Live Blogging Chelsea vs. Arsenal

I'm going to give this live-blogging a go and use today's match between Arsenal (go Gunners) and Chelsea (boo) as a trial run. I hope this is a format Hunter FC will be able to master (or worst case scenario abandon) by the World Cup. Here we go...

11:00am Almost forgot this was a London derby since this would be a big game regardless of it being a derby and the only London derby that reeally matters is the one vs. Tottenham.

Line up for Arsenal- pretty standard, no rosicky, but diaby and song in there....

Kick off is on

wow, going to be a fast paced, intense game for sure. It's only the 3rd minute and I already love the energy so far.

Oh, first legitimate shot definitely should have been a corner. Walcott is very involved so far- like to see it. He usually comes off the bench, nice to see him starting a game and not afraid to jump in there.

6th minute- free kick for Chelsea. Simply can't let in an early goal. Nerves are high...nothing. phew.

Son of a bitch. Drogba puts an easy poke in off a corner to put Chelsea up 1-0.

Arsenal playing like their title hopes depend on it, because they do. And to be honest, you have to (and should) win big games to win the title.

Peter likes the fourth official- Peter Walton. "Reasons are obvious."

12th minute. Arsenal seem thrown off their game. Playing long balls instead of possession.

Just a tad offsides Le Sulk.

First corner, let's get something on goal here.- Cech's helmet willl never not be absurd.

Arsenal willing Arshavin to get involved, to be a big factor in the game. The more the ball gets to him, the better.

what a gorgeous chance by arsenal. damn.

Peter: well then

me: should have put that away

what a beautiful ball

"had time"

Peter: that's a pretty good strike still

me: he had to hit that first time

Peter: haha, the little russian

21st minute. Arsenal dominating the last several minutes of play. Looking dangerous. Nothing to show for it though.

Son of a bitch. Drogba scores again, in typical Drogba style. 2-0. This is awful.

The turn of momentum highlights an ever present weakness that Arsenal has- lack of killer instinct. Or maybe just a lack of a striker to put chances in the back of the net. Drogba is special (so is Rooney) in those regards, but we don't have that striker.

Agree with commentators. Must score by halftime.

30th minute. If you have to knock down Drogba to defend him, fine.

Hmm, f you, commentator. I will put Arsenal's passing up against anyone. That is not a weakness. Too much passing? sometimes. Pace of passing? no.

Might need a beer at half time. Loving Peter's commentary in the comments section. Might try and see if we can simultaneously update the same blog post in the second half. That would definitely be ideal.

44th minute.

Peter: corners are tough with your team of midgets

me: i'd like to see bentner brought in for walcott

give us some height

thank you peter, just saw your midget comment

they really are though

Peter: i think arsenal should ask for a "pass-off" instead of standard corners

or a dribble-thon

they'd do better w/ those

Half time and time for a beer.

Ok, set to get underway again. Come on Gunners. If you're not going to win, let's be entertaining, show some spirit, etc.

Great. A Chelsea corner. Wonderful. Nice clearance.

48th minute. There is literally no player I dislike more than Ashley Cole. I have visceral reaction just from the sound of his name.

Ok, more attack from Arsenal. Another corner. I feel like at this point, Chelsea is purposely allowing them.

Hey, random Chelsea player who was taken down. The ref is not going to give a yellow card for an innocent tackle in midfield.

51st minute. Drogba appears to be hurt. J. Cole warming up. Arsenal on the attack and oh look, another corner. A short one and we get a shot off. Hmm, seems like a tactic to stick with to me.

Hey Arshavin, let's have a shot on a goal. You have the ball around the 18? Just knock one off.

55th minute.

Hey Fabregas, let's have a shot on a goal. You have the ball around the 18? Just knock one off.

Le Sulk briefly looking dangerous as some random Chelsea player waltzes through 3 of our tinky defenders and feeds him a ball in the box. Peter wonders why he didn't shot.

58th minute

Peter: matt damon is there

Arsenal fans setting off red firecrackers in the stands. Give Arsenal a moment of inspiration, good opportunity by Nasri.

Hey Nasri, let's have a shot on a goal. You have a breakaway in the box, put the ball in the back of the net.

I officially hate this one commentator. "The more passes there are the more chance the other team has to intercept." I refer you to this. Some teams play a possession game, one relying on patience and movement and waiting for an opportunity. That's Arsenal's system- sometimes it works, and yes, sometimes it's infuriating.

68th minute. Oh you mean Fabregas, going after poor little Drogba. Bentner wins a dangerous free kick. *Fingers crossed* Here we go, come on Fab...

Two extraordinarily good chances. But they come up with? nothing.

73rd minute ok, after liverpool, arsenal has 6 straight games against mid table or lower half clubs...other commentator, stfu. I don't think they'll quickly go from title hopefuls to battling for 3rd place.

Some subs- Rosicky in for Diaby and Eboue in for Sagna.

Not having RVP is killing us in these big games. Not only is he a world class player but he has the experience and poise to score in big games.

Arshavin has completely disappeared in the second half.

Wow, another great opportunity that amounts to....nothing.

80th minute Arsenal still charging, still attacking. They've played with spirit, but sometimes you need a break and need some luck.

Terrific, a free kick for Chelsea. I feel this going to 3-0 Chelsea. Drogba rips it and hits the cross bar. Almunia was completely helpless. Didn't even move.

Mighty Fabergas going after poor Drogba again. Classic captain tenacity there.

90th minute. Fabregas hits a glancing header wide. Commentator: "That's Arsenal's day for you."

Yep.

Closing thoughts- Arsenal played a good game- had tons of good chances, were perhaps unlucky on more than one occassion. Cech was mighty and Drogba was Drogba.

I refuse to believe our title hopes are over. Chelsea and Man U will drop points. But to be honest, and as I mentioned earlier, you have to win big games to be champion and we haven't done that this season. Champions League starts up again in a few weeks.

I think the live- blogging went well. I'd like to see what people think- how it can be improved/etc.

Now to unwind in Mark Hunter style- with shoveling snow and a nice walk.