If you recall I said that a win at Reading was absolutely essential and to win it convincingly would be a nice bonus. Well we did both. In a move that I think suggested willingness rather than intent we started Walcott upfront. We started well and all 3 upfront looked sharp. I've been fairly critical of the Ox this season as I think he's had a rough start but he looked very comfortable on Monday night. We went out and instantly looked dangerous, most of it coming through hat-trick scorer and easily MOTM, Santi Cazorla who showed what a truly class player he is. There was a slight wobble when we conceded 2 but the night was nicely capped off with a Walcott goal.
This weekend we travel to a ground where we've had, well very mixed success shall we say. Wigan are a team that always fight and are difficult to defend against, although they have been slack this season and sit in the bottom 3. Hopefully we can carry on with the momentum we built up against Reading and really kick on, there are no doubts this is a game where we should be winning but, there is no definitive in football.
I think we'll see a similar team, if not the same team from the other night. I think we'll start Walcott upfront again but if things start looking a bit lapse then we might bring Giroud on from the bench and shift the front 3 around. We have no new injury worries so there is no reason to change things unless Wenger has some idea's tactically as to how he wants to play this one.
Wigan are struggling with injuries this season and it shows by their recent line ups. It looks like Di Santo should return for them though with Kone out on the wing. He's a dangerous player Kone and Gibbs will need to be sharp to deal with him and may need some help from Podolski and others ahead of him. We know Di Santo can score if given the chance so we can't afford to give them many. Our port of call though I think will be down our left with Emerson Boyce still in at right back due to injuries. We creates a raft of chances down the left against Reading and I think the speed and creativity of Gibbs and Podolski may be too much for the 33 year old to deal with.
I think Stam and Jones will have more defensive duties than they would like against us but with the speed at which we move the ball across the box I think we'll drag Wigan out of shape and that will be our main threat.
In other exciting news, we have drawn Bayern Munich in the next round of the Champions League. I'm not going to be drawn into a long debate about it but this is the sort of match we should be looking forward too, this is what the Champions League is all about, big matches against big teams. So for the weekend COYG!
Prediction: Wigan Athletic 1-3 Arsenal
It's been a tough week. Losing to Bradford then the onslaught from many ex-players all giving us their 'vital' opinion. As much as I try not to take notice of shit like this, it's hard when we're in this mess. There has been one shining light and that is Jack Wilshere who has been a breath of fresh air this season and does actually look like he cares. He has come and it looks as if he's close to agreeing a new 5 year deal, that's been reported in the Mirror. The only piece that is worth reading from this weekend is this one from an unlikely source.
We know that tonight will be a tough game, we know that reading can score goals and quite a few if they get going. But we need a win, like against West Brom, it doesn't matter that the result was secured with 2 penalties, all that matters is the result. It would be nice to see us go out there and smash them 4-0 to relieve some pressure. The one thing that needs to happen tonight is for everyone to be putting a shift in and to be giving it their all. There is no doubt that this team is more than capable of beating Reading with ease, if they turn it on.
I've heard conflicting reports that Walcott is back and that he's definitely out. I would imagine in this case he'll face a late fitness test, let's hope he's in the team either way. The good news is Giroud is back upfront after missing the car crash that was Bradford away. I would imagine the team will be something like this: Szczesny – Sagna – Mertesacker – Vermaelen – Gibbs – Arteta – Wilshere – Cazorla – Podolski – Walcott – Giroud. For me that's probably our best side.
I said the other day that there didn't seem to be any fight or passion within the squad for the club. I'm hoping that the fallout has shaken some of them up. Above all they should all be embarassed about the performance they put in at Valley Parade and they should be determined to go out there tonight and to put things right.
Tonight will be a tough game and although a win won't put everything right, it'll be a start and it will relieve some pressure and stress on everyone. Problems like the one at Arsenal can't be put right in one attempt, it needs to be done in steps and tonight is the first step.
Prediction: Reading 1-2 Arsenal
They say "Without a struggle, there can be no progress", right now we're in one of the biggest struggles I can remember as an Arsenal fan. We sent out a full strength side against a team 3 divisions below us, who claimed that this cup was a big deal to them, who said they wanted to win this competition and quite frankly deserved to go out. We went out there expecting Bradford to roll over and that just doesn't happen.
Take nothing away from Bradford who played unbelievably and they fully deserve to be in the draw for the next round. They were organised and defended well and put in a real shift. That said, we should be beating a side in their position every day of the week, strong side or not. The thing that worried me last night more than anything was the attitude of the team, they were casual and there seemed to be a feeling of "we'll pull it off", they seemed to assume that if we carried on we would score and they were right. After 87 minutes of football that saw us hit the post and saw Gervinho miss a chance that literally every footballer on the planet would score, Thomas Vermaelen who was terrible all match popped up at the far post to nod home Santi Cazorla's cross.
From this point it was all Arsenal, we hit the bar, their keeper pulled off some top class saves and Jack Wilshere went through but refused to hit the ball with his right foot which in the end saw another Arsenal chance go begging. When it went to penalties we missed 3 which is inexcusable, 2 hit the woodwork and Cazorla's well, the less said about that the better. The one player that did what he needed to last night was SZCZ. He stood up when he was needed in the shootout and did his job.
The result last night sums up all the problems at Arsenal right now. The problems that occur when you sell the best striker in the country to your rival and don't replace him. The problems that occur when you know the squad isn't good enough and don't add to that squad with the quality it needs (whether that's the board or the manager's fault, who knows). And finally and I think the saddest of all, the problems that occur when the board, manager and players all live in a serene bubble of "it'll come good eventually" when the position and pride of the club seem to come below everything else. When there seems to be no hunger and fight for what they do (bar a few individuals).
That's whats wrong with the picture up there, only Jack and the Ox look gutted. All of them should be devastated. So now, confidence shot, spirit low, we have to look to Reading on Monday night, when we need a result more than ever.
I can only hope that last night was the wake up call that the board, the manager and the players needed. Sadly I doubt this will be the case. To quote Snatch, you are on thin fucking ice my pedigree chum, and I will be under it when it breaks.
3 BIG points. 3 points that we desperately needed after poor results recently. A lot was made of Santi Cazorla's dive to win our penalty, firstly it was amusing seeing United, Tottenham and Chelsea fans all go crazy over it, despite the fact they have some of the worst divers in league. But we were good value for our win, despite only scoring 2, both penalties and both expertly taken by Mikel Arteta. It could have been 3 or 4 as Wilshere and Podolski wasted chances.
Tonight we once again compete in the competition that sadly is out best chance of a trophy this year. After the most ridiculous game of football I've possibly ever seen we earned an away tie at League 2 Bradford City. Similarly to the last match I think we'll see a bit of a mish mash of a team with first team regulars being left at home before reading on Monday. That said Giroud, Walcott, Koscielny are all still out but Vito Mannone returns to the squad.
Picking our team tonight is bound to be impossible so I won't even try. There's an interesting piece on Thomas Eisfeld on the Arsenal site this morning that might suggest that he's in for a start. I really like Eisfeld, every time I've seen him start he's been quality and if he starts tonight, I might just fancy him to grab a goal. Other players to look for are Serge Gnabry who looks to be a really good footballer. I think we might see the likes of Arshavin play (here's a bit of trivia for you: Andrey Arshavin played his first professional game against Bradford) along with Chamakh.
