It has taken a few weeks to get the North London derby out of my system. Rumours that I was incarcerated after the game are false, although my father’s arrival just as his team took the lead (see earlier blog) was particularly bad timing. Nonetheless, I have rationalised that game. We were beaten by a better team on the day. There, I’ve said it. The missed chances notwithstanding, they were the better team and deserved the points. If we want to beat them and progress, we have to recognize that fact.
I’m less sanguine about failing to beat less accomplished teams. Fulham was particularly frustrating because we were the better team. I didn’t see the Bolton game, but understand that the same applied there. Aston Villa? All I can say is that my workday was disrupted (3pm kickoff here) as I ran the gamut of emotions. Bloody team!
On the much discussed topics, I am firmly in the “time for a break” camp for Robbo. Unlike outfield positions, the idea of goalkeepers playing themselves back into form is almost bound to drag a team down. Once a goalkeeper’s confidence is shaken, not only does he become prone to errors, but so do the defenders in front of him. Uncertainty breeds uncertainty. All those who watched the Aston Villa game and saw Dawson turn and begin to head upfield in the belief that a simple catch had been taken will know that he won’t do that again because he cannot trust his keeper. It takes a string of flawless performances to repair that trust and there is no sign that Robbo is capable of doing so at the moment. Personally, every time I have seen Cerny I have been impressed at his competence and good distribution. I would have given him a run already, before the current incumbent’s confidence is completely gone.
And then there is Berbatov. For him I take a different tack. I think that people expect too much from him. With service, and support, he is a gem. He is not a one man team. Shorn of other forward options, such as Lennon, he becomes the sole focus and much easier to snuff out. Today, he showed glimmers of last year’s form, but I do not think we will see his best again until we have some more width. But I cannot see any reason to drop him. He is creating chances for others and I am confident that he will rediscover the goalscoring form that has eluded him so far.
By the way, if we keep up the manner of our play for the rest of the season, I have to make some changes to my TV room. Memo to self----purchase life size Wenger doll to strangle if we let any more last minute goals in!