A glorious day for football and a good match all round, however passing was the key and making the ball work for you and the Tigers really didn't get to grips with this today along with a different formation, which they struggled with too.
The first period saw Tigers and Torrres start well Babbell and Gerrrarrd held good wide positions and Tenko looked after the defensive midfield role well. After 5 minutes Torress broke free down the right and fired in low, having already hit the woodwork twice. All was seemingly well, with Viddic not being tested in the first 7 minutes. However Gunners never gave up running and chasing and squeezed in an equaliser after 7 minutes. With the half closing out gunners again got a shot on target which again crept inside the post to end the half 2-1 up. Disappointing as Tigers had had so much of the period.
The second period saw formation changes for Tigers, but with no subs and a hot day some legs did look weary, even though they had only played 10 minutes. Torress ran well and really took on more than he should have done at times, but again the woodwork saved the gunners and a series of good blocks by the defenders ensured that their lead remained. Froma Tigers goal kick the ball was scuffed into midfield, the shot came in and Viddic with arms raised handled the ball, penalty! Gunners striker lined up the kick and lifted it high into the net 3-1!
Torress immediately went on a run, unleesing a shot again against the post. Tigers must remain composed and focused on their game at all times, they were playing well but moments of indecision and poor passing cost them today. Sayinmg that a poor goal kick from Gunners shot Torress take a first time shot, not his best but it had enough direction and pace to make the score 3-2 as the half closed.
Into the final period the Tigers had clear instruction to pass, and do what they have done all year, albeit with a slight change in formation as Gerrards legs had gone though he shouldered on well to the end. Tigers continued to press and gunners continued to defend with anything they could head, knee, post, shin.... with the half ebbing away Tenko drifted round the midfield, who played really well today, to have her shot saved well by the keeper. Soon after Torress chased the ball down well, never gave up and dispossessed their defender on the by line, then squeezed the equaliser in between the keeper and the near post 3-3.
With renewed hope the half kicked off, however the Tigers defense, perhaps from having nothing to do up to that moment were hesitant. Conceding a corner from a position where we should have cleared it. Tigers looked like they had the options covered however the ball went through the defending line to an unmarked gunner who stabbed home from 1 yard.
The excitement turned into frustration and poor defending continued, though Rayna made some good brave saves late on in the period. Two quick goals came to the gunners to flatter the scoreline, the first from a good team move but the two defenders tackled each other and the ball trickled into the goal and the final goal broke free in the box and was hammered home to seal a 6-3 victory to the Gunners.
In summary Tigers had more of the game, but gunners converted their chances. The team tried to get things going but the woodwork kept them at bay today.... but theres always next week!
