needed.
Positives:
Ramires - he was excellent today, Man of the Match. His hustling was great as always, but his tackling and passing were vastly improved. He really looked like a top player today and the crowd are starting to get behind him. His problem often seemed to be that he was trying to hard, but he was much more composed today and chose his passes wisely. Offensively he will never be a Lampard, but based on his overally game he looked like a new Essien (unlike the real Essien, who continues to look short of confidence). If he could play every game like today I would definitely have him start over Mikel.
McEachran - only had a 15 minute cameo at the end, but did not put a foot wrong. This kid is great. Constantly wants the ball and
never loses it. You can tell how much confidence the other players have in him because he is usually their first option to pass to when he is nearby, which is very unusual for such a young player (contrast that with Ramires who is usually given the ball as a last resort). He will definitely be a key player for England in the next World Cup (from the man who first told you about Jack Wilshere, check the Arsenal thread if yuh tink I lying
)
Negatives:
Drogba - he seemed to be trying, but his running looked very laboured, as if he is carrying an injury or has simply lost a step.
Malouda -he got better as the game went along, particularly after we went ahead but he is not making the marauding runs he used to anymore. His play is too slow, too methodical for a winger....he's playing like Anelka. One Anelka is frustrating enough.
