Arsenal vs. Rovers: Henry is Back (video)
After being sidelined for weeks with a back injury, Arsenal’s Thierry Henry is back to his brilliant self, setting up Kolo Toure and scoring a stunner for himself in the Gunners 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers Saturday.
The Gunners were reduced to 10 men early on after Gilberto was harshly shown red for retaliating against Robbie Savage. The red card was a harsh penalty, especially when you consider it was against Savage – hardly the poster boy for gentlemanly football.
Blackburn is a nasty side, one that can pound the crap out of you, as illustrated by Andy Neil’s brutal punch in the face on Robin Van Persie during last years FA Cup semi. Neil and Savage are both approaching double digits on the card scale. Add in Tugay and you’ve got a side that goes down kicking and screaming. And why wasn’t Friedel carded for kicking the ball at Van Persie’s head after he was brought down by Lucas Neil?
Still, Rovers hardly looked like they played with a man advantage for most of the game. Arsenal continually looked dangerous and created opportunities. And Henry was unfortunate not to get a second just before being substituted for Adebayor late in the game.
With an important game against ManU this weekend (minus Gilberto due to the red card), 2 Carling Cup ties with Spurs and an FA cup tangle with the always tough Bolton on the schedule, Wenger and the boys will have their work cut out for them over the next few weeks. But if their past few performances are any indication, Gooners should be in for a heck of a ride.
