This is my first post in a while and after a bumpy spell against Everton, City and Chelsea we bounced back nicely against West Ham on Boxing Day and due to Liverpools defeat at City we returned to the top of the table after a few days off it only to be knocked off it today by City.
It was a solid performance against West Ham aside from maybe not taking more chances. Cazorla was brilliant and was unlucky not to nick a goal. Walcott and Podolski also played well and it was great to see both on the score sheet. Hopefully we can kick on from this and continue in our current vain.
With Chelsea taking on Liverpool tomorrow we have to chance to make up a few points on them at least and if we were to win we'd leapfrog City into top spot. However we travel to Newcastle where last season aside we don't have a fantastic recent record. Along with that Newcastle have been playing well recently and it won't be an easy match. Taking 3 points would be a huge result as the fixtures bunch up now and this is second match we have in 10 days.
The bad news coming out of the camp is that Aaron Ramsey is out for the rest of the Christmas period with a thigh strain. It is hopeful Koscielny will be back after a minor issue but I think Vermealen has stepped in well when needed so I'm not too concerned about that. I think the boss will rotate in the middle but I'm not sure how. We have the options and unless fatigue is a problem I think Cazorla will retain his place. Podolski gives us an option from the bench and Walcott should start.
Newcastle have Tiote back after a spell out and we all know what he can do when he feels the moment. Ben-Arfa is also back despite only appearing from the bench in their last outing I have a feeling he'll start against us. Remy and Ameobi make up their strike force. We all know that this team can do some damage but only if we let them play. If we shut them out and get an early goal there is no reason why we shouldn't go on to win it. I can't see it being that straight forward myself but who knows.
This is a vital game in this busy period and they are a team in form so it won't be easy but if we play like we can, we can get a result. COYG!
Saturday, 28 December 2013
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
Hull City (H)
Well after our brief blip against United we're back on track with wins in both the Champions League and the Premier League. Tomorrow we're back in action against Hull City and the early news is that Bacary Sagna has a tight hamstring so will not take part. Arsene Wenger said beforehand that he was going to rotate but I don't think full backs were quite what he had in mind.
With that in mind Carl Jenkinson will step in to cover and hopefully he'll play a bit better than his last outing against Chelsea. I think we may see starts for Walcott and Flamini after coming on from the bench at the weekend. Ozil may also start on the bench with Cazorla sitting behind Giroud.
I don't really care about Hull team news because I know nothing about them. What I do know is they'll be flying high after beating Liverpool at the weekend so could be dangerous. They have experimented with different combinations in defence this season but I don't think they'll play with a 3 man back line against us. If they do Walcott will have his chance to wreck havoc.
This game offers he chance to rotate and rest ahead of a tricky string of matches against Everton, Napoli, City and Chelsea in that order. Those 4 games could determine our season, we sit 4 points clear at the top but playing those three along with a game where we need something in Naples could leave us playing catch up.
Looking at those fixtures 3 points in this game will keep us top with our lead and could prove vital following this tricky period we have on the horizon. COYG!
With that in mind Carl Jenkinson will step in to cover and hopefully he'll play a bit better than his last outing against Chelsea. I think we may see starts for Walcott and Flamini after coming on from the bench at the weekend. Ozil may also start on the bench with Cazorla sitting behind Giroud.
I don't really care about Hull team news because I know nothing about them. What I do know is they'll be flying high after beating Liverpool at the weekend so could be dangerous. They have experimented with different combinations in defence this season but I don't think they'll play with a 3 man back line against us. If they do Walcott will have his chance to wreck havoc.
This game offers he chance to rotate and rest ahead of a tricky string of matches against Everton, Napoli, City and Chelsea in that order. Those 4 games could determine our season, we sit 4 points clear at the top but playing those three along with a game where we need something in Naples could leave us playing catch up.
Looking at those fixtures 3 points in this game will keep us top with our lead and could prove vital following this tricky period we have on the horizon. COYG!
Friday, 22 November 2013
Southampton (H)
Tomorrow the proper football returns after the dullness of internationals and Arsenal are very much back to business. We sit top of the table at the moment and the only way to guarantee we stay there for this week at least is to take three points against Southampton.
Southampton have been the surprise package this season and if results go their way this weekend they could even end up top. Underestimating them is dangerous and they have already taken points against the top teams. Their defence is water tight and it will take a lot of effort to get through them, but the way we've been attacking this season if anyone can we can.
Ahead of the game we're boosted by the news that Theo Walcott is back fit again and although I doubt he'll start he's a good option to have providing pace and (sometimes) penetration. At points during his absence we've missed him so having him back is only a good thing. Aside from that the rock in midfield Flamini is out suspended due to his 5 yellow cards. As much as this is a pain with the role he plays it's to be expected now and then. With that in mind I think the team will be: SZCZ, Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Ramsey, Arteta, Rosicky, Ozil, Cazorla, Giroud.
Southampton have striker Pablo Osvaldo back from a slight injury and expect England players Lallana and Lambert to be in the starting line up. Gaston Ramirez faces a late fitness test. Boruc in goal has been fantastic this season and we'll be pressed to get passed him and the Saints solid back line. I think Clyne could give Gibbs a tough test but luckily Gibbs has pace too so hopefully will cope.
Tomorrow is gonna be a difficult game against an in-form team but we're top of the table so we must be doing something right. Hopefully we can pick up three points and get back on track. COYG!
Southampton have been the surprise package this season and if results go their way this weekend they could even end up top. Underestimating them is dangerous and they have already taken points against the top teams. Their defence is water tight and it will take a lot of effort to get through them, but the way we've been attacking this season if anyone can we can.
Ahead of the game we're boosted by the news that Theo Walcott is back fit again and although I doubt he'll start he's a good option to have providing pace and (sometimes) penetration. At points during his absence we've missed him so having him back is only a good thing. Aside from that the rock in midfield Flamini is out suspended due to his 5 yellow cards. As much as this is a pain with the role he plays it's to be expected now and then. With that in mind I think the team will be: SZCZ, Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Ramsey, Arteta, Rosicky, Ozil, Cazorla, Giroud.
Southampton have striker Pablo Osvaldo back from a slight injury and expect England players Lallana and Lambert to be in the starting line up. Gaston Ramirez faces a late fitness test. Boruc in goal has been fantastic this season and we'll be pressed to get passed him and the Saints solid back line. I think Clyne could give Gibbs a tough test but luckily Gibbs has pace too so hopefully will cope.
Tomorrow is gonna be a difficult game against an in-form team but we're top of the table so we must be doing something right. Hopefully we can pick up three points and get back on track. COYG!
Sunday, 17 November 2013
International Break
Apologies for missing our disappointing defeat to United last weekend. I'm going to admit I was hopeful that we'd take something from there especially after the bizarre results which included Chelsea, Tottenham and City all dropping points in games they all should have won. But in football you can't win everything and eventually something had to give just annoyingly it had to give there.
We all knew that eventually we'd overplay or it just wouldn't click or whatever. But the most important thing about losing is how we respond. In football every teams loses, it's just a fact but the best teams, the title contending teams, respond by putting in a real performance. Players have left for internationals which may or may not be at the best time following the defeat but when they return we face Southampton at Home which would normally be a match we'd expect to win. However Southampton sit 3 points behind us in 3rd which is just ridiculous and I expect they will eventually drop away but while they're playing the way they are it's dangerous.
The second best attack (due to City's 7-0) vs. the best defence in the league. Should be interesting but on our day we have more than enough to break them down with the quality we have in our ranks. Reports suggest that Walcott may be back which will give us pace down the flanks, something we have lacked in one or two games this season but how he will perform after a decent spell on the sidelines is anybody's guess. It'll be tough but first we have a number of players that need to come through internationals.
In other good news SZCZ has signed a new deal at the club and although it has not been disclosed it is a long-term one. For a goalkeeper 23 is nothing and he's career has a long way to go yet and the fact that he's happy to spend them with us is fantastic. He's had problems but as a keeper that's to be expected and he has learnt from them and become a better player because of them and being a keeper that's the most important thing. He has an advantage over his counterparts in that he might get another 17 years out of football if he has a very, very good poke and that gives him a long time to become the polished article which I think he can be.
Anyway that's about it, I'll be back Friday with all the news and build up to the Southampton game. Till then.
We all knew that eventually we'd overplay or it just wouldn't click or whatever. But the most important thing about losing is how we respond. In football every teams loses, it's just a fact but the best teams, the title contending teams, respond by putting in a real performance. Players have left for internationals which may or may not be at the best time following the defeat but when they return we face Southampton at Home which would normally be a match we'd expect to win. However Southampton sit 3 points behind us in 3rd which is just ridiculous and I expect they will eventually drop away but while they're playing the way they are it's dangerous.
The second best attack (due to City's 7-0) vs. the best defence in the league. Should be interesting but on our day we have more than enough to break them down with the quality we have in our ranks. Reports suggest that Walcott may be back which will give us pace down the flanks, something we have lacked in one or two games this season but how he will perform after a decent spell on the sidelines is anybody's guess. It'll be tough but first we have a number of players that need to come through internationals.
In other good news SZCZ has signed a new deal at the club and although it has not been disclosed it is a long-term one. For a goalkeeper 23 is nothing and he's career has a long way to go yet and the fact that he's happy to spend them with us is fantastic. He's had problems but as a keeper that's to be expected and he has learnt from them and become a better player because of them and being a keeper that's the most important thing. He has an advantage over his counterparts in that he might get another 17 years out of football if he has a very, very good poke and that gives him a long time to become the polished article which I think he can be.