Similarly I'm not going to attempt to guess Bradford's line up. What I will say is that if we underestimate them, we'll be stupid to do so, just ask Bolton. There's nothing more dangerous than a lower league team with nothing to lose going at it. Bradford also have a remarkable record of winning 8 consecutive penalty shoot outs and let's face it we don't have a great record on penners, so should it come down to that tonight it will be a complete 50/50.
All that said I expect us to win, but I also expect Bradford to score, possibly even first. I think be a high scoring match, but who knows in this competition. On a side note, as a token of good will, the Friends Of Bradford City have organised to give out 1000 Santa hats to travelling Arsenal fans which is kind of them and hopefully will promote a fun atmosphere for all.
Prediction: Bradford City 2-4 Arsenal
Apologies once again that I didn't post before the Olympiacos game, luckily it wasn't of great importance and I think that was reflected by the side we fielded in which just 3 of the players from the Swansea match started. It's also lucky it didn't matter due to the scoreline, but there you go, we're through none the less.
After doing the business in Europe we need to get back to business in the league and drag ourselves out of the hole we're currently in. After Wenger saying more times than you can count that "we were not sharp", he has rested a lot of the first team including players who are clearly struggling (Cazorla, Arteta) so that won't be an excuse at the weekend. With any luck we won't need one against a West Brom side who have dipped a bit in recent weeks.
The bad news for us is that we have lost both Podolski and Walcott for this one, two players that can create chances and score them. Walcott also seems to have been the key to a lot of our pace this season and without him at times we have been lethargic. We are also without Kosciely at the back and Sagna faces a late test on his foot but is expected to miss out. With all that in mind I would expect to see Gervinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the wings with Giroud returning to his lone striker role. Carl Jenkinson will fill in at right back if Sagna doesn't make it.
West Brom have been performing well this season but have begun to falter over the last couple of weeks. That said they still boast the attacking power of Odemwingie, Long and Morrison who are all more than capable of bagging a goal on their day. An area that I am concerned about is the midfield, Mulumbu is basically a tank and if he is on form he could give our rather smaller trio some problems, that said his pace isn't amazing so speed could be key. Ben Foster is also still out so they start Myhill, hopefully we can create some chances and really work the American.
I must admit that I am feeling slightly optimistic about tomorrow, despite being without a few key players. I don't think it will be pretty and I don't think it will be convincing but I can see us nicking it by a goal. COYG!
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 WBA
Another game, another point. I said before we went into the Everton game that I thought 4 points from Villa and Everton would be good but we made it hard with the draw at Villa. Everton are doing well this season especially at home and especially when Fellaini is fit. We started well none the less and Walcott had the ball in the net and had us on the board with 52 seconds gone. But gradually we let Everton get back into the match and the equaliser was coming and of course it was Fellaini. Both sides went on to have a multitude of chances with Jelavic (luckily) missing most of them. Giroud headed just wide and then later on he clipped the ball over the defence but annoyingly along with Gervinho, when a ball to feet would have been more effective, although I'd still bank on Gervinho fluffing his lines. A draw at Goodison Park is a good result based on this season but we now NEED to beat Swansea this weekend to keep up with others above us who are threatening to run away with this.
Swansea are a real hit and miss team and it's hard to tell which Swansea will turn up, they took West Brom apart on Wednesday, which when I looked at I saw nothing other than a West Brom win. That said a win for the Swans would take them above us in the table, so they have obviously been going well, but I can't help but feel that much of that is due to the 9 goals scored by their new signing Michu.
We have a few concerns over this weekends clash. Koscielny is out for around 3 weeks after straining his thigh and Sagna has taken a knock to his foot which has made him a major doubt for the game. Other than that we have no new concerns. So we should see Gibbs and Jenkinson slot in at left and right-back respectively. I think we'll see Podolski return too on the left and after a slight knock Walcott should start again.
Swansea have a few attacking options other than their main threat of Michu, in Dyer, Routledge and De Guzman, they have a fairly pacey side so we will need to have our wits about us when they come forward. Although they have other players I think if we keep Michu quiet we might sap their team of creativity. At the back Chico could be a weak spot, he has already been sent off this season and if he picks up a yellow he will need to be careful so if he gets booked early on that could be an outlet for our attack.
A final point before I wrap things up is that as many of you are probably aware there is a march before the match tomorrow organised by BSM. Now whatever your feelings are about BSM there will be a lot of supporters on the march and the last thing we want is a clash between our own fans, they have the right to march if you don't agree with it then leave them be. If you would like to take part I would urge you to read this before making your own decision as to whether this march is right for you.
Right that's it for now so COYG!
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Swansea
Once again apologies for not posting before the Villa match, I have been rather busy recently. I will however give you a brief rundown of what went wrong, in my opinion. Well firstly we rested a couple of key players in Sagna and Wilshere, both who have come back from injury. Wilshere gives us a sort of spark in the midfield, especially when he links with Cazorla, we look threatening. The reason for resting them is clearly because they have both just come back from long term injuries, but I can't help but feel it just highlighted the lack of depth in squad.
The core of our team is strong: Arteta, Cazorla, Wilshere, Diaby. But who have we got when they are fatigued or in Diaby's case, injured. Nobody of that quality. I feel the need for a few players in January just to ease the pressure on some of our regulars. A striker to ease the mountain of pressure on Giroud and a couple of midfielders to free our main 3 when they are fatigued and in the English league, the game is intense and with midweek cup and CL games, players who are getting on or aren't used to it will struggle with fitness. I will briefly touch on Wenger's choice of substitution to take Giroud off for Coquelin really must have set the tone for the rest of the side, "we're going for a draw". I don't think it was the right move but I think Wenger had half on eye on the game tomorrow night.
Talking of tomorrow night, we face a long and difficult trip up to Goodison Park, where Everton had a good start to the season but have wobbled over the last few weeks. Everton are one of those sides who people have been talking about as to whether they will make the top 4. For me they just don't have the depth for that, when they are all fit and firing they are a very good side, but when they lose a couple of key players, they seem to lose some of their threat.
Walcott is set to return for us and I expect him to start and see out Alex OC. Likewise with Sagna and Wilshere who were both rested, I would expect all of them to return to start with the Ox, Ramsey and Jenkinson missing out. Whether Vermaelen will return to the start is a bit of a hit and miss, Koscielny could fall back to the bench or on the less likely, Vermaelen could return to left back at he expense of Gibbs. Mertesacker will remain in the team to try and counter some of the threat of Fellaini. The big German will have a busy game tomorrow, so lets hope he's on the ball.
Everton will see the return of their main man this season Fellaini who will sit behind Jealvic, so they have a powerful duo going forward. The pace will come from Naismith, on the right, who has been deadly this season and Pienaar on the left. Osman and Hitzlsperger will make up the rest of the midfield. At the back we will see Heitinga and Distin in the middle with Jagielka and Baines either side. I think down the right may be our best form of attack with Walcott yet again. Although Baines is a top class left back, he does like to go forward and in front of him he has Pienaar who isn't exactly defensive minded.
Tomorrow's game is a big one, a win will lift us above them and could put us 2 points behind Chelsea. If we want to keep up with the teams above us we need to kick on and win games like this. When I looked at Villa away and Everton away, I would have been happy with us to get 4 points from a possible 6, but as always with Arsenal we'll have to go about it the hard way. COYG!
