Arsenal ran out easy winners yesterday against bottom club Derby yesterday. It finished 6-2, but frankly it could have been goals galore for Arsenal.
It was Derby though who started out on top, and were a lot sharper in the opening 20 or-so minutes from the start.
Arsenal lacked rhythm to begin, but that was all to change.
A bad pass by the Derby defence allowed a neat one two from the front-man on the night Bendtner and Robin Van Persie, with Bendtner slotting home past Carroll for the opener.
Some more sloppy defending allowed Derby back on level terms a few minutes after to level—something that's become an all too familiar pattern for Arsenal towards the latter half of the season.
The last few minutes of the first half saw Arsenal retake the lead when Toure delivered a well timed overhead pass to a streaking Robin Van Persie who chested the ball down before crashing it into the back of the net. (This after he missed another easy chance one—on—one with Carroll.)
The second half was all Arsenal
Earnshaw though scored one more for the already relegated Derby.
Derby, however, ultimately were just cut to ribbons.
Emmanuel Adebayor scored three when he came on to start the second half for Van Persie who did not return due to injury.
His first was made by Theo Walcott who made a fine run on the right hand side, beat a defender in the box and squared for the telescopic legs of the Togolese to slide home.
Walcott scored a fine goal of his own, this time running down the left side and smashed home—this almost immediately after Earnshaw scored Derby's second.
The score was then 4-2.
Adebayor added two more before the close to round off the rout.
His three goals of the night were no.'s 28, 29, and 30—a splendid achievement for the striker. He has looked a bit non-plussed in recent months, but it was nice to see him get amongst the goals yesterday.
This was his second hat-trick of the season—his first coming in the reverse fixture. He may not quite be in the highest bracket as yet, but maybe we won't be saying that for long.
While it was a splendid display going forward, the defending still left a lot to be desired. To concede two to the bottom club—a club who is struggling to score, puts things in perspective. Arsenal really need to spruce it up if they are going to challenge for the title next season.
Maybe a certain Tony Adams could help us out.
While even the most ardent Gooner has given up their title hopes, Cescy still believes.
The PFA young player of the year winner said: "Nothing is impossible. We have to win the last two games and then we'll see. We are not the favourites, but you never know."
You have to admire his optimism, but really it would have to be a huge miracle and the most unlikeliest of possibilities for them to win from here.
But it would be wonderful wouldn't it?!
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