Anyway that's about it, I'll be back Friday with all the news and build up to the Southampton game. Till then.
Friday, 1 November 2013
Liverpool (H)
Tomorrow is without a doubt the biggest test of the season for us so far, disappointing cup results need to be put behind us as we take on third place Liverpool who have been playing well this season. Mainly due to the racist up front partnering Sturridge, 2 of the leagues top 3 scorers.
Liverpool is always a test and we've been disappointing against them in the last few seasons so now is the perfect time to put that to bed and give us some breathing space from them at least. With a number of teams on our coat tails it's important that we take the points from these big games.
After watching our performance in the League Cup on Tuesday I'm not particularly confident about a result and I know it'll be a different team but there were some big names in the side that took on Chelsea and we just didn't look interested. The vital point when taking on Liverpool is the midfield, if we can shut off the supply to Suarez and Sturridge then we'll give them some problems. However with no Flamini someone is going to have to put in a defensive shift in order to keep them quiet.
So we're without Flamini and the rest of the bunch that are still injured, aside from that I think we'll see Arteta partner Ramsey in the holding role and he'll have to be at the top of his game if we're to get anything out of this match. Cazorla will take up his role on the left with Wilshere on the right and Ozil sitting behind Giroud.
In contrast Liverpool are set to see Coutinho return and the Brazilian will be a handful for us on and off the ball. They are still without Agger meaning Skrtel will sit in the middle of the defence with Toure and Sakho either side. That said I think Cazorla will cause Toure some problems, Toure is a good defender but age is starting to take its toll. The tricky Spaniard may have some joy down the left while Wilshere will have his work cut out against the powerful Sakho.
Tomorrow is the start of 4 tough games with Dortmund and United the following week and then an in form Southampton the week after. In terms of league games if we can take 7 points from our next 3 then I think we'll be in a healthy position going into the busy December period. We will be judged on the result tomorrow irrelevant on the result so best we turn up. COYG!
Liverpool is always a test and we've been disappointing against them in the last few seasons so now is the perfect time to put that to bed and give us some breathing space from them at least. With a number of teams on our coat tails it's important that we take the points from these big games.
After watching our performance in the League Cup on Tuesday I'm not particularly confident about a result and I know it'll be a different team but there were some big names in the side that took on Chelsea and we just didn't look interested. The vital point when taking on Liverpool is the midfield, if we can shut off the supply to Suarez and Sturridge then we'll give them some problems. However with no Flamini someone is going to have to put in a defensive shift in order to keep them quiet.
So we're without Flamini and the rest of the bunch that are still injured, aside from that I think we'll see Arteta partner Ramsey in the holding role and he'll have to be at the top of his game if we're to get anything out of this match. Cazorla will take up his role on the left with Wilshere on the right and Ozil sitting behind Giroud.
In contrast Liverpool are set to see Coutinho return and the Brazilian will be a handful for us on and off the ball. They are still without Agger meaning Skrtel will sit in the middle of the defence with Toure and Sakho either side. That said I think Cazorla will cause Toure some problems, Toure is a good defender but age is starting to take its toll. The tricky Spaniard may have some joy down the left while Wilshere will have his work cut out against the powerful Sakho.
Tomorrow is the start of 4 tough games with Dortmund and United the following week and then an in form Southampton the week after. In terms of league games if we can take 7 points from our next 3 then I think we'll be in a healthy position going into the busy December period. We will be judged on the result tomorrow irrelevant on the result so best we turn up. COYG!
Friday, 25 October 2013
Crystal Palace (A)
On Tuesday night we got undone by a classic smash and grab. We were in the ascendancy and probably should have settled for the draw but such was the desire to win that we committed too many and got undone by a well worked counter attack. Overall I think we were the better team but Dortmund scored the all important second after Cazorla hit the bar. It also showed the importance of Flamini as he would have been covering for Sagna when Lewandowski appeared at the far post to volley home.
I can accept losing because in football it happens, you can't win them all. The most important aspect of losing is the reaction following. If we batter Palace at the weekend then we're all well and good. It's the perfect opportunity to bounce back and looking at fixtures over the next few weeks it's important that we do that well. In terms of the team we play, it's all a bit up in the air. Either way I think we'll see the return of Flamini in the holding position alongside Arteta I would imagine. The rest of the team is a bit of guess although the thought of Wenger playing a side that contains youngsters and inexperienced players is probably misfounded bearing in mind we have Chelsea in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night.
Palace are a side struggling to find form and are now managerless so we have to be aware of the affect that sometimes has on a team. They will probably have former player Chamakh leading their attack and lets face it, I wouldn't be remotely surprised if he scored against us for some strange reason. Jedinak is a tidy player as is Capana. I think the wings could be an area where we get some joy. That said we lack out and out wingers and I think we missed Walcott's pace against Dortmund too.
This weekend gives us a great chance to react following the disappointment on Tuesday ahead of some tough games including Liverpool and Manchester United in the league. Hopefully we can turn up, put in a performance and stay top this week. COYG!
I can accept losing because in football it happens, you can't win them all. The most important aspect of losing is the reaction following. If we batter Palace at the weekend then we're all well and good. It's the perfect opportunity to bounce back and looking at fixtures over the next few weeks it's important that we do that well. In terms of the team we play, it's all a bit up in the air. Either way I think we'll see the return of Flamini in the holding position alongside Arteta I would imagine. The rest of the team is a bit of guess although the thought of Wenger playing a side that contains youngsters and inexperienced players is probably misfounded bearing in mind we have Chelsea in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night.
Palace are a side struggling to find form and are now managerless so we have to be aware of the affect that sometimes has on a team. They will probably have former player Chamakh leading their attack and lets face it, I wouldn't be remotely surprised if he scored against us for some strange reason. Jedinak is a tidy player as is Capana. I think the wings could be an area where we get some joy. That said we lack out and out wingers and I think we missed Walcott's pace against Dortmund too.
This weekend gives us a great chance to react following the disappointment on Tuesday ahead of some tough games including Liverpool and Manchester United in the league. Hopefully we can turn up, put in a performance and stay top this week. COYG!
Tuesday, 22 October 2013
Borussia Dortmund (H)
The big blow for us is that Mathieu Flamini is out of the game after picking up a concussion against Norwich at the weekend. Flamini has been a revelation since we got him back on free and has provided the back four with some much needed support sitting just ahead of them. Without him tonight our back line will need to be on song against the likes of Reus and co. Dortmund are a team that have a lot of pace on the wings and centrally so our positioning will be key to keeping them at bay.
We certainly have the attacking qualities to break them down despite their impressive defence. With players from all over the pitch scoring we have enough outlets to find the net and it makes us versatile. With Ozil, Wilshere and Cazorla likely to make up our trio sitting behind Giroud we can hold the play up but move quickly. Giroud has a big job tonight holding the ball up but if he does it as well as he has been we shouldn't worry about that.
Dortmund's threats going forward are countless. They have pace in Reus and Aubameyang whichever one they decide to use (probably Reus) but they have a more technical goalscorer in Lewandowski. Mkhitaryan is their Ozil if you will creating the moves and also finding the net every now and then. He can be a handful and we'll have to watch him closely.
It's going to be a very close game tonight and we're playing a top, top team. To get anything we'll have to be at our best. If we win it's a statement of intent and will put us in a very healthy position. COYG!
Thursday, 17 October 2013
Norwich City (H)
Finally the internationals are over and England have qualified for the finals, happy days all round. It appears at the moment that we have escaped the internationals relatively injury free. Mesut Ozil worryingly limped off in Germany's game against Sweden but it seems he just has a bruised knee. He will undergo a fitness test before the match but the signs are positive.
Santi Cazorla is back in full training and the only question mark is his fitness so he may play some role against Norwich but I'm not convinced he'll start. The same applies to Bacary Sagna, he will probably be in the squad but I doubt he'll start. Rosicky is available to play if Wenger sees fit.
The freedom that Wenger now has in the midfield is to pick his midfield to play against the oppositions weaknesses. So the manager will decide who to play depending on what he sees as Norwich weaknesses. Their strengths lie in attack in my opinion. With van Wolfswinkel leading the line and the powerful Leroy Fer sitting behind the holding midfielders will have a to be up to scratch. For me this may indicate the Rosicky/Flamini pairing as although Arteta is fit he isn't the most powerful of players.
We have the quality in the team to give them problems, I think we'll have Wilshere and Ramsey on the wings to help feed Giroud from more central positions. Hopefully Ozil will pass his fitness test and work his recent magic to provide our players with the opportunities to score. It'll be a tough game against a side that have had a poor start to the season that they will look to put right. We need to pick our form back up after the break if we want to remain as the pace setters for the league.
It can be difficult after the internationals to regain form straight away but that's what the best teams do and if we want to seriously challenge for the title we need to hit the ground running.
Santi Cazorla is back in full training and the only question mark is his fitness so he may play some role against Norwich but I'm not convinced he'll start. The same applies to Bacary Sagna, he will probably be in the squad but I doubt he'll start. Rosicky is available to play if Wenger sees fit.
