Fron Non-League to the Premier League. From Plainmoor to the Emirates. Being a Torquay United supporter it's all quite unfamiliar territory, but nonetheless, thats where I found myself yesterday. The game was Arsenal vs Reading at the Emirates stadium, and I was in the away end. Being a seasoned veteran of relegation battles, I had to be really. Maybe I could pass on my experience?
Onto the game, and to say I was suprised by Reading's selection would be an understatement. No Hunt, Long or Shorey in the squad, and Doyle left on the bench. Had Reading lost the match before it even started? Was Steve Coppell already looking towards the next game, thinking defeat in this match was already a foregone conclusion? It certainly felt that way. Arsenal's selection was less suprising, with only 2nd place to play for picking their strongest eleven. Adebayor, Fabregas, Hleb, Walcott - all starters. After defeat against Manchester United last Sunday, You feared for Reading's chances against the wounded animal of Arsenal.
The match started, and for the first 30 minutes or so, Reading competed. They were getting into Arsenal quickly and staying tight, and most importantly, stopping them play. There was little attacking intent shown by the Royals, but as far as containing Arsenal went, Reading were doing a good job.
Then came the goal.
Kolo Toure created the goal with a deep cross, but all the credit belonged to Emmanuel Adebayor. His deft touch from Toure's cross took the ball away from Ibrahim Sonko, before coolly slotting the ball past Marcus Hahnemann for his 22nd goal of the season after 30 minutes. Disaster for Reading, and from this point, the rest of the game was a formality.
Reading's heads suddenly dropped, as they stopped getting tight to the Arsenal players. The away team seemed to be spectators, watching in awe as Arsenal passed the ball around with relative ease, with every player wanting the ball. On the contrary, when Reading got the ball, no-one wanted it, and the lack of options from other players made sure the ball was played aimlessley long. Maybe lower-league football wasnt so far away afterall?
Things went from bad to worse 8 minutes later, when Gilberto's long-range shot beat Hahnemann via Bikey's head. 2-0 to Arsenal, things were looking bleak for the Royals.
Arsenal continued to press as half-time approached, with Hahnemann making smart saves from Toure and Van Persie. Reading were clearly rattled, and you felt the half-time whistle couldnt come quickly enough for the Royals. Eventually the whistle did come, putting an end to a one-sided 45 minutes. Arsenal were in complete control and looking comfortable, Reading were devoid of any confidence and looking toothless going forward. Needing three goals, it was an uphill task for the Royals. Surely changes has to be made to salvage something from the game?
The second half started, and no changes were made from either side. It seemed Reading had accepted defeat, and the rest of the match was a case of damage limitation. Arsenal continued to dominate, and were able to play in second gear. Reading rarely threatened the Arsenal goal, not managing a shot until the 80th minute through Bobby Convey. On the otherhand, Arsenal had numerous efforts at goal, and Royals fans have Hahnemann to thank for keeping the score into single figures.
Reading fans remained in good spirits, supporting the team and trying to enjoy themselves as much as possible. Chants were ringing out from the away end despite the lacklustre display on the pitch. Somehow I felt at home.
The final whistle eventually blew up, and like many predicted, Arsenal had comfortably won the match. The sheer lack of ambition from Reading was hard to comprehend, but Reading have bigger fish to fry next week, as they face relegation rivals Wigan. Arsenal on the otherhand were a joy to watch, playing football of a standard that quite simply, I'll never see watching my beloved Torquay. It's a sacrifice I'll have to make.
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