Prediction: Everton 1-2 Arsenal
It was not a classic Arsenal performance by any means, but it was a game where there was only ever going to be one winner. The first half was frustrating and really disappointing. For the first 10 minutes I can't recall seeing any team pass as badly as we did, balls were being sprayed all over the place by Wilshere, Alex OC and a few others. We did eventually settle down and began to boss the game, especially in the midfield. However for all our dominance we created only 3 chances. The best of which came to Podolski who dragged his right footed effort wide.
4 minutes into the second half however and we were on the score sheet and it was a special moment for Jack Wilshere, after so long out of action. Podolski knocked it back for Vermaelen who crossed it in, the ball was expertly controlled by Giroud and Wilshere flicked the ball past the keeper, a great finish. He showed his appreciation by running to the bench and hugging Declan Lynch, our fitness coach.
We continued to hammer the Montpellier goal and then in the 63rd minute, Podolski showed exactly what he can do with his left foot. Podolski and Giroud linked up well and Giroud flicked the ball back to Podolski who hammered the ball in past the keeper, definitely our best goal of the season. The points were sealed and we could have had more.
Giroud was denied a goal by the onrushing keeper as was Cazorla. Montpellier to be fair had their chances too and there were a few worrying moments in the Arsenal box but in the end we were the dominant team and we thoroughly deserved the points. New that Schalke had scored late on meant we were through, for the 13th consecutive season. We can still win the group in Olypiacos but its nice to know that now the pressure is off.
Job well done and now we look ahead to Villa away on Saturday.
In a bizarre deja vu moment, we once again ruined our neighbours in the derby at the emirates. A favour from an old player and goals from basically all of our new first team players saw us ease past them.
It didn't start so easily however. In the first 15 minutes, they looked dangerous and the better team. Gallas soon had the ball in the net only for it to be ruled out for offside but the warning signs were there. Then as Tottenham came down our left, Mertesacker got dragged out of position and Defoe and monkey-man tore into our box in acres of space, SZCZ got a hand to Defoe's shot but the power on it took it across and there was Adebayor to poke it home. However his joy was very short lived.
After a clearance from their box, Mertesacker chested the ball well and it came to Cazorla, but Adebayor tore into him, high, studs up and the ref only had one option. Off he went and it changed the game. You can talk about what might have been had he stayed on but he didn't so it doesn't matter.
Walcott, who again showed he's quality and improvement and also showed that again we need to sign him up, did well to get around Naughton or whatever the fuck his name is. His cross was great and Mertesacker rose above everyone and powered his header home and I can't stress enough how good a header it was, from 12 yards, right into the corner. It was also good to see a real display of emotion from him in his celebration.
Moment's later it was 2, a nice passing move saw the ball fall to Podolski, whose shot clipped Gallas' heels (the wanker) and took it past Lloris in goal. A bit of luck yes but in football sometimes you rely on a bit of luck. We were now running riot and the third came not long after. This time it was a moment of brilliance from Santi Cazorla. You hear so much about continental players going down too easily, this time, it was the opposite. He was fouled when running towards the box, but he didn't want the foul, he wanted the ball and he got back up ran past 2 more players and cut it back for Giroud who finished well on the slide. He's really hitting form now and that shows with that finish, half a chance and it's in the net. But Cazorla really deserves a lot of credit not only for that but for his performance overall which was fantastic.
The second half started where the first left off and this time Cazorla got the goal he deserved. Podolski got in down the left and played the ball across the box for Cazorla who watched it all the way onto his foot and in. Monkey man pulled one back for the yids. But then in the 91st minute Walcott who was also fantastic latched onto a ball from Alex OC and finished it off nicely. Overall an emphatic performance and one that we really did need.
I don't want to sour the mood which don't get me wrong, should be very good at the moment. But at the same match last season, I was sitting in the Clock End whilst me (and everyone else in my block) were getting lectured by a bloke about how Theo wants X amount a week and how can he ask for that when he performs like this and at the time I was inclined to agree with him. Now I'm converted. If he wants £80K a week, we should just give it to him. I do think he deserves it and we'd have to shell out to bring in a replacement anyway so that is now where I stand.
Montpellier at home midweek and it's a game we really need to win to ensure we're in a good position to go through.
If you haven't read it already I've already digested and analysed the Fulham match so I won't prattle on about it. Tomorrow is the match that we all look for when the fixtures come out, it's a match where the team that wants it more normally comes out on top. Neither of us have had a particularly flying start to the season but this is the match that could see either one kick off and pick up some form.
The good news from an Arsenal perspective is that there is a chance that SZCZ will return to the side along with Walcott and Alex OC. I think we'll see Szczesny return tomorrow after he was on the bench against Fulham. Mannone has filled in, but there is no doubt in my mind that SZCZ is number 1. I really hope Walcott is fit to start because he gives us pace down the wing and we look more of a threat when he plays. If not Alex OC also provides pace and power on the wing, which I think we desperately need at the moment.
Other good news for us is that Dembele is definitely out who in my opinion is by far their most creative player. There are doubts over Defoe and Lennon. I think Lennon will make it but Defoe is touch and go. I'd like to see Defoe out because although Adebayor provides a threat of his own, Defoe is on form and scoring goals. When I look at the back line I see Gallas as the weak link, he's old, slow and not to mention a wanker. I think he could be our entrance to the Spurs box.
There is no doubt tomorrow is a huge game for both teams, not to mention a win for us would put us above them in the table. I have no doubt there will be goals. It should be an exciting match. COME ON ARSENAL!!
Prediction: Arsenal 3-3 Tottenham Hotspur
It all started to see well, just like against Schalke, then just like against Schalke we conceded a 2 goal lead. It was a match where had we just been tighter at the back we could have gone on to score more and would have easily taken the 3 points.
Giroud, who was fantastic, opened the scoring after just 11 minutes with a powerful header than Schwarzer couldn't keep out. Then on the 23rd minute, Podolski converted Arteta's cross and we were 2 nil up and cruising. However, once again, defensive problems at the back saw Berbatov find space far too easily and simply nod it past Mannone. It then got worse as Berbatov then crossed for Alex Kacaniklic who peeled away from Sagna and headed into the ground from 14 yards. Mannone perhaps could have done better but he did have to travel the length of the goal to get there.
The second half didn't start well either. 20 minutes in Arteta, who had an absolute mare, was caught dallying on the ball by Ruiz and then gave away a penalty. At which point Berbatov stepped up and cooly put the penalty in. We had squandered a 2 goal lead and we all feared the worst. 2 minutes later Giroud came to our rescue, he hit the base of the post with a great effort, it fell to Walcott who then crossed for Giroud to head past Schwarzer again. With seconds left, we got a dubious penalty decision when Arshavin put in a cross that hit a Fulham defenders hand. Harsh, but in this league you have to take these chances and sadly we didn't. Arteta rounded off his shocker by having his penalty saved very well you have to say by Schwarzer.
I understand that the manager has his penalty takers set out before the game but it seemed the logical move to let Giroud take the penalty, although he missed one against Coventry earlier in the season. That's not a moment to linger on or worry about, everyone misses penalties it just happens. What worries me more is the fact that we once again shipped 2 goals that we should have dealt with.
