SSN Exclusive: Arsenal vs. Bolton: The Editor's Match Report

Nick and Carol argue over a text...




I knew it was a good omen when I passed Charlie George on the bridge from Highbury House to the Emirates Stadium a few hours before the match. Charlie was deep in conversation with a couple of handlers, surely on the way to his usual game-day meet and greet with the fortunate few at the stadium. I was on my way to the Twelve Pins to meet Nick. It was a gorgeous day in North London, with temperatures in the mid-60s, a nice mixture of sun and clouds, and none of the humidity that has plagued so much of the U.S. this summer. A couple door down from the pub is a wonderful felafel joint where I like to take my pre-match meal prior to quaffing my pre-match pints. As I gobbled the delicious (always ask for extra chili sauce) fare, I spotted Nick and his son Charlie approaching the establishment. It was a pleasant surprise to see Charlie; I didn't know he was coming and had not seen him since a wedding in San Francisco a couple of years back. He told me he'd just finished university and was living with his folks whilst looking for a job. I told him I could relate to that!

A Bolton fan. They do exist...

The scene at the pub was excellent, with the punters enjoying the lovely day and the prospect of an Arsenal win. Soon Carol arrived and we got the tickets sorted. Carol had a friendly family from Bolton in tow -- she'd met them at an away fixture at the Reebok last year and was showing them around on their trip to London.

Outdoors at the Twelve Pins...

Having never met a Bolton fan before, I naturally took a photograph of the girl in the family to prove that such individuals do exist. I resisted the urge to heckle her for supporting a club that employs Kevin Davies. She was a bit young, after all.


Charlie and Andy discuss Andy's club, QPR...

At the appropriate time we set down our drinks and headed off to the ground. Once there, we met up with Alec and Simona, the two newlyweds who whose long-delayed decision to tie the knot prompted my journey across the pond. We entered the Emirates and headed up to our seats. We were quite high up, around the corner from the North End at about the edge of the area. I've never sat in that part of the ground before, and I quite enjoyed the perspective it provided.

Charlie, The Editor and Nick: 2 for £2...

The match kicked off and within moments Szczesny was forced to make a superb save from some Bolton bloke. The half continued without much real action, the exception a breakaway from Gervinho that he blew with a heavy touch.

On the way to the ground...

In truth, it was a rather boring first 45, with Bolton mainly sitting back and watching us pass around the perimeter. The whistle blew and we headed down to the concourse for some much-needed nourishment. Simona took the lead with an Arsenal 125th Anniversary Hot Dog. None of us followed her lead...

The players make nice. Plus Gunnersaurus...!!

We knew we had to pick thing up in the second half and we didn't take long to do just that. I think about a minute had passed when Ramsey played the ball out of midfield, fed RVP, and the captain shot low and hard with his left foot to beat Jussi at the near post. 1-0 to the Arsenal.

Not long after, Bolton were reduced to 10 men. Theo had the ball and was headed for goal when he went down. It was impossible for me to tell if he went down too easily, but the result was a red card for some Bolton wanker.

Simona enjoys her 125th Anniversary Hotdog...

Theo was involved in Arsenal's second when he crossed for RVP to flick in. A third looked to be coming and it did, albeit from an unexpected source and in an unexpected manner. The source was Alex Song and the manner was a lovely shot from the edge of the area to beat Jussi in the upper right-hand corner.

The view...

Of course it wouldn't be The Arsenal without something going wrong and today it was the sight of Theo pulling up lame. It looked like a hamstring injury and he can join the legions of players on the sidelines. Although it was his run that caused the Bolton red card and his pass that provided Van Persie with the second (and his 100th for the club) goal, Walcott remains frustrating to watch. He continues to make odd decisions at odd times. He shoots when he shouldn't, runs into cul-de-sacs and too often fails to make use of his pace. Regardless, he's obviously a vital component of the squad and let's hope for a speedy return.

In all, it was a win the Gunners desperately needed and it was wonderful to be in the house to see Van Persie's 100th goal for the club. Not many have done it, and he should be proud.

The North Bank...

As I left the ground I was approached by a young woman from Winkball who requested a brief interview. I duly complied and you can view it here. Click on Page Three and you'll find me in the box on the far left of the third row.

Until next time,
The Editor (Sanford)