The freedom that Wenger now has in the midfield is to pick his midfield to play against the oppositions weaknesses. So the manager will decide who to play depending on what he sees as Norwich weaknesses. Their strengths lie in attack in my opinion. With van Wolfswinkel leading the line and the powerful Leroy Fer sitting behind the holding midfielders will have a to be up to scratch. For me this may indicate the Rosicky/Flamini pairing as although Arteta is fit he isn't the most powerful of players.
We have the quality in the team to give them problems, I think we'll have Wilshere and Ramsey on the wings to help feed Giroud from more central positions. Hopefully Ozil will pass his fitness test and work his recent magic to provide our players with the opportunities to score. It'll be a tough game against a side that have had a poor start to the season that they will look to put right. We need to pick our form back up after the break if we want to remain as the pace setters for the league.
It can be difficult after the internationals to regain form straight away but that's what the best teams do and if we want to seriously challenge for the title we need to hit the ground running.
Thursday, 3 October 2013
West Brom (A)
This weekend we take on West Brom at the Hawthorns for the second time in 2 weeks. However I suspect both teams will have very different teams out from those that clashed in the Capital One Cup. In terms of team news, we have everyone who played Napoli fit, bar Bacary Sagna who has a minor problem and will need scans. I have a feeling we will start with Wilshere in the middle after beginning Tuesdays game on the bench, Gnabry is also an option after being rested.
West Brom are an altogether different outfit this season without Lukaku. They do however have a raft of players returning from injury including Sessegnon who is a dangerous player on his day. Anelka is also there and although his game lacks pace he still knows where the goal is. They have the power in the midfield of Mulumbu and winger Amalfitano can be a handful. They miss Foster in goal though and Myhill has stepped up. I think they'll play cagily to start with to avoid losing an early goal and having to chase but if it remains tight throughout the most part they'll stretch and the game will open up.
The momentum is with us at the moment but West Brom will want to spoil the party this weekend and it's up to us to turn up and put in the performances like we have done for the last 10 games or so. A win and we remain top of the table which is a very nice place to be come the close of play at the weekend.
Tuesday, 1 October 2013
Napoli (H)
Another tricky away game and another nice win for us. Ramsey on target and fantastic to see Serge Gnabry get on the score sheet after a couple of good games. He's really taking his chance whilst Walcott is out.
Tonight we return to Europes Elite competition with possibly the toughest team in our group against Napoli. A team who beat Borussia Dortmund in the last game and a team who are hovering near the top of Serie A. They are a good team under Benitez and a team with a lot of dangerous players. Higuain will no doubt get a bad reception despite it not being his fault that we didn't attempt to buy him.
We'll have to keep tabs on him tonight as I'm sure we all know how potent he is in front of goal. Napoli also have a wealth of other attacking options in Jose Callejon and Lorenzo Insigne. They are a powerful team and I expect them to try and use that to their advantage. We also face a man who knows Wenger and his style well after his years in the Premier League.
However we can say the same about Wenger and our side has momentum at the moment. Pepe Reina moved their from Liverpool and we all know he is a bit hit and miss in his age. If we can get some shots on target I think we'll grab a goal or two, it's keeping us tight at the back that concerns me. The defence need to be on form if we're to escape serious damage tonight.
I don't think the team will change from the one that beat Swansea on Saturday, mainly because apart from Rosicky we don't have anybody else. So it'll be a baptism of fire for young Gnabry but his time has to come eventually. Ozil will face ex-team mates in Higuain and Callejon, whilst Vermaelen has identified Belgian colleague Dries Mertens as a threat to watch.
Tonight is going to be a really tough match and make no mistake that a loss would put us under real pressure for the remaining games. 12 points will be enough to qualify, which in effect is 3 home wins and 1 away win. We have the away win in the bag and a win tonight and we're bang on track.
Finally a word on Le Boss who has been with us for 17 years today. Under extreme pressure last season before our incredible last 10 games, people were calling for his head, but he is by far the most successful manager in our history, the pioneer behind our Invincibles a feat that may never be matched. He is a man who knows football inside out and I hope he gets the backing he deserves from everyone.
But for tonight he will be focused solely on Napoli.
Tonight we return to Europes Elite competition with possibly the toughest team in our group against Napoli. A team who beat Borussia Dortmund in the last game and a team who are hovering near the top of Serie A. They are a good team under Benitez and a team with a lot of dangerous players. Higuain will no doubt get a bad reception despite it not being his fault that we didn't attempt to buy him.
We'll have to keep tabs on him tonight as I'm sure we all know how potent he is in front of goal. Napoli also have a wealth of other attacking options in Jose Callejon and Lorenzo Insigne. They are a powerful team and I expect them to try and use that to their advantage. We also face a man who knows Wenger and his style well after his years in the Premier League.
However we can say the same about Wenger and our side has momentum at the moment. Pepe Reina moved their from Liverpool and we all know he is a bit hit and miss in his age. If we can get some shots on target I think we'll grab a goal or two, it's keeping us tight at the back that concerns me. The defence need to be on form if we're to escape serious damage tonight.
I don't think the team will change from the one that beat Swansea on Saturday, mainly because apart from Rosicky we don't have anybody else. So it'll be a baptism of fire for young Gnabry but his time has to come eventually. Ozil will face ex-team mates in Higuain and Callejon, whilst Vermaelen has identified Belgian colleague Dries Mertens as a threat to watch.
Tonight is going to be a really tough match and make no mistake that a loss would put us under real pressure for the remaining games. 12 points will be enough to qualify, which in effect is 3 home wins and 1 away win. We have the away win in the bag and a win tonight and we're bang on track.
Finally a word on Le Boss who has been with us for 17 years today. Under extreme pressure last season before our incredible last 10 games, people were calling for his head, but he is by far the most successful manager in our history, the pioneer behind our Invincibles a feat that may never be matched. He is a man who knows football inside out and I hope he gets the backing he deserves from everyone.
But for tonight he will be focused solely on Napoli.
Tuesday, 24 September 2013
West Brom (A)
After some good league and European performances tomorrow night we travel to the Hawthorns to take on West Brom in the Capital One Cup or whatever it is now. I first expected Wenger to make wholesale changes but then realised that our squad is so bare that we may have to play some first-team players.
Guessing the squad will be hard but I think it's fairly safe to assume Viviano will start between the sticks to make his debut. I've heard good things but hopefully tomorrow will give us a better look at the Italian. The back line will more than likely include the likes of Jenkinson, Vermaelen and Monreal. The midfield is an area where we are short so I expect it to remain roughly the same, we may see more of Arteta depending on how he came out of the last 10 at the weekend. Ozil trained but I doubt he'll be played. The front line is an interesting one. Bendtner has been included and may start, I think Gnabry will start after his weekend performance and on the other wing we might see Myiachi start.
West Brom will take the match seriously and it will be a difficult game regardless of what team we put out. West Brom have had a rough start this season but they're still a dangerous team especially with the likes of Sessegnon adding to their ranks. But without Lukaku this season they have struggled for goals scoring just 4 in the league from 5 matches.
It's a really difficult game to call with us more than likely fielding a weakened team and them below their best so far this season. It'll give some players the chance to shine, Viviano has his chance to show why we signed him from Fiorentina and keep SZCZ on his toes, whilst players like Gnabry and Myiachi have the chance to show off their potential.
I'm not gonna predict this one cause it's such a strange match up, hopefully we can do the business and keep this little run going.
Guessing the squad will be hard but I think it's fairly safe to assume Viviano will start between the sticks to make his debut. I've heard good things but hopefully tomorrow will give us a better look at the Italian. The back line will more than likely include the likes of Jenkinson, Vermaelen and Monreal. The midfield is an area where we are short so I expect it to remain roughly the same, we may see more of Arteta depending on how he came out of the last 10 at the weekend. Ozil trained but I doubt he'll be played. The front line is an interesting one. Bendtner has been included and may start, I think Gnabry will start after his weekend performance and on the other wing we might see Myiachi start.
West Brom will take the match seriously and it will be a difficult game regardless of what team we put out. West Brom have had a rough start this season but they're still a dangerous team especially with the likes of Sessegnon adding to their ranks. But without Lukaku this season they have struggled for goals scoring just 4 in the league from 5 matches.
It's a really difficult game to call with us more than likely fielding a weakened team and them below their best so far this season. It'll give some players the chance to shine, Viviano has his chance to show why we signed him from Fiorentina and keep SZCZ on his toes, whilst players like Gnabry and Myiachi have the chance to show off their potential.
I'm not gonna predict this one cause it's such a strange match up, hopefully we can do the business and keep this little run going.
Monday, 23 September 2013
Stoke City Match Report
Right first off it's been manic at work, sale weekends really don't allow much spare time. Thus I've missed my last 2 blog posts. So yesterday we beat Stoke, relatively comfortably, with 3 very untypical Arsenal goals. Many are saying we "out-stoked" Stoke but I don't like to associate us with that mob of gommoids in any way.
It started fantastically with Aaron Ramsey getting a goal that surely he has dreamt about since his horrific leg break back there in 2010. His subtle celebration was clearly a pop at the fans that booed him ever since and I loved every second of it. It was also the first of a hat-trick of assists from Mesut Ozil who again proved what a playmaker he really is. A free kick that was originally a shot was spilt by Begovic and Ramsey was there to slide it underneath him.
Then Stoke pulled on back when a fantastically floated ball was spanked against the post by Arnautovic before Cameron placed it into the far corner. But we didn't let it effect us and moments later we were back in front. Ozil again the provider, this time from a corner which was flicked across the goal by Mertesacker. The two Germans combining well to give us a lead going into the half.
