As with all decisions, it is largely based on the opinion of the ref. Sidwell's was a call that a lot of refs would have made. And I think most refs having given Sidwell's, would then give Giroud's. It was a silly tackle to make in that situation although on another day, he might have got away with it. I didn't think Giroud played well today, so maybe an enforced rest will do him good. However, I am less worried about what it will do to us going forward and more worried about not having him in defense. We have a team of midgets apart from the back 4 and set pieces might be a problem. Podolski isn't anything like as good in the air as Giroud. Still, a good 3 points away from home.
Giroud's been playing like a donkey for a long time now, having him out of the team is a good thing and is supporting the team, cause you're taking the weak link out, Giroud hasn't at all justified his constant starts.
I think that away from home we are just being more conservtive and not taking very many risks. It isn't exciting, but it is quite effective. We are happy to win by the odd goal now instead of trying to win by more and getting caught out. Terrible offensive performance but a pretty good defensive one.
Our defence thankfully has been pretty good for weeks now, good timing to start getting things right at the back! On the flip side, Spurs' defence looks very leaky and weak right now.
Could not give a **** about the performance at this point in this season, it's all about the results and we are getting them. Also since, the defensive horror show at Spurs, we have conceded three goals in seven games (all competitions).
I didn't get the opportunity to watch the game but am very pleased we got the 3 points. We are keeping the pressure well and truely on for the top 4 spots. Only 5 points behind City at the moment! I doubt many thought we would be in such a strong position earlier in the season. One thing that stood out for me in the brief highlights i had the opportunity to watch was Girouds red card. I've watched it several times now and i'm pretty sure that if we appeal the red it will be revoked. I can see why it was given due to the nature of sidwells red for fulham, but Giroud doesn't actually lunge in on the player, his foot lands on the ball and he just ends up on his arse. It looks far more like him treading on the ball and falling over than him making a poor challenge. So despite me being annoyed at the red as missing Giroud will be more of a loss than people think (several games where he single handedly deals with opposition corners and games where his knocks on mean we keep possession and control of games). He may not be the greatest striker going but he is of a good quality and works very hard. But i have a feeling we will successfully appeal. Overall i can't comment much as the highlights ive found where rubbish! So i'll just say COME ON ARSENAL! Lets once again prove the doubters wrong and obtain our top 4 spot.