It's the derby this weekend and its a real chance for either team to kick on as we've both been playing badly. I've heard reports that we will start with 3 centre-backs. If Wenger decides to do that, he will have lost it. For 2 reasons, firstly as an attacking team, removing an option going forward isn't smart. Secondly this is the derby at home, we have to go out and show we mean business, we can't sit an absorb pressure.
A lot of mixed feelings and opinions ahead of Saturday, I'll be back with mine beforehand on Friday. I'm going to finish by saying that I've seen a lot of talk on twitter about people wanting us to lose at the weekend. We support our team, always. We can be disappointed with results and we have the right make those feelings known but we always have to support the team. It's what we're here for. Until next time enjoy the rest of your week.
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Well, sadly I have to talk about the game at the weekend. It was another slow and just generally lacking any sort of fight. We were beaten in every area of the pitch and it was just routine for United. Once again our first shot on target was in stoppage time and it was a great goal for Cazorla that will be overlooked due to the generally awful performance. I have to admit, I think Wenger got it all wrong tactically, he failed to take Wilshere off and subsequently he got sent off. Ramsey was again played on the right and I'm sure he'd be the first to tell you that's just not his position, I can only assume he didn't play Walcott as he payed 120 minutes mid week but sadly I just have a feeling its Wenger being stubborn over his contract situation. That's all, I'm not going into the whole Santos/RVP shirt incident.
Tomorrow night we return to Champions League action against Schalke, in Germany. This is the game I was dreading even before they took us apart at home the other week. It's a notoriously tough place to go and play and in our current form I must admit I am worried. Our team is clearly lacking confidence and there is no doubt a win over there would settle a few nerves. To do that we need to attack fast and we need to actually work their keeper and just play the Arsenal way. Sadly we are still without SZCZ and Gibbs who at the back I think we are missing tremendously, Santos likes to go tearing up the pitch and doesn't get back and although Mannone hasn't done too bad, I still think SZCZ is our number 1 and the sooner we get him back the better. Ramsey is out after picking up a knock so I would expect to see Walcott on the wing.
Obviously the players to watch in the Schalke side are Farfan, Affelay and Jan Huntelaar. Our defence need to sort themselves out and they need to do it fast, otherwise teams with the sort of attacking threat that Schalke pose will simply tear us apart. If we tighten up at the back and attack with pace on the counter like we used too, we have a chance. They lost 3-2 at the weekend which shows that they do lose and can be beaten.
The team travelled to Germany earlier today I believe and Wenger needs to prepare them mentally for the tough game tomorrow, I just hope that tomorrow it all clicks and we fire into gear. COYG!
Prediction: Schalke 04 1-1 Arsenal
I didn't actually think I'd have time to do this post but due an unforeseen change of plans I do so here it is. I don't need to remind any of you, about the mauling we suffered at Old Trafford last season, it's one that we will all have to hear about for some time from annoying, London-based Man United fans which makes up about 95% of their fan base, but there is no doubt that turning up tomorrow and turning it on would certainly help.
I think overall the side that we're taking there this season, is stronger than the side we put out last season obviously with the notable exception of a certain Dutch striker. Whether this side will be enough for us to turn around our quite frankly terrible record up there is another question all together. That said United I don't think are playing well at all this season, they're annoyingly grinding out results but they aren't doing it convincingly. That said, neither are we, but I just get the feeling that if the side that played Southampton or West Ham turns up we have a slight chance.
The team that we will field looks to be similar to that which took on QPR last weekend, with the exception of Gervinho who is now injured. Wilshere and Sagna should retain their places and that is encouraging as I thought both of them played well. Watching Wilshere link up with Cazorla and Arteta was very encouraging and I thought they both looked sharper. I have been saying all season that Walcott should start on the right and I still think he should start. Ramsey clearly doesn't enjoy playing the wing, nor is his style suited for wing play so it seems stupid to me to play him ahead of Walcott who is obviously lightening fast and can take on players. My real worry this weekend is Santos who will have to on his ball to deal with Valencia and Rafael who will be charging forward. I'm hoping Poldi and others will give him the support he will need.
United look set to start basically the same team as that which beat Chelsea last weekend. With that in mind obviously we need to watch RvP who make no mistake, will celebrate is he scores and quite frankly I couldn't care what our supporters chant about him. It would make my weekend if we injured him, it really would. It would also make my weekend if we beat them. With United's defence leaking goals all over the place I do think we'll score I just don't have the faith in our defence to keep them out.
This is a game I absolutely dread because even before last season I worry about us getting embarrassed, lets hope tomorrow we'll do the embarrassing. COYG!
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal
Last night I sat and watched quite possibly the most ridiculous 120 minutes of football I've ever seen. I saw Arsenal at their absolute worse and then at one of their best. A combination of defensive errors, keeping errors and just terrible play meant that after 37 minutes we were 4-0 down to a Reading side that we had basically let run riot. We all had that feeling that we could have been well and truly embarrassed and it was looking more than possible that we'd go down conceding more than 8.
Then came the first of three moments that changed the entire match. Arshavin who had another hit and miss match, slid the ball through for Walcott who clipped the ball over the onrushing keeper and we had a faint glimer of hope. After presumably a bollocking at the half Wenger sent the same side out to correcct their mess. We began to get a foothold in the game and then the second turning point in the match when Wenger brought on Giroud and Eisfled, which turned out to be an inspired substitution. 2 minutes after arriving Giroud powered his header back across goal and it was 4-2 and we started to believe.
The game went on and then hope began to fade as we seemed to be throwing chances away. In the 89th minute, Koscielny put right his wrong and also scored a header. This only galvanised the team and 6 minutes into the added 4, Walcott's shot crossed the line and was cleared off, the official didn't give it but Jenkinson made sure the ball went in and smashed it into the net. 4-4 and we were in control. In an amusing moment at the end of this Coquelin and Giroud threw their shirts into the crowd, before being told there was no replay in this competition.
The equaliser was the last turning point in the match and totally deflated the hosts. We kicked off extra time and the game was a bit end to end and after a few scary moments, Chamakh the man who hasn't scored in 13 months drilled his shot low into the corner and we had the lead for the first time in the match.
We started the second half of extra time and rather predictably Reading scored from a header and then penalties looked a sure thing. But Walcott who played outstandingly wasn't having that and after a bit of confusion he smashed the ball home from about 8 yards sending the absolutely immense away support into utter delirium. Moments later Chamakh put the icing on the cake lobbing the keeper from 30 yards and that was finally that.
Overall it was a ridiculous night, in which we conceded 5 yet through spirit, grit and determination sent all of our away fans, who were most definitely our 12th man, away with beaming smiles.
It wasn't pretty, it wasn't easy and it certainly wasn't what we expected but we got there in the end. It was by no means a classic Arsenal performance but overall we deserved the victory. QPR can whine and moan all they like but Julio Cesar kept them in it and they had chances to score but didn't take them. It was getting to the point where I just didn't think it was going to our day with Cesar denying Giroud, Wilshere and others, then the best chance of the game fell to the one man we all wanted it too with acres of space, only to see Cazorla blaze it over on the half volley. Then in the 84th minute Arshavin (who played really well for the time he was on) clipped a lovely ball over the top for Giroud who on another day would have scored only to be stopped yet again by Cesar, the ball broke loose and after some scrambling and a header off the bar Arteta poked the ball home and we finally had our goal. I must say Wilshere and Sagna both played very well and looked like they've been playing all year.