In the second half the game slowed a little there were a few efforts from both side but the final blow came in the 72nd minute when Bacary Sagna headed the ball high and over the Stoke keeper from another Ozil corner. This effectively ended the game and from there on we were in control. Ozil made way to a standing ovation and was replaced by Mikel Arteta in his first appearance for us this season.
The only downside of the game was the loss of Theo Walcott before the match with whats been described as a muscular abdominal problem, Wenger admitted that he didn't know how long the winger would be out or even what exactly the problem was which is worrying for us and our already thread-bare squad. He was replaced by Serge Gnabry who held his own relatively well and with game time and experience could be a very tidy player.
We travel to the Hawthorns on Wednesday night to take on West Brom and I suspect the squad will be fairly different to the one yesterday but a report on that will be up soon. Until then enjoy your day.
It started fantastically with Aaron Ramsey getting a goal that surely he has dreamt about since his horrific leg break back there in 2010. His subtle celebration was clearly a pop at the fans that booed him ever since and I loved every second of it. It was also the first of a hat-trick of assists from Mesut Ozil who again proved what a playmaker he really is. A free kick that was originally a shot was spilt by Begovic and Ramsey was there to slide it underneath him.
Then Stoke pulled on back when a fantastically floated ball was spanked against the post by Arnautovic before Cameron placed it into the far corner. But we didn't let it effect us and moments later we were back in front. Ozil again the provider, this time from a corner which was flicked across the goal by Mertesacker. The two Germans combining well to give us a lead going into the half.
In the second half the game slowed a little there were a few efforts from both side but the final blow came in the 72nd minute when Bacary Sagna headed the ball high and over the Stoke keeper from another Ozil corner. This effectively ended the game and from there on we were in control. Ozil made way to a standing ovation and was replaced by Mikel Arteta in his first appearance for us this season.
The only downside of the game was the loss of Theo Walcott before the match with whats been described as a muscular abdominal problem, Wenger admitted that he didn't know how long the winger would be out or even what exactly the problem was which is worrying for us and our already thread-bare squad. He was replaced by Serge Gnabry who held his own relatively well and with game time and experience could be a very tidy player.
We travel to the Hawthorns on Wednesday night to take on West Brom and I suspect the squad will be fairly different to the one yesterday but a report on that will be up soon. Until then enjoy your day.
Friday, 13 September 2013
Sunderland (A)
After the boredom of the international break we return to Premier League action tomorrow and all of the buzz around the club is about our record signing potentially making his debut. However reports suggest that Özil missed training today due to illness along with fellow German team-mate Per Mertesacker. Must have been some dodgy Bratwurst or something.
So we may be made to wait until Wednesday or possibly even next weekend to see our new boy play. Either way we travel to the Stadium of Light short of players as it is. Rosicky, Sanogo and Zelalem add to our list of woes which now really does leave us with one striker. I said at the start of the window we were desperately in need of another striker and whilst I'm over the moon with Özil we still lack back up for Giroud.
In more positive news Thomas Vermaelen is back and in with a chance of playing which gives Wenger options to cover Mertesacker playing either him or Sagna at right back. With
Özil a doubt too we may see Wilshere slot in behind Giroud with Ramsey and Flamini holding the line in front of the defence. Despite the arrival of Viviano who I already can't help but like after watching his interview with Arsenal.com I think SZCZ will keep his place in the starting line up.
Sunderland have a team that is barely recognisable with Di Canio signing nearly a whole new starting 11 in the transfer window. There are some players that I know of and others that I don't but I would expect a few of them to start. Andre Dossena (if you remember from Liverpool) is a bit of a bruiser and could give Theo a few problems, however if Theo can get in behind him he'll struggle to keep up so that could be a potential area we could exploit.
Giaccherini is a doubt but Fletcher is back and could partner another new boy in Jozy Altidore upfront for Sunderland. We know Fletcher has goals so he'll be a threat, Altidore had a blistering season for AZ Alkmaar last year and he certainly knows where the net is. Despite scoring against MK Dons the other week he hasn't quite found his feet in the league yet but that could easily change against us. This is not an easy game and we'll need to be ready for it if we're to take all 3 points.
Let's hope our current run of form continues and we can ease to 3 points.
Prediction: Sunderland 1-2 Arsenal
So we may be made to wait until Wednesday or possibly even next weekend to see our new boy play. Either way we travel to the Stadium of Light short of players as it is. Rosicky, Sanogo and Zelalem add to our list of woes which now really does leave us with one striker. I said at the start of the window we were desperately in need of another striker and whilst I'm over the moon with Özil we still lack back up for Giroud.
In more positive news Thomas Vermaelen is back and in with a chance of playing which gives Wenger options to cover Mertesacker playing either him or Sagna at right back. With
Özil a doubt too we may see Wilshere slot in behind Giroud with Ramsey and Flamini holding the line in front of the defence. Despite the arrival of Viviano who I already can't help but like after watching his interview with Arsenal.com I think SZCZ will keep his place in the starting line up.
Sunderland have a team that is barely recognisable with Di Canio signing nearly a whole new starting 11 in the transfer window. There are some players that I know of and others that I don't but I would expect a few of them to start. Andre Dossena (if you remember from Liverpool) is a bit of a bruiser and could give Theo a few problems, however if Theo can get in behind him he'll struggle to keep up so that could be a potential area we could exploit.
Giaccherini is a doubt but Fletcher is back and could partner another new boy in Jozy Altidore upfront for Sunderland. We know Fletcher has goals so he'll be a threat, Altidore had a blistering season for AZ Alkmaar last year and he certainly knows where the net is. Despite scoring against MK Dons the other week he hasn't quite found his feet in the league yet but that could easily change against us. This is not an easy game and we'll need to be ready for it if we're to take all 3 points.
Let's hope our current run of form continues and we can ease to 3 points.
Prediction: Sunderland 1-2 Arsenal
Tuesday, 3 September 2013
Transfers In: Ozil and Viviano
What a whirlwind 48 hours for Arsenal fans. Beating Tottenham in derby who had at that point spent £100m on 7 new players. They didn't really get going and we restricted them to mainly off-target long shots. Olivier Giroud scored in his third PL game in a row, that's every league game so far this season. It was a gritty hard fought win but well worth it and who wouldn't have taken that beforehand. It also shut a lot of big-mouthed spurs fans up who had been spouting all season.
In a cheeky press-conference after the game with a sly smile that Arsenal fans have seen many times, Wenger said: "We might have a good surprise for you". Following Bales departure everything kicked into gear and rumours started about Mesut Ozil. Deadline day promised to be a good one.
Before anything else we signed a goalkeeper on loan from Palermo who spent last season at Fiorentina. Emiliano Viviano is 27 and a keeper I know very little about but from what I saw he kept something like 11 clean sheets in 32 games. That's a fine season and if he provides some good competition for our current keeper then great.
Then our attention turned to the signing of Mesut Ozil. Various media outlets suggested it was done at around 6pm but like many until I saw official confirmation I didn't want to jump to any conclusions. We waited and waited and waited, Sky prolonged it and then with around half an hour left it was official much to the excitement of Arsenal fans everywhere, no less outside the Emirates.
As the Sky reporter was eager to point out this has destroyed our record transfer fee beforehand by £27.5m almost tripling our fee for Arshavin. But there is no doubt that he is worth every penny of it, a player who is easily within the top 10 midfielders in the world and a player who was described by Jose Mourinho as the best CAM in the world. He is a player who's close control, technical ability and reading of the game is second to none and also the player with the most assists across Europes top 5 leagues for the last 3 years.
He is a totally unselfish player and is more than happy to set up others. I can see him doing great things behind our striker.
Now it's not all sunshine and rainbows. We didn't get another striker and there are questions that need to be asked about how we conducted our business and Ozil isn't going to suddenly make us title contenders. But this is more a statement of intent from Arsenal that we are coming back and we are willing to spend the top money to get the top players. Sky reported last night that it was a combination of Wenger, Gazidis and (yes, believe it or not) Kronke. Kronke and Gazidis really wanted to get this one in and I really hope that is true and it shows backing from the businessmen and hopefully is a sign of windows to come.
What makes this signing even more prevalent for me an Arsenal is that we bought him with money that we earned. We weren't given it by a rich owner, we made it as a club and as a business.
But for now all I am excited about is seeing Mesut Özil in an Arsenal shirt. COYG!
In a cheeky press-conference after the game with a sly smile that Arsenal fans have seen many times, Wenger said: "We might have a good surprise for you". Following Bales departure everything kicked into gear and rumours started about Mesut Ozil. Deadline day promised to be a good one.
Before anything else we signed a goalkeeper on loan from Palermo who spent last season at Fiorentina. Emiliano Viviano is 27 and a keeper I know very little about but from what I saw he kept something like 11 clean sheets in 32 games. That's a fine season and if he provides some good competition for our current keeper then great.
Then our attention turned to the signing of Mesut Ozil. Various media outlets suggested it was done at around 6pm but like many until I saw official confirmation I didn't want to jump to any conclusions. We waited and waited and waited, Sky prolonged it and then with around half an hour left it was official much to the excitement of Arsenal fans everywhere, no less outside the Emirates.
As the Sky reporter was eager to point out this has destroyed our record transfer fee beforehand by £27.5m almost tripling our fee for Arshavin. But there is no doubt that he is worth every penny of it, a player who is easily within the top 10 midfielders in the world and a player who was described by Jose Mourinho as the best CAM in the world. He is a player who's close control, technical ability and reading of the game is second to none and also the player with the most assists across Europes top 5 leagues for the last 3 years.
