I just watched MotD. The highlights show we were actually lucky. Yep, lucky. They had 3 or 4 really good chances to score. Really good chances. Despite us controlling the game, we are obviously very vulnerable at the back.
The difference with that game yesterday was that over Xmas one or two of those chances would’ve gone in. We’d have drawn or lost that game. Last season they won 3-0 at the Bridge and that scoreline was harsh on us, but chances were taken and Cole gave away the gift at the end. Sometimes luck plays a part in it, and yesterday we were lucky.
Similarly, the shite drew at home against wolves where recently they’d have won that game. A couple of saves kept out their 2nd goal. On the way home from the Bridge I heard on talkSport their fans were calling in saying it was a jaded performance and they looked tired etc. And on MotD they said it was poor performance, but the highlights showed a few chances. Old ‘arry has had some luck of late, it must be said, with 3 points being taken on many occasions when one or none would’ve been more realistic when chances against were looked at. They have an easier time now as they have no European football, so shouldn’t be looking tired moving on. They are still 6 points clear of us.
I just hope we start to run some decent luck as our defence looks weak! Cahill isn’t that good, but hopefully more reliable that side show bob, who was booked again after just 8 minutes yesterday. Torres is looking sharper, but he needs that lucky break, or maybe it’s a deserved break now – with a goal going in.
Although I’ll round off pointing out that Dowd refused to give two nailed-on penalties to Torres yesterday, but in saying that Cole clattered in to the back of Bendtner soon after the first claim so S’land could’ve been given one too. But Torres did have maybe half a dozen attempts on goal, and it was his 11th min side volley that clattered down off the bar to hit Lamps’ leg to go in. I do hope Torres gets his deserved goal soon…