Tomorrow we have a league cup game at Reading and frankly I'm not expecting much in terms of a first team fielded. But this is to be expected bearing in mind we have a daunting trip to Old Trafford at the weekend and Wenger will want us sharp and fully fit for that. As nice as it would be to win the League Cup to be honest I'm with Wenger, I'd take Champions League qualification over the Capital One Cup every season. I would however expect Reading to field a strong team so it will by no means be easy for us.
I would expect to see the likes of Miquel, Gnabry, Martinez, Afobe and co. to play which is good for them and for us. They get experience and the chance to show us what they're made of and we get a glimpse of the future of Arsenal. We may mix it up with a few fringe players like Arshavin and others in there just to try and balance the team out. There seems no point in me naming a team as I have no idea who we'll play. However make no mistake the team that Wenger fields will be more than capable of winning the match so expect us to compete none the less. Similarly with Reading I have no idea who they will play so there's no point in me guessing. In other news SZCZ has re-joined the first team for training which is encouraging for the weekend.
We have a big match this weekend and nobody will be surprised to see Wenger field a young side and rest many of our key players before we travel up north. It would be nice for us to have a good run in this competition but if we were to go out its not the end of the world. COYG!!
Prediction: Reading 1-2 Arsenal
After the debacle that was Schalke on Wednesday night we return to the Premier League with a home tie against struggling QPR. That said we played against a struggling Norwich side the other week and look what happened there.
Anyway the last 2 matches are in the past and there's no point moaning about it because there's nothing we can do. QPR have had, quite frankly, an appalling start to the season. From 8 games they've taken 3 points and not won once. This match for us is really exactly what we need to get some of that confidence back especially as we face a daunting trip to Old Traffod next week. Right now the prospect of that fills me with dread, but a solid performance at the weekend preferably by a high margin will make me feel slightly better.
Team news is looking slightly more positive for us with Wilshere and Sagna both looking for places on the bench. It will be too soon for either to start but I would expect to see Wilshere make some sort of appearance. Alex OC is still a doubt after taking a knock the other week and Walcott is definitely out, which still worries me as without their pace we sometimes look lacking going forward. Gibbs is still out so Santos will once again be required to step in at left back, if his performance is any worse than Wednesday then frankly we should release him. It baffles me as to why Wenger who supposedly has so much faith in his signings refuses to play Giroud who clearly needs games to bed in. I think he'll return this weekend against QPR with Gervinho returning to the right and Ramsey slotting back into the centre with Arteta.
QPR's team looks fairly strong, especially going forward with Zamora and Hoilett in the middle. On the wings Park (who always scores against us) and Taarabt give them pace and it will be another testing match for our full backs. They also have a rather attack minded back 4 with M'Bia and Bosingwa likely to go tearing up the pitch. I think we'll just have too much for them when we break.
Let's hope that come 10 to 5 tomorrow afternoon we'll all be reflecting on a team who have returned to winning ways with an emphatic win. COYG!
Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 QPR
Last night was one of the worst performances from an Arsenal side that I can remember. For a team that prides itself on the back of attacking football, to have one shot on target in the 94th minute, its quite frankly appalling. We never looked like creating anything going forward and defensively we had a disaster. Santos had a complete mare at the back and wasn't helped by the fact he got no cover from Podolski or anyone else for that matter.
We started Gervinho ahead of Giroud which in my opinion is a disaster to start with. The Ivorian is erratic and quite frankly not us to our level. Wenger keeps saying he has faith in our new signing yet his reluctance to play them to me suggests something else. Giroud needs games to bed in and at the moment he's just not getting them and I can imagine that frustrates him a lot. The managerial tactics were poor too, we clearly weren't at the races yet we still waited until the 70th minute to make changes. All players will struggle to make an impact with 20 minutes to go and they came on and did very little. The last 2 games have been worrying and today made for a feisty, angry and uncomfortable AGM.
After reading what was essentially a transcript of it I have come to the conclusion I came to a few years ago. The board need to change and they need to change NOW! Peter Hill-Wood is past it and has no agenda apart from his own. Gazadis is pushing the same boat he has been for years, financially stable and all that but when asked about squad investment, dodged the question. If you believe what was said Arsene has the money to spend but chooses not too because of his beliefs. I find that a hard pill to swallow, when you look back to his early years, did we develop Viera, Pires, Ljungberg, Bergkamp? No. I think the board are using Wenger in a manner that he can't defend.
Signing multi-million pound deals is all well and good but only when the team compete and the stadium is full. Last night neither happened and I'm afraid if something doesn't change sooner rather than later, the deals will stop, the money will stop and the club will be in danger of entering an era we cannot escape from. So my feeling at the moment is: Wenger in, Hill-Wood out.
Back to the football and Saturday the team has a chance to redeem itself by returning to winning ways playing QPR at home and hopefully they will be bolstered by injury returns. Until then, have a good week.
After returning from Norwich with out tails between our legs, tonight we need to re-focus as we welcome the team that I think will give us the most problems in our group, German side Schalke. Unlike us the Germans are coming into this game off the back of a fantastic away win over current champions and bitter rivals Dortmund.
Schalke are a strong outfit and they retain possession well in the middle. Like us they play a tight passing game and they have good chemistry amongst the squad, the midfield in particular. On the wings they have pace from the 3 main wingers who the manager alternates: Farfan, Draxler and Affelay. Farfarn is quick and can deliver when he needs too. Draxler and Affelay are more tricky and are more than happy beating players and cutting inside. Whoever he pairs (I think Farfan and Affelay) our full backs will have to be on the ball tonight and will absolutely have to get back after going forwards. Upfront they have an accomplished striker in Klaas Jan Huntelaar, a poacher no doubt but make no mistake he can work the ball and space well when he has too. That's why he scored 47 in 48 last season, we'll have to tighten up at the back to ensure he doesn't get his way.
In terms of Arsenal we only have one player returning and thats Koscielny. This game has come just a bit too quick for Wilshere and Sagna, this weekend is far more liklely. I have seen a couple of conflicting reports, one suggests we will remain fairly similar to the side that started at the weekend, another suggests we will push Gervinho back into the centre and Ramsey to the right. Another suggestiosn Coq will return to the side to give us a bit more of a defensive minded midfield. I'm not going to guess at a line up cause there's too much flying around at the moment to even get close.
Tonight's game is a huge test for us, the toughest team in the group, and I think there will be goals at both ends. A draw is not a disaster tonight but a win cements our position at the top of the group. Until next time COGY!
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Schalke
After waiting 2 weeks to watch Arsenal again, they performed like that?! It was one of those games where we just never got into it, didn't click, couldn't find our rhythm, however you want to put it, it was terrible. We didn't look interested in the match and for the 4th league game in a row conceded first. This time there was no reply.
We dominated possession but far too often Giroud was isolated upfront and we couldn't supply him. Then in the 19th minute Mannone spilled a shot that he probably should have held and even against Grant Holt Mertesacker couldn't match his pace to block his finish. Again this leaves question marks over Mannone about whether he really can challenge for number 1. That for the moment is a debate for another day though as at this current moment we simply have no choice with SZCZ and Fabianski out for the near future anyway.