He is a totally unselfish player and is more than happy to set up others. I can see him doing great things behind our striker.
Now it's not all sunshine and rainbows. We didn't get another striker and there are questions that need to be asked about how we conducted our business and Ozil isn't going to suddenly make us title contenders. But this is more a statement of intent from Arsenal that we are coming back and we are willing to spend the top money to get the top players. Sky reported last night that it was a combination of Wenger, Gazidis and (yes, believe it or not) Kronke. Kronke and Gazidis really wanted to get this one in and I really hope that is true and it shows backing from the businessmen and hopefully is a sign of windows to come.
What makes this signing even more prevalent for me an Arsenal is that we bought him with money that we earned. We weren't given it by a rich owner, we made it as a club and as a business.
But for now all I am excited about is seeing Mesut Özil in an Arsenal shirt. COYG!
Thursday, 29 August 2013
Transfer update
Another solid win on Tuesday and we're in the Champions League group stage for a sixteenth consecutive year. Quite an achievement however you look at it and we should be pleased with the teams performance. But we're far from looking rosy. The team is stretched to it's limits and we look as active in the transfer market as a corpse.
The word from ex and current players is that the signings will come with Lee Dixon saying there will be 2 big names, Liam Brady saying there could some surprises and Arteta again re-iterating that the signings will happen. But the longer this goes on the more and more Arsenal fans are feeling that the wool has been pulled over their eyes and that nothing will happen. Realistically who would be surprised?
There has been much talk in recent weeks about a potential raid on Real Madrid following the supposedly imminent transfer of monkey man from the Spuds. By my count we have been linked with 4 players: Benzema, Di Maria, Casillas and Ozil. Now Benzema and Ozil have both said they are staying put, no surprise really. Di Maria has remained quiet and is a player I rate highly as a playmaker and a winger. Casillas is obviously a top drawer keeper. But really can you see us even bothering with either of them?
I don't buy any of this it takes time or its hard rubbish, look at what Tottenham have done without CL football, if they can do it why can't we? Are we really that scared to pay big money? The frustration amongst fans is understandable and if we don't buy which is looking more and more likely by the minute I personally can see a poisonous atmosphere at the Emirates all season. I can't understand the manager, he knows how the fans feel and he knows who'll get it in the neck should we not sign. If it's his ignorance and stubbornness then he needs to go. But I still can't help but feel the powers higher up are the ones using him as their scapegoat. Look at when we spent £14.5m on Bergkamp back in the day when that was an astronomical figure, what has happened that manager?
A lot of questions in this post I know and questions that should we fail to sign anyone will need to be answered otherwise it could be a long and painful season for Arsenal fans.
The word from ex and current players is that the signings will come with Lee Dixon saying there will be 2 big names, Liam Brady saying there could some surprises and Arteta again re-iterating that the signings will happen. But the longer this goes on the more and more Arsenal fans are feeling that the wool has been pulled over their eyes and that nothing will happen. Realistically who would be surprised?
There has been much talk in recent weeks about a potential raid on Real Madrid following the supposedly imminent transfer of monkey man from the Spuds. By my count we have been linked with 4 players: Benzema, Di Maria, Casillas and Ozil. Now Benzema and Ozil have both said they are staying put, no surprise really. Di Maria has remained quiet and is a player I rate highly as a playmaker and a winger. Casillas is obviously a top drawer keeper. But really can you see us even bothering with either of them?
I don't buy any of this it takes time or its hard rubbish, look at what Tottenham have done without CL football, if they can do it why can't we? Are we really that scared to pay big money? The frustration amongst fans is understandable and if we don't buy which is looking more and more likely by the minute I personally can see a poisonous atmosphere at the Emirates all season. I can't understand the manager, he knows how the fans feel and he knows who'll get it in the neck should we not sign. If it's his ignorance and stubbornness then he needs to go. But I still can't help but feel the powers higher up are the ones using him as their scapegoat. Look at when we spent £14.5m on Bergkamp back in the day when that was an astronomical figure, what has happened that manager?
A lot of questions in this post I know and questions that should we fail to sign anyone will need to be answered otherwise it could be a long and painful season for Arsenal fans.
Tuesday, 27 August 2013
Fenerbahce (H)
So we go into a game tonight where we already have a comfortable lead after our fantastic 3-0 win in Turkey last week. That said we can't relax, all it takes is a couple of first half goals from Fener and the nerves will start all over again. Or we can go out and get an early goal and that would probably put the game to bed. It's a game that we can make as easy or as hard as we want for ourselves.
There is an interesting piece on Arsenal.com today from Wenger about the use of Wilshere and how he is being cautious because he doesn't want a repeat of previous incidents. That might suggest that Wenger is planning to play a similar team to that he fielded on Saturday. The only difference could be Koscielny slotting back into centre-back if his cut has healed up sufficiently.
The manager may have half an eye on the North London derby this Sunday and if all goes well early on he may ring the changes if he feels comfortable. We may see the likes of Cazorla make way. I expect Podolski to keep his place after his double against Fulham and to also possibly make way later on.
As I posted earlier: tonight can be as easy or as difficult as we want to make it. If we go out and look dangerous early we could have the game well and truly killed off within the first half. It all depends on how fired up the players get.
Personally I don't think that much of Fenerbahce and I can see us finishing this tie off early on but it wouldn't be at all surprising if we conceded early and the wobbles started. COYG
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Fenerbahce
Tuesday, 20 August 2013
What a mess...Fenerbahce (A)
Exactly what we feared has happened though, a thing squad made thinner due to injuries in the first game. News tonight is the OX could be out for 6 months and some reports suggesting the whole season. Sagna's fall was nasty and Ramsey is a big doubt. The game tomorrow is a qualifier for the Champions League and if we don't beat Fenerbahce then all the work last season will be irrelevant and again Wenger's decision not to spend has cost us.
It's all well and good getting rid of deadwood but replacing them is just as important although now even if we sign 3 players tomorrow none will be eligible for tomorrow night's game. We've left it very, very late to make signings and if we don't I wouldn't back us to make top 7 let alone challenge for anything. I said before the season this was Arsene's make or break season, everybody trapped off about our money and if he didn't spend the blame would lie squarely with him and at the moment this is looking like a break season. I sat and read the letter from the BSM to Gazidis and struggled to disagree with any of it and many supporters are the same.
Well on to Fenerbahce who will be no pushover, especially in Turkey. Anybody who knows anything about Turkish football will know just how hostile the atmosphere will be especially in a big tie like this. If we can escape tonight with the scoreline in tact then hopefully we can do the business at the Emirates in a weeks time. Now there is an investigation into match fixing allegations against Fenerbahce but the decision is not due until next Wednesday and even then when don't know what will happen, if we do our job it won't matter what happens.
Now I don't know much about our Turkish opponents other than they're a hard hitting team and they will pull no punches. If we play sloppily or give them too many chances they will punish us. Quite what sort of team we'll send out will be any body's guess following the loss of nearly 5 players against Villa.
As I'm writing this Sky Sports News have confirmed that Wilshere, Rosicky, Sagna, Gibbs and Ramsey have all taken part in our training before we fly out to Istanbul tonight. That is at least some good news. Based on that my guess would be: SZCZ, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Sagna, Gibbs, Wilshere, Ramsey, Rosicky, Walcott, Cazorla/Podolski, Giroud. This match might come too early for Cazorla who was clearly shattered after his trip to Ecuador the other week and should never have been on the pitch at the weekend.
I honestly am worried about tomorrow night, we need to keep it tight, shipping 2 or 3 goals will render all of last seasons hard work for fourth irrelevant. We just have to hope the players are up for it but I'm not so sure.
Prediction: Fenerbahce 2-1 Arsenal
Friday, 16 August 2013
Start of the season. Aston Villa (H)
Well in my last post which was over a month ago, I said if we signed any new players I'd keep you updated and surprise surprise the season is about to kick off and we haven't signed anyone. We haven't even spent a penny. Whilst we have cleared the deadwood getting shot of Gervinho, Chamakh and others we have left our squad threadbare and there was a lot of talk of how we'd cope with injuries...
But of course this wouldn't be the start of the season without us having a mountain of injuries. The main one that has been reported today is that Mikel Arteta looks to be out for up to 6 weeks with a thigh problem. Add him to Nacho Monreal and Thomas Vermaelen along with long term Abou Diaby and we're looking pretty thin as it is.
It just doesn't make any sense to get rid of 25+ players and not to bring in replacements. For a man of Wenger's intelligence and whatever you think of him there's no doubt he's not dumb, I don't understand what he was thinking. I don't buy the whole "we tried but they didn't happen" story, if every other club can manage it then so can we with our ever growing "war chest". Watching the managers press-conference he has said that "we will be active in the transfer market...we are looking more for quality than for numbers, we would like 2/3 players, if possible more".
Anyway on the plus side football is finally returning tomorrow and we kick off at home against Aston Villa, a side that I would say have had a good summer. They've tied Benteke down and held on to Wiemann whilst adding to their side. we have a fit side apart from the injuries highlighted above. Sagna and Ramsey are fit to play after reports suggesting that they had picked up knocks. The boss confirmed that Per Mertesacker will captain the team this weekend which is an interesting choice, the quiet German and a player who upon closer analysis appears to have had a bit of a ropey pre-season being pulled out of position a few times.
