Reserves - Arsenal v Chelsea 20/01/98

Arsenal reserve match

Avon Insurance Combination, 20 January 1998

Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

We won 1-0, in a very cold game at Enfield's stadium. The pitch is poor so fluid passing was not possible, but nonetheless we outplayed a Chelsea side with very few recognisable players (Mark Stein and Rocky Rocastle were the only two I recognised - more of that later). The formation was

Manninger
Crowe, Adams, Wicks, Richard Hughes
Mendez, Garde, McGowan, Jamie Day
Kiwomya, Muntasser
Subs - Wreh, Boa Morte & ?

Manninger - little to do, one poor kick out, other than that composed and comfortable.

Crowe - defensively OK, little overlapping - was caught out once or twice.

Adams - He's back and looking VERY fit. Constantly talking to players, took one or two of them aside when opportune and spoke more about their duties. Defensively solid, distribution good - was really a class apart with one or two noticeable exceptions. It was good to see the old Tony again.

Wicks - now I've heard some less than flattering things about Wicksy, and on this performance its hard to see why. Maybe because he had Tony next to him, but he rarely put a foot wrong, read the game well and used the ball intelligently - reasonably impressed.

Richard Hughes - my father, who knows nothing about our reserves singled him out for praise, and he deserved it. He was very calm (at one point surrounded by three Chelsea players snapping at him, he turned out of trouble and used the ball well). If we can squeeze one more season out of Nutty, young Hughes may save the club a lot of money.

Garde - this must have been his first game back - looked short of pace. Always looking to use the ball well, but we've all seen him do better. Subbed early in the second half for Wreh.

McGowan - played a central midfield role - played the holding role after Remi had gone off. Did nothing spectacular - except for his mouth - was constantly talking and encouraging his team mates. Potential captain for his presence if no other reason.

Mendez - I was looking forward to seeing Alberto, and he didn't disappoint - sliced through the Chelsea defence on one occasion only to see and thundering drive skim the upright. Went off shortly afterwards with a badly twisted knee courtesy of the pitch.

Day - was very quiet on the wings, became more central in the second half and was far more effective. Good vision, and the ability to use his vision.

Muntasser - a quiet day, save for one blistering strike - didn't see him do anything wrong. Dropped to the right wing in the second half.

Kiwomya - Oh dear. Set up the goal beautifully, then he was crap. Missed an easy header, cos he decided to kick the ball. Had a nice bit of control and shot saved - but the keeper didn't have to move. Was put through one on one with the keeper (well clear, loads of time, ball under control) and decided to pass to Chris Wreh who was yards offside - should have shot - should have been shot. On this performance, believe me, Chris Wreh is a better option.

Boa Morte - star performer other than Tone - caused no end of trouble for the Chelsea right back, and anyone else who he got near too. Scored the goal (a sweetly struck shot from about 12 yards). Went past players at will, crossed well, generally took the piss out of the Chelsea defence - without over doing it - VERY impressed.

Wreh - tried hard without ever quite getting it right. He was a handful, so difficult to get him off the ball. Control wasn't bad - in fact after one complete air shot, he had the presence to retain possession and then use the ball. Clearly not the same player as his cousin, but showed potential.

The one thing that stood out for me was that Chelsea players were constantly calling out too each other - lots of dialogue wheres as Arsenal were (nearly) silent. However we were clearly a different class to them.

Wenger was there, along with at least 1,000 others - yes 1,000!

Finally, I was disappointed to see Rocky - I know we explored this players demise last year, but it was clear to see why Gullitt isn't playing him. Talked a lot, fouled a bit, passed a bit, but there was no magic or sparkle anymore - a real shame.

Last but not least, one of the funniest things I ever have seen at football match - poor Mendez is down and needed the stretcher, so on come the St Johns team, and one of the bearers is 10 yards on to the pitch when he pulls a muscle. He limps to where Alberto is lying, he in the meantime has been picked up by the physio and a.n.other and is carried off, leaving the ST Johns team to turn around and walk back off, with the injured stretcher bearer limping along behind too mass laughter and applause from the stand!

report by Gareth Wilson

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