From that we never really looked like getting an equaliser. Giroud had a half chance with a falling, overhead kick, a difficult technique so no surprises when he didn't quite pull it off. Then the best chance of the game fell to Gervinho. Serge Gnabry who every time I've seen him has been quality, slipped a perfect ball through for the Ivorian who delayed too long before pulling the trigger and saw his shot blocked. In all honesty, he may have scored 5 goal this season but I still see him as the weak link and the sooner he disappears off to the ACoN the better in my opinion.
It was interested to hear what Arteta had to say after the game about defensive issues and the effect conceding has on a team:
“If you go ahead, it gives you a lift, the other team has to take risks,
and you can cause mistakes. You can’t get back in the game every time
you fall behind. It’s a tough ask and we haven’t done it today."
He's correct in what he says and it was clear to see that he was highly disappointed with the performance of the team and to be honest he should be.
Ah well that's the end of the match and now it has to be forgotten before we face the toughest opponents in our group, Schalke, at the Emirates on Wednesday night. A preview of that match will be up tomorrow. Until then chin up and lets move on.
After the dullness of the international break, the Premier League returns and we travel to Carrow Road to face a stumbling Norwich team who haven't had a win so far this season. Hopefully our players can pick up where they left off before representing their respective countries. We haven't escaped totally unscathed though, Theo Walcott has a chest injury and is a doubt against Norwich. We are also without Szczesny and Fabianski so this has sparked a "keeper crisis" style newsflash. It is a worry that we currently have one keeper in the shape of Mannone, but crisis may be too stronger word at the moment.
In good news Wilshere and Sagna both played a full 90 against a Chelsea XI the other day which is promising but both are still off match fitness so I wouldn't expect to see either of them this weekend. Gibbs picked up a knock at West Ham and is also a doubt but hopefully he will pull through, otherwise Santos will have to slot in at LB. So with all this taken into account I think the team will look like this: SZCZ, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Santos/Gibbs, Gervinho, Arteta, Ramsey, Podolski, Cazorla, Giroud. I assume Santi will occupy the role behind Giroud who was superb against West Ham and scored against Spain in the internationals just gone.
Norwich will hope for the return of Snodgrass which may mean Poldi will have to drop back more than he would like or is used too. Upfront Holt is a throwback to the tradition powerful English striker and I think Mertesacker will have a real battle on his hands up against him. If he is partnered with Hoolahan then we will have to keep tabs on him, if he is partnered with Jackson, he offers a different outlet in the form of a pacey, nimble striker.
The midfield will be dominated with Arsenal possession as Norwich prefer to sit deeper than other teams so it may be hard to break them down initially but I think should we score first and they get stretched pushing for a reply we may see a goal flurry. However there are no easy games in the PL so assuming this is a banker is a dangerous thing to do.
I think it may take some time before we see a name on the Arsenal score sheet but once/if we do then we may start to open the up a bit easier. So till next time COYG!!
Prediction: Norwich City 1-3 Arsenal
As I'm sure you know I forgot to post a preview of the West Ham match before the game last week so thought I'd make it up instead by doing a report on the match.
We returned to winning ways after the loss against Chelsea with a 3-1 victory at a ground where we have a poor record. We bossed the match really from the start but West Ham showed what they can offer other than that donkey of a striker upfront. We dominated the match up until the 21st minute when Diame skipped through Aaron Ramsey and curled a superb shot into the far corner from a tight angle. A good goal no doubt but perhaps we could have dealt with it a bit better. Diame was lucky however not to get sent off after receiving a first yellow for celebrating with the crowd (which is an absurd rule), he proceeded to clatter Arteta with a dangerous looking tackle.
20 minutes later we were level, Giroud sprayed the ball out wide to Podolski who just delayed his cross for long enough before whipping it in to Giroud who poked it home at full stretch. A very well worked Arsenal move and a moment to savour for Olivier Giroud who is finally off the mark in the Premier League. A true poachers goal from the big Frenchman.
West Ham had chances to get themselves back in front with Carroll and Nolan wasting them. Gervinho who was poor all game really, was replaced by Theo Walcott after an hour and 17 minutes later he was on the score sheet. This time Giroud turned provider sliding an inch perfect pass through to Walcott who slotted under the onrushing Jaaskelainen at the near post. A typical Theo goal and again reinforcing the fact that I think we really need to tie him down to a new contract.
After 2 worked team goals, a piece of individual brilliance secured the 3 points and it was that little man who has just controlled the midfield since arriving, Santi Cazorla. Walcott got himself into a bit of trouble but managed to poke the ball across to Cazorla who went one way before crashing his shot into the top right hand corner from all of 25 yards. A fantastic goal from a fantastic player.
The only down side for us was when Gibbs came off with a slight muscular strain but he's pulled out of the England squad so he will have had a couple of weeks to recover before we travel to Norwich. I'd like to say that it might be a blessing in disguise for Diaby who also has a strain but for some absurd reason Didier Deschamps has decided to call him up for the France team for their international match with whoever the fuck it is. Another injury that was picked up this time in an international was Theo Walcott who went off in the victory over San Marino with a chest problem. He has since pulled out of the squad for the match against Poland, we await to see the extent of that injury.
Right that's is for this week. Back next week with all the build up to the Norwich match.
Our unbeaten run came to end on Saturday as we went down 2-1 to Chelsea, largely I have to say due to our own errors. Defensively we were all over the place and although I understand why Wenger chose Vermaelen and Koscielny over Mertesacker, it was the wrong choice and I think he knows that. The first goal came from a free kick conceded by Vermaelen who steamed through Torres, as it was put in Torres somehoe wrapped his foot around Koscielny and put it into the top corner.
We retaliated before the half when Gervinho stopped an Ox cross in the box, pivoted and rifled into the roof of the net leaving Cech no chance. It was a great goal but apart from that Gervinho had a relatively indifferent game, there is no doubt he is one of the most frustrating players there are. We started the second half well and for the first 7 or 8 minutes we were the better team but then once again we conceded a free kick which Juan Mata whipped in and Koscielny could do nothing but help it into the net. It was goal bound anyway. After that we went totally flat and didn't do much, Cazorla was shut out effectively by Chelsea and I think we lost something after Diaby went off 15 minutes in with what we now know is a Thigh strain. Perhaps we should have had a draw when Giroud rounded Cech and but only found the side-netting from a tight angle, not the easiest chance but the opportunity was there to shoot and a player in form may have found the finish.
Champions League action tomorrow as we host Olympiacos. After beating French champions Montpellier in France, a win tomorrow would set us up nicely. Judging the team is difficult at the moment. With Diaby out it's possibly we may see Frimpong occupy his role but I doubt that is the case. I think its more likely we'll see Ramsey sit behind the front line with Arteta, far from an ideal setup but there you go. I think the line up will be something like this: Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Ramsey, Arteta, Alex OC, Cazorla, Podolski, Gervinho. This is another game we should be winning in the group and it will be interesting to see how the team bounce back after the weekends disappointment.
In other news it's good to see that Jack Wilshere has played his first 60 minutes of competitive football in 14 months, after making an appearance in the 1-0 defeat to West Brom U21's yesterday. Let's hope we'll soon see him back in the first team.
