Arsenal 1, Tottenham 0, Chelsea still waiting
Arsenal deliver a lovely game, Tottenham give it
their best, Chelsea must wait to celebrate their league title for at least a few
more days.
It seems fitting that Chelsea will be able to win
the league by their own actions this weekend instead of celebrating following a
rival's loss, especially a rival as classy as
Arsenal.
Arsenal almost strike in the opening
seconds, as Reyes beats the offside trap but shoots wide in the opening minute.
Just as Tottenham are finally beginning to come foward, it's Reyes once again,
taking a nice pass from Fabregas, running in and shooting murderously into the
far corner to make it 1-nil. Arsenal have additional chances, through Vieira
especially, during the rest of the
half.
Tottenham come out for the second half
a more assured side. They control the ball, although that control wavers in the
final third. Defoe and Lehmann square off during a pair of corners around the
64th minute. Senderos misses a header off a free kick in the 68th. Arsenal
switch gears and begin to reclaim the possession around now, spurred by the
addition of substitutes Bergkamp and Edu. Edu hits the post in the 74th, and
Highbury begins to chant "olé" after a long series of one-touch passes by
the Gunners. Not typical of the English game, but surely fitting for these two
sides, who both value attractive football. Reyes misses again in the 76th, and
combines on a lovely move in the 83rd with Bergkamp, but the Dutchman shoots
wide. Newly-entered Robbie Keane misses for Tottenham in the dying minutes, and
Arsenal hold on for a deserved win.
Chelsea
is denied its victory party today, but unless someone can beat them several
times, their lead is insurmountable. Arsenal have shown real class in the final
months of the season, even with goal-scorer Henry injured. Chelsea will have to
win it on the field, possibly as soon as Saturday against Bolton.
Posted: Mon - April 25, 2005 at 10:49 PM