Arsenal vs. Norwich – Gilberto’s return
April 2, 2005
This is the first Gilberto match report I’m writing. I probably won’t write a report on every game he plays in, but I’ll do games which are interesting to write/read about. Each report will be fairly short, and only about what Gilberto does. For Arsenal match reports, try arseblog.com, and for Portuguese language Brazil match reports, try CBF News.
So, the news that Gilberto might return for Arsenal was the only Gunners-related news for most of the week leading up to the Norwich game. That’s because Gilberto is one of the worlds most famous players, and not because there was absolutely no other news because of international week.
Gilberto started alongside Flamini in the centre of midfield, and as a defensive minded player, his biggest worry was Darren Huckerby for the Cannaries. Huckerby proved a worry to Arsenal when he scored, but it wasn’t Gilberto’s fault.
Throughout the game, Gilberto played alot of short passes, and unlike his typical self, most of the passes reached their intended target.
He made about 3/4 tackles in the game — quite alot, considering Arsenal had the ball for most of the game.
In the absence of Vieira, there were flashbacks to the beginning of the season, when Fabregas came on for Flamini. Henry took the captains armband, which left Gilberto organising the midfield. From the North Bank, I saw Gilberto signaling to the other midfielders to hold the midfield line properly.
He had two shots (I think), and they both went quite far over the bar. Good to see he’s still his old self.
He pulled off two pieces of close-control skill, to outwit Norwich players. Highbury was stunned for a minute, and then forgot he did it. He’s invisible, i tells ya.
In huge news, I think he’s cut his hair a bit, though it isn’t as short as we’re used to.
Arsenal had an easy game, and Norwich didn’t create many chances, so Gilberto’s overall day wasn’t very busy – but for a return game to the Premiership, he did fantastically well, and he played for all 90 minutes.
Well done Bert.
Depending on how he comes out of this game (fitness wise), Gilberto’s next game could be in a weeks time, against Middlesbrough in the Premiership.