I don't think tomorrow will be too challenging but in the Champions League very few games are easy.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Olympiacos
After breezing past Coventry, Arsene may have a few things to think about before selecting his squad for the visit of the racists from West London. Stand out performances from Walcott and of all people Arshavin may give him a few options to consider. Arshavin who seemed to do nothing bit jog and stand still managed to get a goal, win a penalty and get 3 possibly 4 assists?! He's always been a game changer or a flop really. If he is included then down a wing isn't really viable in my opinion as he doesn't track back like Poldi. Arshavin ideal role would be striker or possible CAM, where he's not relied on to get back.
Walcott played well which only reinforces my view that he should be in the team ahead of other players (Gervinho), but for some reason, whether it's to do with his ongoing contract talks who knows, Wenger just doesn't play him first choice. His performance has thrust him into contention none the less and Wenger has some decisions to make. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain also scored a screamer of a goal and will be in with a shout. Of course the most important goal was that of a certain Olivier Giroud who clipped it over the on-rushing goalkeeper. After breaking his duck and me thinking here comes the confidence he promptly had a penalty saved...make of that what you will.
Anyway this weekends game is yet another huge test for us, Chelsea are a team that personally I would have as favourites for the title this year. They were shaky against Stoke but overall their quality has seen them come this far unbeaten. Our record against Chelsea is a bit all over the shop, it's Antone's guess really. What I will say though, is they're unbeaten, we're unbeaten, but we are far from something giving. It's early in the season and both teams would probably take a draw given it now. But I do think there will be goals.
We have no new injury worries and we see the return of Vermaelen after missing out last week with a virus. This gives Wenger a tough decision out of the 3 centre backs, Mertesacker has been a different class this season, Vermaelen the same and Koscielny also played very well last week. I think we'll see him remain with Mert and TV5 for this match. I would also expect Gervinho (sigh) to start upfront after Giroud's run around midweek. The right wing is an interesting call though with Ramsey, Walcott and Alex OC all potential fits. I would expect Wenger to go with the Ox however. So here we go: Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Diaby, Arteta, Alex OC, Cazorla, Podolski, Gervinho.
As far as I know Chelsea have no injury worries either, Lampard is fit but I'm not entirely sure he'll start. Terry WILL play whilst considering whether to appeal the FA's decision. Obviously with a squad like Chelsea's all players are dangerous but Hazard, Mata and Torres would be the 3 I'd want to watch out for (yes Torres). It will make for a very interesting game to see how hard Chelsea press forward at this early stage in the season.
So all in all it's anyone's guess really. It should be an entertaining match none the less. COYG!
Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea
I was sitting here Sunday in utter frustration after watching us dominate the first half yet, still go in trailing due to a lapse at a corner. As we pushed forward I got the feeling that it just wasn't going to happen. Santi Cazorla shot but Joe Hart saved. A corner that came in but City's man of the moment in the first half Lescott didn't clear the lines and it fell at the feet of an off balance Koscielny who let fly and rifled it into the top corner, cuing wild celebrations here and utter delirium at the Etihad as our spectacular away fans celebrated like we'd won the league.
I don't want to dwell on our easily deserved point on Sunday but there were some real stand out performances as well as some complete shockers. Let's start with the stand out ones. Mertesacker at the back was incredible and was easily MOTM, Gibbs and Jenkinson also played well. We were solid in the middle too with Cazorla spraying balls all over the pitch. Upfront it was a different story, Podolski had an off game but that's easily forgiven. Gervinho was absolutely awful, he spurred one guilt edge chance going through one on one but taking the heaviest of touches, and then blazing into the top tier from the D at the death. I can't help but feel that he will only be detrimental to our campaign this year, he's erratic and has a tendency to give the ball away at just the wrong time, or miss that match winning chance. Personally I wouldn't have him in the team.
Right Capital One Cup football tomorrow at the Emirates as we take on Coventry. As usual I would imagine Wenger will use this competition to showcase our young talent. I'm not going to attempt to guess our squad cause quite frankly I know very little of our youth team. We'll see the likes of Miquel, Eastmond, Yennaris, Watt etc. One player to definitely look out for is Thomas Eisfeld who is demon going forward, he never fails to impress me. If you're a gambling man, he'll be well fancied to grab a goal. An interesting question that I saw on twitter earlier was whether to play Giroud in a effort to get him firing. I would certainly be tempted to at least have him there as an option, but I'm not sure about starting him.
Coventry have a had a rough start to the season and are still looking for a first win of the season. They have a couple of players to keep an eye on. Their best player so far this season has been David McGoldrick on loan from Notts Forest but he's cup tied so we wont be seeing him. Gary McSheffrey has been round the block a few times and Cody McDonald can be dangerous with his most successful spell being on loan at Gillingham scoring 25 goals in 41 games.
Other than that I know very little about our opponents but I expect us to win relatively easily whatever team we put out. So lets hope for an easy game! COYG!
Prediction: Arsenal 4-0 Coventry
Afternoon, I have a busy weekend so thought I'd post now. This Sunday we face the biggest test of the season so far and possibly the hardest game we'll have in the league. We travel to City fresh off a very ugly win in Montpellier, which in all honesty we were lucky to win. City on the other hand will have had their confidence dented after leading twice in the Bernabeu only to throw it away conceding two goals in 2 minutes much to the delight of Jose Mourinho.
This is a huge game for us and although we've had a good start to the season much of how people will view us competitively this season will be judged on our performance on Sunday. On how we compete with the "big boys". There is no doubt this is a huge test for our relatively new team.
If we play like we did on Tuesday, giving the ball away sloppily and taking risks with tackles, we will get punished by a team of City's quality. We need to be at our best to really have a chance of coming away with anything. I seemed to think that we were over-complicating things on Tuesday when often the simple ball is the most effective. We were getting caught in possession time and time again and frankly we just looked tired. There will be little room for error and Sunday and all the players need to keep it tight.
Both teams will be tired after big games midweek but in a game like this the team who wants it more usually comes out on top. And our boys certainly want it. Lukas Podolski is certainly not shy in his thoughts and seems confident that we can get a result. I must admit I have been impressed with the whole team ethos this year and we do all seem to have the belief that we can do it.
Teams are total guess work really, especially as they have about 80 players to choose from. For us I think we'll see a similar line up to that we had in France. I'd like to see Koscielny step in if he's fit because I'm not entirely sure Mertesacker can deal with Aguero an other pacey strikers at their disposal. But here goes: Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Alex OC, Diaby, Arteta, Podolski, Cazorla, Gervinho. I think Arsene will decide to drop Giroud to the bench for this one and keep Gervinho in as well hes got 3 in 2. I do worry about Jenkinson down the right, he'll be given a tough time by City's wingers. But in a big game, players sometimes step up.
Our game of course, follows a hugely important match on Sunday, in terms of football more than anything. I hope it all goes without incident for the sake of relations more than anything.
So all attention turns to Sunday where we'll really test our mettle. COYG!
Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal
It was ugly, we rode our luck, they should have scored more. But we took all 3 points and in football that's all that really matters. I'm not going to babble on too long about this but there are a couple of points I'd like to go over.
In the first half, we looked good and dominated until Vermaelen gave away a dubious penalty that on reflection probably was a penalty. Belhanda stepped up and cheekily chipped it right down the middle. This sparked wild celebrations from their fans and I feared the worst. But 7 minutes later we were level through a very classy Podolski goal, after he was passed in from Giroud, who frankly did basically nothing all game. His second touch opened his body up, selling the keeper a dummy and then putting it past him at the near post, a really great goal. 2 minutes later, we were ahead thanks again to Gervinho. Jenkinson who had a touch and go game (dithering a few times), went charging down the wing, as he did a few times to be fair to him, and put in a great cross for Gervinho in the middle who basically couldn't miss but nearly did! 2-1 Arsenal.
