By Boris Mellor
February 19 2010
Wenger was clearly still smarting about the Porto free kick at his pre Sunderland press conference. Some of the press had suggested he had no right to complain as Henry had scored from two similar free kicks. However the replays showed there was no such similarity.
One obvious difference, but not obvious to her majesty's press, was that the free kick was inside the penalty area, Henry's kicks were all from outside the box.
Secondly the behaviour of the referee was incredible, he took the ball off Fabianski and immediately threw it down for Porto to kick before the, admittedly dopey, keeper could get back to his goal. At the one and same time the ref managed to body check Sol Campbell who was trying to get goal side. The ref was effectively a 12th man for Porto in scoring the goal. All this one minute after Rosicky was refused a nailed on penalty.
Oh well time to move on, and next on the list is Sunderland who have not won a game since err, erm, err oh yes its coming back to me, November 21st 2009. I should have remembered because it was Arsenal who they defeated.
Just when you thought it couldn't get worse
Wenger reported on his latest crop of injuries, Almunia might return but is awaiting a test. Diaby now joins the boys in the treatment room, it's nice and warm in there, and medial ligament injuries are now all the rage. Arshavin, Eduardo and Gallas remain injured and could all still be out by the time of the Stoke game. So there are not many, "just like a new signing" players returning this week, or next come to that. Unless Song who is on 80% chance of returning manages to play, and plays well.
Since Arsenal last played Sunderland the Wearsiders have plummeted down the league, but no doubt Arsenal will do everything they can to rekindle their confidence. However Sunderland have only won one game away all season, drawn three and lost nine. They have let in almost as many goals away as Arsenal have conceded all season; they have also conceded 16 in their last five away games. So even our powder puffs should be able to polish them off.