I think we'll go for something like: SZCZ, Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Wilshere, Ramsey, Rosicky, Walcott, Cazorla, Giroud. I think Rosicky will step into the gap and lead the midfield attack with Jack and Aaron behind. Or Cazorla may lead the attack with someone shifting over to the left. I think a focal point of our attack will be Walcott running diagonally behind the defence and if we link up its a very effective point of attack.
Obviously threats from Villa will be Wiemann and Benteke. Our defence will need to be strong in the air to keep the big Belgian out of the frame. Of course Agbonlahor is a player that we shouldn't overlook either. I think this could be a big a game for Mertesacker who I'm certain will be marking Benteke. Villa are sharp on the counter too so our pacey players will need to track back.
It's difficult to predict a the first game of the season, but based on our promising pre-season I'm quietly optimistic. Until next time COYG!
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Aston Villa
But of course this wouldn't be the start of the season without us having a mountain of injuries. The main one that has been reported today is that Mikel Arteta looks to be out for up to 6 weeks with a thigh problem. Add him to Nacho Monreal and Thomas Vermaelen along with long term Abou Diaby and we're looking pretty thin as it is.
It just doesn't make any sense to get rid of 25+ players and not to bring in replacements. For a man of Wenger's intelligence and whatever you think of him there's no doubt he's not dumb, I don't understand what he was thinking. I don't buy the whole "we tried but they didn't happen" story, if every other club can manage it then so can we with our ever growing "war chest". Watching the managers press-conference he has said that "we will be active in the transfer market...we are looking more for quality than for numbers, we would like 2/3 players, if possible more".
Anyway on the plus side football is finally returning tomorrow and we kick off at home against Aston Villa, a side that I would say have had a good summer. They've tied Benteke down and held on to Wiemann whilst adding to their side. we have a fit side apart from the injuries highlighted above. Sagna and Ramsey are fit to play after reports suggesting that they had picked up knocks. The boss confirmed that Per Mertesacker will captain the team this weekend which is an interesting choice, the quiet German and a player who upon closer analysis appears to have had a bit of a ropey pre-season being pulled out of position a few times.
I think we'll go for something like: SZCZ, Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Wilshere, Ramsey, Rosicky, Walcott, Cazorla, Giroud. I think Rosicky will step into the gap and lead the midfield attack with Jack and Aaron behind. Or Cazorla may lead the attack with someone shifting over to the left. I think a focal point of our attack will be Walcott running diagonally behind the defence and if we link up its a very effective point of attack.
Obviously threats from Villa will be Wiemann and Benteke. Our defence will need to be strong in the air to keep the big Belgian out of the frame. Of course Agbonlahor is a player that we shouldn't overlook either. I think this could be a big a game for Mertesacker who I'm certain will be marking Benteke. Villa are sharp on the counter too so our pacey players will need to track back.
It's difficult to predict a the first game of the season, but based on our promising pre-season I'm quietly optimistic. Until next time COYG!
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Aston Villa
Friday, 12 July 2013
Arsenal Latest
It's been a very quiet few weeks in terms of Arsenal news. The team flew out to Jakarta for the first leg of our Asian Pre-Season tour. Aside from being a huge money spinner for the club it's fantastic to see just how excited the fans over their get and it's only right that they get their chance to see the team.
In other news we've released our new Away kit and its a very nice yellow and blue number which is supposedly a tribute to the Invincibles. I much prefer it to the purple kit we played in last season and compared to some of the monstrosities Nike have rolled out over the years its certainly not a bad way to end our manufacturing deal with them.
Right now onto the less than concrete news on transfer business. We'll start with players leaving first. The news from Germany was initially good, Francis Coquelin has joined Freiburg on a season-long loan. I like Coquelin and I think he's certainly got some talent so if he gets games out there then it can only be a good thing. Then the news from Germany then turned bad with Bendtner's requests supposedly wide of the mark for Eintracht Frankfurt who have now ended all negotiations. This is not the first time this has happened so maybe its time he realises that he isn't worth what he thinks. I must admit its hard to see why nobody would want to pay a weed smoking, shisha puffing, reckless driving, party animal...
Other possibly positive transfer news for us is that Santos could be on his way back to Brazil and to Flamengo, a club where he previously played. However with the Brazilian window closing soon a deal has to be pushed through sharpish. I think some of the criticism of him has been a little harsh and he has been used as a scapegoat but that said he's never really been an Arsenal quality player. I think it would be best for all parties if he returned to his homeland.
OK now onto in's and really the biggest story since my last post has been the news that Arsenal have reported had a £30m bid turned down for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez. Now initially I thought this was just some very unsubtle brinksmanship from the club by trying to force through the Higuain deal by bidding for a player that Madrid are reportedly interested in. But if reports are to be believed we're supposedly returning with a higher bid in order to try and lure the wantaway striker from Anfield.
Whatever the intentions this is a very un-Arsenal like move. Firstly if it was to try and drive the Higuain deal through it definitely didn't work as everything has gone quite on that front. Ancelotti is supposedly meeting him on Monday to convince him to stay and quite honestly I think any chance of seeing him in an Arsenal top next season has gone. Suarez has certainly divided opinion amongst Arsenal fans with some hoping that he will join and provide the firepower that we need up front. Others find him repulsive and would hate to see him in an Arsenal shirt.
Now there's no doubt that he's a top class striker and on his day he's unstoppable. There's also no doubt that he has had his problems, racism, biting and even pre-dating his Liverpool career he's always been a bit of a mental case. Personally I'd love to see him sign to not only provide the goals upfront but also because he's a nasty bastard. Something we've missed since the Viera, Keown and Adams era. They weren't afraid to get mean when they needed too and let's face it they had their own problems. Viera has one of the worst disciplinary records in the history of the league. Adams had his problems with drink but both players delivered on the pitch and contributed to the teams overall success.
I don't fall into the mentality of many Arsenal fans who seem to think we're better than signing someone like that, if he puts in a shift and does his job then I don't see a problem. Now I want to say I'm not condoning racism or aggressive behaviour such as biting on the pitch, far from it. But a bit of spirit and fight wouldn't go amiss. However there is a problem with such a player, he is currently serving a 10 match ban for biting Ivanovic and still has 6 to serve. If he joined us there's no doubt that the FA will uphold the ban and they certainly have his number. If he causes problems again what the ban be that time? 15, 20 matches? That's a big risk to take for a £30m plus investment.
I personally don't think we'll sign Suarez but stranger things have happened and at the moment all we can do is wait and see. For those of you on twitter, give me a follow for more Arsenal related nonsese @fisher_mr.
In other news we've released our new Away kit and its a very nice yellow and blue number which is supposedly a tribute to the Invincibles. I much prefer it to the purple kit we played in last season and compared to some of the monstrosities Nike have rolled out over the years its certainly not a bad way to end our manufacturing deal with them.
Right now onto the less than concrete news on transfer business. We'll start with players leaving first. The news from Germany was initially good, Francis Coquelin has joined Freiburg on a season-long loan. I like Coquelin and I think he's certainly got some talent so if he gets games out there then it can only be a good thing. Then the news from Germany then turned bad with Bendtner's requests supposedly wide of the mark for Eintracht Frankfurt who have now ended all negotiations. This is not the first time this has happened so maybe its time he realises that he isn't worth what he thinks. I must admit its hard to see why nobody would want to pay a weed smoking, shisha puffing, reckless driving, party animal...
Other possibly positive transfer news for us is that Santos could be on his way back to Brazil and to Flamengo, a club where he previously played. However with the Brazilian window closing soon a deal has to be pushed through sharpish. I think some of the criticism of him has been a little harsh and he has been used as a scapegoat but that said he's never really been an Arsenal quality player. I think it would be best for all parties if he returned to his homeland.
OK now onto in's and really the biggest story since my last post has been the news that Arsenal have reported had a £30m bid turned down for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez. Now initially I thought this was just some very unsubtle brinksmanship from the club by trying to force through the Higuain deal by bidding for a player that Madrid are reportedly interested in. But if reports are to be believed we're supposedly returning with a higher bid in order to try and lure the wantaway striker from Anfield.
Whatever the intentions this is a very un-Arsenal like move. Firstly if it was to try and drive the Higuain deal through it definitely didn't work as everything has gone quite on that front. Ancelotti is supposedly meeting him on Monday to convince him to stay and quite honestly I think any chance of seeing him in an Arsenal top next season has gone. Suarez has certainly divided opinion amongst Arsenal fans with some hoping that he will join and provide the firepower that we need up front. Others find him repulsive and would hate to see him in an Arsenal shirt.
Now there's no doubt that he's a top class striker and on his day he's unstoppable. There's also no doubt that he has had his problems, racism, biting and even pre-dating his Liverpool career he's always been a bit of a mental case. Personally I'd love to see him sign to not only provide the goals upfront but also because he's a nasty bastard. Something we've missed since the Viera, Keown and Adams era. They weren't afraid to get mean when they needed too and let's face it they had their own problems. Viera has one of the worst disciplinary records in the history of the league. Adams had his problems with drink but both players delivered on the pitch and contributed to the teams overall success.
