The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly: North London Derby

While it wasn't the steamrollering we were all hoping for, I think only the most jaded and cynical fan would call yesterday anything but a good day for Arsenal - three points despite not playing all that well, and, at least as of this writing, no injuries.  Positives!  Anyway, let's take a look at some of the good and the not-so-good from yesterday:

THE GOOD:

- Tomas Rosicky's goal.  I mean.  I MEAN.  Holy crap, that was one hell of a shot.
- Ox in the middle of the park.  He's unstoppable there.
- Arsenal's defending.  I've talked a bit this season about how the back line is the sort of unsung hero of Arsenal's season, and yesterday was no exception; the standout play was of course Mertescelny saving Szcz' bacon, but the defense was solid throughout the game, which is good because, well...

THE BAD:

- ...There was the whole second half.  Arsenal's inability to hold on to the ball, and inability to pass it successfully when they did, is very worrisome; they weren't great for most of the first half either, but the second half nearly killed them.  Against a better team, Arsenal would have been punished for how poorly they controlled the ball.
- Ox on the wings.  Stay in the middle, please.
- Arsenal's complete and utter failure to exploit Spurs' high line.  That's the kind of defense Arsenal's attack should rip to shreds, but the aforementioned inability to pass really hurt them.

THE UGLY:

- Ox.  Oh, Ox.  Really?
- Szcz getting an early start on March Madness game by attempting to win the opening tip
- Tim Sherwood.  Throwing balls at a player?  Pure class there, man.