One arm of the Arsenal propaganda machine (aka the Matchday Programme) reliably informed us on Sunday that Rovers' record defeat was suffered at the hands of the Gunners in 1933, 8-0 if anybody is interested. This statistic would surely have been re-written had it not been for the brilliance of Paul Robinson. I had to look twice when I watched the highlights that evening and saw Fabio looking on from what I have always considered to be a souless new build.I was convinced he would have gone to the Bridge to observe players he already knows inside out.
Robinson deserves his chance again but could the unthinkable become reality and Capello decide David Dunn is playing with the same confidence and swagger he possessed all those years ago when he last won a cap. Dunny is fitter and stronger and more arrogant than at any time since the beginning of the decade. There are always at least 2 wildcards included in any World Cup party and he would certainly be a brave choice.
Sam was correct in believing Rovers should have been awarded a spot kick at the Ems,but wrong in thinking it would have changed the course of the result. Arsenal were in another stratosphere compared to the rest of us. It was the greatest exhibition of attacking football I have seen in the flesh for a hell of a long time. I have often criticised Wenger for undermining the traditions and fabric of the English game but nobody can argue with the way his teams can play.
So the countdown begins to the most eagerly anticipated 90 minutes for the club since the 2002 League Cup Final v Spurs. Allardyce has 12 days to educate the squad as to the enormity of the rivalry and what the occasion means both to the fans and the town. Sam lives locally and is fully aware of what failure will mean.
This game can potentially make or break our season, just as the victory did at Turf Moor in December 2000 and if we are successful who will care if it was achieved using the dreaded 4-5-1 formation!
Let the countdown begin.....
Comments
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Posted by Stephen Brown on 10/06/2009
Good post Marcus.
Frustrating viewing from a Rovers point of view. Thought it was a bit too predictable that Sam would focus on that penalty shout(albeit stonewall) as a way of deflecting the media from the fact that we were a long way short of Arsenal in terms of passing and movement. Seems to be a similar tactic employed by managers these days. No one has mentioned how easily Sunderland outplayed Man Utd on Saturday in the wake of Fergie's conveniently invented rubbish about the ref...Mourinho was a master at such tactics.
Definitely agree that Robinson is doing himself no harm with Mr Capello and should now be at least in front of the increasingly unreliable Foster and Kirkland. Would take him as 2nd/3rd choice to the World Cup behind James and Green. Having said that I've just heard he's pulled out this weekend (!!) which is a shame for his England chances but hopefully good news for Rovers in getting him fit for the Burnley game. Can't wait to burst the Claret bubble.
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Posted by David Osmond on 10/13/2009
I agree that Robinson played a blinder, which is a bit rich considering the score line. However, I just cannot see how the England fans, fickle to the end, will be able to accept him back. Despite limited competition from calamity and that bloke from West Ham.
All that to one side I have to say the game was a cracker, as a neutral I could only admire Fabregas's ability to split and turn the Blackburn defence at will. He just seemed to pick his spot and lo and behold the centre backs would join the rest of us by simply standing and watching with admiration.
Must admit a surreal moment. A stadium of what was it 59,900 home 'fans' totally silenced after 5 minutes by all of 45 Blackburn supporters.
Priceless.
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