I don't fall into the mentality of many Arsenal fans who seem to think we're better than signing someone like that, if he puts in a shift and does his job then I don't see a problem. Now I want to say I'm not condoning racism or aggressive behaviour such as biting on the pitch, far from it. But a bit of spirit and fight wouldn't go amiss. However there is a problem with such a player, he is currently serving a 10 match ban for biting Ivanovic and still has 6 to serve. If he joined us there's no doubt that the FA will uphold the ban and they certainly have his number. If he causes problems again what the ban be that time? 15, 20 matches? That's a big risk to take for a £30m plus investment.
I personally don't think we'll sign Suarez but stranger things have happened and at the moment all we can do is wait and see. For those of you on twitter, give me a follow for more Arsenal related nonsese @fisher_mr.
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
One Out and One In
Morning all, it's been a while since my last post and that's because well, really nothing has been happening in terms of Arsenal. More media speculation, a "leaked" away kit and a bit more speculation pretty much sums it up. However with the UK window officially opening yesterday (yes players can sign beforehand but nothing is official until the 1st) the transfer cogs are turning and Arsenal have been busy.
After releasing a number of player already this season we've followed that up with a loan leading to a permanent deal for Johan Djourou for Bundesliga side Hamburg. Now many of you will be well aware of how critical I have been of Djourou but it's important to remember that he's been hampered by injury and he did have spells where he looked good. But due a combination of reasons, it just didn't work out for him. He seems like a genuinely nice guy and I wish him all the best in future, especially following his comments about just wanting to play.
Now onto what we've all been waiting for A SIGNING, as in an OFFICIAL SIGNING. It's not the world class striker we've all been waiting for but its a start. 20 year old, French striker Yaya Sanogo has joined from Auxerre on a free. Now many will say this is a typical Wenger signing but I think this time it actually makes sense. With Bendtner seemingly on his way and well who really knows with Chamakh we won't have depth up front and I think it's important to have young talent coming through. There is minimal risk as its a free and according to those who watch French football he's a decent enough prospect. Like many of you I'm sure I don't know much about him so I've put together this little fact file.
Yaya Sanogo
Age: 20
Height: 1.91m (6ft 3in)
Position: Striker
Former Clubs: CO Les Ulis, Auxerre
International Career: 49 apps for French U16-U21
Career Goals: 43 in 49
Those are some impressive stats in terms of goals and if his development continues at a nice rate we could have a very tidy striker on our hands.
In terms of other transfer news the usual Higuain stories are floating around but I'm still rather skeptical about the deal going through. Interestingly German media reported yesterday we had a £19.7m bid turned down for Leverkusen defensive midfielder Lars Bender and although there has been no confirmation of the bis from either side Leverkusen did say in a statement that he wasn't for sale at any price, which as we all know means nothing in the transfer window.
So we're finally starting to see things happen and although stories linking us with world class players should always be taken with a pinch of salt. I don't think that's the last of our activity in this window.
Until next time.
After releasing a number of player already this season we've followed that up with a loan leading to a permanent deal for Johan Djourou for Bundesliga side Hamburg. Now many of you will be well aware of how critical I have been of Djourou but it's important to remember that he's been hampered by injury and he did have spells where he looked good. But due a combination of reasons, it just didn't work out for him. He seems like a genuinely nice guy and I wish him all the best in future, especially following his comments about just wanting to play.
Now onto what we've all been waiting for A SIGNING, as in an OFFICIAL SIGNING. It's not the world class striker we've all been waiting for but its a start. 20 year old, French striker Yaya Sanogo has joined from Auxerre on a free. Now many will say this is a typical Wenger signing but I think this time it actually makes sense. With Bendtner seemingly on his way and well who really knows with Chamakh we won't have depth up front and I think it's important to have young talent coming through. There is minimal risk as its a free and according to those who watch French football he's a decent enough prospect. Like many of you I'm sure I don't know much about him so I've put together this little fact file.
Yaya Sanogo
Age: 20
Height: 1.91m (6ft 3in)
Position: Striker
Former Clubs: CO Les Ulis, Auxerre
International Career: 49 apps for French U16-U21
Career Goals: 43 in 49
Those are some impressive stats in terms of goals and if his development continues at a nice rate we could have a very tidy striker on our hands.
In terms of other transfer news the usual Higuain stories are floating around but I'm still rather skeptical about the deal going through. Interestingly German media reported yesterday we had a £19.7m bid turned down for Leverkusen defensive midfielder Lars Bender and although there has been no confirmation of the bis from either side Leverkusen did say in a statement that he wasn't for sale at any price, which as we all know means nothing in the transfer window.
So we're finally starting to see things happen and although stories linking us with world class players should always be taken with a pinch of salt. I don't think that's the last of our activity in this window.
Until next time.
Monday, 10 June 2013
Ivan Gazidis: All talk and no walk?
So there hasn't been much going on in the Arsenal world as I'm sure you know, the usual crazy rumours from people who are blatantly making up a complete load of bullshit. Over the past few days I've seen reports linking us with more players than you can count. We've gone from the ridiculous: "Arsenal trigger £22m release clause in Fellaini's contract" to the even more ridiculous "Wenger to spend £40m on Lewandowksi". Now anyone with any common sense will know that both of these statements are going to be well wide of the mark but the fact that it only takes one person to come out with a rumour for it spiral out of control is a sad fact of the off-season.
That said, going back to the post last week about this being an enormous summer for Arsene and the pressure being on, Ivan Gazidis was interviewed in the Mirror the other day talking about Arsenal's new "financial firepower". Again this goes back Arsenal showing intent and making it public that the money is there and it is at Wengers disposal. As a natural skeptic I'm still not sure he's ready to spend it or will spend it, which makes his position vulnerable should be fall further behind this season. Have a read here Gazidis Interview with John Cross.
So naturally with all this money that we have available fans, including myself, are starting to wonder just who (if anybody) we'll be spending it on. Of course the rumours about Higauin are flying all over the media and depending which paper you read we've either: agreed a deal, made contact with his agent, have a gentleman's agreement for him to sign or have not even registered our interest. Personally I doubt we've made contact with his agent yet, that's not really our style. Reports are also suggesting Madrid aren't willing to sell until they have a new manager in place along with Juventus being strongly linked with the striker. Honestly at the moment I believe he will end up at Juventus but that's just the way I think.
Aside from that potential-in's range from older keepers to young strikers and everything in between so I'm not going into detail. However Arsenal have confirmed the departure/release of Squillaci, Denilson and Arshavin. Now I've never really be a fan of any of them but I don't I'll ever forget the moment when Arshavin fired his shot past Victor Valdes at the Emirates and I'm sure it's a moment that will stay with many Arsenal fans to come. I wish these three players all the best in the future, they all have their qualities and abilities but they just weren't in the frame at Arsenal.
Those 3 players have on the plus side freed up £175k-a-week which hopefully will be re-invested in players although with Arsenal you never really know. But between now and my next post we'll be linked with more players, there will be more outlandish statements and we will have signed more players that we've never heard of. Until then enjoy the summer.
That said, going back to the post last week about this being an enormous summer for Arsene and the pressure being on, Ivan Gazidis was interviewed in the Mirror the other day talking about Arsenal's new "financial firepower". Again this goes back Arsenal showing intent and making it public that the money is there and it is at Wengers disposal. As a natural skeptic I'm still not sure he's ready to spend it or will spend it, which makes his position vulnerable should be fall further behind this season. Have a read here Gazidis Interview with John Cross.
So naturally with all this money that we have available fans, including myself, are starting to wonder just who (if anybody) we'll be spending it on. Of course the rumours about Higauin are flying all over the media and depending which paper you read we've either: agreed a deal, made contact with his agent, have a gentleman's agreement for him to sign or have not even registered our interest. Personally I doubt we've made contact with his agent yet, that's not really our style. Reports are also suggesting Madrid aren't willing to sell until they have a new manager in place along with Juventus being strongly linked with the striker. Honestly at the moment I believe he will end up at Juventus but that's just the way I think.
Aside from that potential-in's range from older keepers to young strikers and everything in between so I'm not going into detail. However Arsenal have confirmed the departure/release of Squillaci, Denilson and Arshavin. Now I've never really be a fan of any of them but I don't I'll ever forget the moment when Arshavin fired his shot past Victor Valdes at the Emirates and I'm sure it's a moment that will stay with many Arsenal fans to come. I wish these three players all the best in the future, they all have their qualities and abilities but they just weren't in the frame at Arsenal.
Those 3 players have on the plus side freed up £175k-a-week which hopefully will be re-invested in players although with Arsenal you never really know. But between now and my next post we'll be linked with more players, there will be more outlandish statements and we will have signed more players that we've never heard of. Until then enjoy the summer.
Thursday, 30 May 2013
Wenger's last chance?
It's been a while since the season ended in fantastic style for us gooners, pipping our rivals to the final Champions League space on the last day. But as many have pointed out, we aren't a club that should be content with 4th and as the rumour mill has started we've been linked with everyone under the sun. I'll deal with these links at a later date but this summer is of vital importance for Arsène Wenger. After a difficult season the pressure is on and with one year left on his contract his actions this summer could dictate whether we start the 2014/15 season looking for a new manager.
The spotlight is on Wenger after it was revealed by himself and the board that we have money to spend and a lot of it. The reported £70m war chest according to various papers. With the fans demanding the money be invested in top quality players Wenger must be very careful about how he spends this money. If he barely invests at all he has shot himself in the foot if we fail to compete next season and there is no reason to suggest why continuing with the same squad would make any difference to our standings. If we invests very little then once again he is in the same boat. If he invests all of it and we finish 4th again, he at least has the defence of he invested the money he was given.