We went in at the half and I felt pretty confident that we'd kick on a kill the game off. Sadly the second half we were poor from the get go. We started and Montpellier battered our goal firing shots all over the place. When we did finally clear our lines, we looked tired physically and didn't really look like we had anything left to give. Steve Bould made the changed as the half went on with Giroud (another goaless appearance), Cazorla and Podolski coming off. Montpellier had a golden chance as the seconds ticked down when Mertesacker completely missed with a sliding tackle leaving the player with the ball about 10 yards out only to smash it straight at Mannone who did well to hold onto it. Diaby who thought the referee wanted to send him off?? made a stupid challenge in the box that I thought was a penalty only to see it waved away.
We were lucky and I'm really not sure why we looked so tired in the second half. If we play like that against city,we'll get battered on Sunday. Ah well. Until then have a good week.
Now that is much more like the Arsenal that we know and love, a convincing 6-1 win over a team that frankly we should be beating 6-1. Yes 2 of the goals were own goals but they were both made by strong attacks down the left and that hard low cross into the box that is always prone to get touched in. A gorgeous free kick from Poldi who was brilliant all game, the keeper probably should have done better but the was very well struck. A goal from Walcott which was nice to see and 2 from Gervinho who I have been very critical of recently.
Attention now turns to our first Champions League match of the season which kicks off this evening with our trip to Montpellier. Much has been made about whether or not Olivier Giroud will start after being left on the bench on Saturday which did surprise me in all honesty. I thought it would have been the perfect game for him to play but maybe Wenger had half an eye on this game. With it being his old club as well where, from what I can gather, he was idolised I think it seems almost written that he would score his first Arsenal goal today, should he start. However as Wenger has stated there is a lot of pressure on him and he might rest him to try and take some of that off of him.
As for the rest of the team I think we will see some level of rotation tonight as we have Man City on Sunday and we may have some players that aren't quite rested fully from Saturday. I have a feeling we might see Walcott start tonight possibly along with Ramsey who didn't feature at the weekend. Gervinho could start sitting in the CAM role behind our main striker whoever that may be, with Cazorla shifting out to the wing, or he could start in place of Giroud. He played well at the weekend and there are suggestions that we may have found a role that suits the Ivorian. For me that remains to be seen realistically, we shall see how he performs as to be honest I find him frustrating. Diaby is expected to be fit to play so we'll either see him start or I think he'll come of from the bench after his fantastic performance against Liverpool. Koscielny is another player who could start but I think we may see Mertesacker retain his position for this match and then maybe drop out at the weekend.
The big talking point amongst Arsenal fans has been goalkeepers. Now Szczesny, I'm not gonna sugar coat it, had a day to forget on Saturday and not just because of the mistake that led to the goal. He overall wasn't great. Now Arsenal have come out and said he has an ankle knock, whether that played a part in his performance is difficult to tell, but one thing that is for sure is that we are taking Mannone tonight with young keeper James Shea on the bench.
I'm not gonna predict players to watch for on their team because I know so little about them. I just know they've got off to a poor start in league currently sitting 16th. A player said the other day, if they play like they did at the weekend against Arsenal, they'll concede 8. Confidence for sure then. My line up would be: Mannone, Gibbs, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Jenks, Diaby, Arteta, Poldi, Cazorla, Walcott, Giroud. We'll see what Mr. Wenger goes for. COYG!
Prediction: Montpellier 0-2 Arsenal
Morning everyone, it's matchday!! The first one I've been back in England for so digging up team news and other stuff has been much easier. We're taking on Southampton today and in all honestly we should be winning games like this especially at home, but they have been firing well so far narrowly missing out on points against both Manchester clubs.
Team news coming out of Arsenal is that SZCZ is fit and ready to play and although Mannone has played well in the first 3 games I think we'll see last seasons regular return. Walcott is definitely out with an illness, Diaby faces a fitness test on a slight muscular problem but I think he'll be benched either way. Another question mark for me is Gervinho who to be blunt has been disntinctly crap so far, Alex OC could start on the wing with Cazorla in the middle and Poldi on the other wing. Giroud is yet to have scored that illusive first goal, but the omens are good for the Frenchman with Ian Wright, my hero Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry all scoring their first goals against Southampton, so lets hope he follows suite. Arsenal Team: SZCZ, Jenks, Mert, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Arteta, Ramsey, Alex OC, Cazorla, Poldi, Giroud.
Southampton are a team I have to say I don't know a lot about having not seen them this season. But dangers players are Lambert (current top scorer with 2), Lallana another dangerous player, Schneiderlin and the new boy Gaston RamÃrez. Without Diaby in the middle we just lack a bit of power but if we can get our passing game into flow early we should be OK in the middle. By the way, a lad to watch for in their back 4 in Clyne the right back, very fast and from what I remember can pick out a good pass.
That's it, short, sweet but to the point. If we get going early I think it could be a long afternoon for the visitors but you never know with Arsenal.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Southampton
Well here we are again, in that dull interlude, where football fans go a little crazy due to withdrawal symptoms. Of course we have internationals but they are boring as fuck so the rumour mill starts to churn out crap again.
Let's start, anyway, with the our first win of the season over Liverpool. It's always good to beat Liverpool at Anfield and although long gone are the days when I saw this fixture as "one of those games" that could go either way, it's still nice to get one over on them. I expected us to win and we did with some real stand out performances. It was great to see Poldi get on the score sheet with his first goal for us (and partially rescuing my fantasy league score) along with Diaby who was simply mustard, creating Lukas' goal along with other chances as we went forward. But once again Santi Cazorla was magnificent to watch, I saw him described as majestic before the game and he really is. It's a shame for him that the Spain squad is as good as it is because otherwise he'd be a regular. My dad said to me "once he scores, he'll be away", moments later he was embracing Gervinho after smashing the ball low under-ish Reina who didn't get down quick enough. A solid performance and scarily a third clean sheet in a row, maybe Steve Bould is starting to work his magic.
So, as I'm sure many of you know, the papers ran a story the other week quoting Sagna as saying something like "losing your best players, of course it affects you". Along with some talk about his contract which is set to run out in 2014. When asked whether Arsenal had contacted him over his contract he said "No, nothing". I can understand Sagna's frustration cause he reflects the mood of a lot of Arsenal fans, but I think he just needs to stop for a moment and take a look at the situation. His contract doesn't run out until 2014 and while I'd rather Arsenal just sorted it out I'm sure they will do so in their own time. As for this "ambition of the club" shit that RVP rolled out, the fans don't buy it, the club don't buy it and player shouldn't see it as an easy way out.
Moving on though, in his interview after the Liverpool game Arsene said that he was impressed with Diaby and he hoped he got through the Internationals OK. However he has picked up a muscular problem, which ruled him out of last nights game with Belarus. On the plus side Wenger isn't concerned saying he has a "small chance" of playing on Saturday which to me means he won't be playing on Saturday. Let's hope it isn't serious and he can get back to his killer form soon.
That's about it for now I'll be back with a pre-match report for the Southampton game on Friday. Until then enjoy your week!
