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