Now of course spending £70m on any old player is not the way to go about building a team that can challenge, it needs to invested in the best quality players in the positions we need. What those positions are I will leave for another post. Along with who we have been linked with. At the moment there is very little point speculating whilst the media are in a post-season frenzy, once things have calmed down I will do another potential ins and outs similar to last season.
So this is a pivotal summer for our manager as he has the pressure heaped on him from all angles, but managers get paid to deal with the pressure so we can only wait and see what his course of action is. Until next time.
The spotlight is on Wenger after it was revealed by himself and the board that we have money to spend and a lot of it. The reported £70m war chest according to various papers. With the fans demanding the money be invested in top quality players Wenger must be very careful about how he spends this money. If he barely invests at all he has shot himself in the foot if we fail to compete next season and there is no reason to suggest why continuing with the same squad would make any difference to our standings. If we invests very little then once again he is in the same boat. If he invests all of it and we finish 4th again, he at least has the defence of he invested the money he was given.
Now of course spending £70m on any old player is not the way to go about building a team that can challenge, it needs to invested in the best quality players in the positions we need. What those positions are I will leave for another post. Along with who we have been linked with. At the moment there is very little point speculating whilst the media are in a post-season frenzy, once things have calmed down I will do another potential ins and outs similar to last season.
So this is a pivotal summer for our manager as he has the pressure heaped on him from all angles, but managers get paid to deal with the pressure so we can only wait and see what his course of action is. Until next time.
Monday, 20 May 2013
The end of the 2012/2013 season
Football is a game of agony and ecstasy. The highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Yesterday was definitely one of the highs. A moment where finishing above your rivals, denying them Champions League football and securing your own place in Europe's top tier rested on 90 minutes of excruciating football. But we did it.
In all honesty we offered very little in terms of threats, in the first half there was a wayward header from Koscielny who ultimately scored the winner (again and was easily MOTM) and one of the worst efforts from Cazorla I can remember but I'll let him off because he's been sensational this season. Apart from that Newcastle looked like they were going to score and there were warning signs. We went in at the half 0-0 as did Tottenham. 8 minutes into the second half the breakthrough came when a Walcott delivered free kick was nodded goalwards by the Poldi and similarly to last season Koscielny hooked it, rather nicely, over the line.
The remainder of the match was horrific, Newcastle had fits and starts at goal. One of the many moments of brilliance however was when pictures from SHL emerged with their fans celebrating falsely believing Newcastle had equalised, thank you Lord Sugar for that. Then of course the news we all new was coming MonkeyMan at scored for the spuds and we had to hold on, seconds after that we should have wrapped it up when Theo went through one on one after beating 2 men and managed to hit the post. I genuinely feared the worst then but we held on and the celebrations began.
All the drama and celebration of yesterday aside ultimately for me this has been a disappointing season, particularly in the domestic cups. The fact that last season there was a 20 point gap between us and the champions and this season there is a 16 point gap shows virtually no improvement in the league either. Gary Neville for me hit the nail on the head yesterday he said that the players deserve to celebrate and they should celebrate because they've earned their place, but this summer we need to just go for it.
For now though, before the summer of stupid rumours, stupid money moves and no doubt countless links between everyone and Arsenal, we should ENJOY this moment. These are the moments we follow football for. I'll be back at various points throughout the summer when the transfer mill goes into overdrive but for another season NORTH LONDON IS RED!
In all honesty we offered very little in terms of threats, in the first half there was a wayward header from Koscielny who ultimately scored the winner (again and was easily MOTM) and one of the worst efforts from Cazorla I can remember but I'll let him off because he's been sensational this season. Apart from that Newcastle looked like they were going to score and there were warning signs. We went in at the half 0-0 as did Tottenham. 8 minutes into the second half the breakthrough came when a Walcott delivered free kick was nodded goalwards by the Poldi and similarly to last season Koscielny hooked it, rather nicely, over the line.
The remainder of the match was horrific, Newcastle had fits and starts at goal. One of the many moments of brilliance however was when pictures from SHL emerged with their fans celebrating falsely believing Newcastle had equalised, thank you Lord Sugar for that. Then of course the news we all new was coming MonkeyMan at scored for the spuds and we had to hold on, seconds after that we should have wrapped it up when Theo went through one on one after beating 2 men and managed to hit the post. I genuinely feared the worst then but we held on and the celebrations began.
All the drama and celebration of yesterday aside ultimately for me this has been a disappointing season, particularly in the domestic cups. The fact that last season there was a 20 point gap between us and the champions and this season there is a 16 point gap shows virtually no improvement in the league either. Gary Neville for me hit the nail on the head yesterday he said that the players deserve to celebrate and they should celebrate because they've earned their place, but this summer we need to just go for it.
For now though, before the summer of stupid rumours, stupid money moves and no doubt countless links between everyone and Arsenal, we should ENJOY this moment. These are the moments we follow football for. I'll be back at various points throughout the summer when the transfer mill goes into overdrive but for another season NORTH LONDON IS RED!
Friday, 17 May 2013
Newcastle United (A) - Last game of the season
For the players they know what they have to do. Newcastle will be no pushover however, they've taken some real beatings at home recently and will want to give their fans something to cheer about this weekend. Let's not forget Wenger and Pardew don't exactly get on. Hoping for Sunderland to get a result at the Lane is pointless because it's unlikely and if we do our job we don't need it. Personally I see nothing but a Tottenham win.
Wenger has some decisions to make this weekend as it looks like Arteta will miss out due to a problem he picked up against Wigan, that means that Wilshere is the most likely candidate to replace him. Upfront a decision also has to be made. Podolski scored twice against Wigan after two lacklustre performances beforehand. I think Giroud holds the ball up better and gives us a man to aim at, but I think on his left foot Podolski is the best finisher we have. It's a tough one and that's why we pay Wenger a small fortune to do his job.
Newcastle have some dangerous players including Cisse upfront who can score given half a chance. They have had injury problems this season but that aside they are still a threat and will cause us probems given the chance. We will have to hold the ball and use it wisely, I noticed we gave the ball away a lot on Tueday and that's something we just can't afford to do on Sunday.
Whether you believe the papaers or not, the motivation of some players is the Champions League but it is not the be all and end all. However it end's up, we have to address the problem that we will be 20 points behind the Champions and that is something that is just unacceptable. A lot of business needs to be done over the summer, money is there to be spent and players are there to be bought. A vast improvement is needed for next season and if we do our business having finished 4th fantastic, if we do it having finished 5th we'll all be gutted but we'll be back.
Once again no prediction due to the nature of this game. Have we got the bottle? only Sunday will tell. COYG!!
Monday, 13 May 2013
Wigan (H)
Well due to Chelsea's inability to see out a game we're in a position where only 2 wins will do. As expected Tottenham beat Stoke and have jumped us back into 4th. The importance of Champions League football is pivotal and decides who and what we can do this summer. We take on a Wigan side who are literally fighting for their survival, if they lose tomorrow they are down. A game that is simply must win for both teams, they will be buoyed by their FA cup win over City and us having 10 days rest. Anything over than a win tomorrow leaves us praying for a favour from Di Canio's Sunderland at the lane on the last game of the season.
I'm worried about this match. Wigan are a team we don't seem to perform against, we absolutely have to perform against them. With Newcastle safe, we can go there knowing they don't need a win but it's almost irrelevant if we can't take 3 points tomorrow. With Giroud serving the last of his ban, Podolski looks most likely to retain his spot up top. Apart from that we have no injury worries the central role in the midfield will be up for grabs between Wilshere and Rosicky. I think Rosicky will probably be the preferred option and that's not necessarily a bad thing considering he isn't afraid to shoot unlike the rest of our team.
Wigan on the other hand will probably field a side similar to the team that beat City on Saturday. With stand our performances from McManaman who ran the show along with threats from their other players Kone, Gomez and co. However they have defensive problems with Alcarez in at right back which may be our best option to get in behind them.
This will be a hard game, a really hard game and we know that Wigan play good football and they are dangerous. But if we come out and really go at them and play like we all know we can, we can do it. We can't bank on other teams to do us favours but as it stands we have our destiny in our own hands.
As it's such a crucial game and I'm superstitious I'm not going to predict this one, just pray for an Arsenal win.
I'm worried about this match. Wigan are a team we don't seem to perform against, we absolutely have to perform against them. With Newcastle safe, we can go there knowing they don't need a win but it's almost irrelevant if we can't take 3 points tomorrow. With Giroud serving the last of his ban, Podolski looks most likely to retain his spot up top. Apart from that we have no injury worries the central role in the midfield will be up for grabs between Wilshere and Rosicky. I think Rosicky will probably be the preferred option and that's not necessarily a bad thing considering he isn't afraid to shoot unlike the rest of our team.
Wigan on the other hand will probably field a side similar to the team that beat City on Saturday. With stand our performances from McManaman who ran the show along with threats from their other players Kone, Gomez and co. However they have defensive problems with Alcarez in at right back which may be our best option to get in behind them.
This will be a hard game, a really hard game and we know that Wigan play good football and they are dangerous. But if we come out and really go at them and play like we all know we can, we can do it. We can't bank on other teams to do us favours but as it stands we have our destiny in our own hands.
As it's such a crucial game and I'm superstitious I'm not going to predict this one, just pray for an Arsenal win.
Thursday, 2 May 2013
QPR (A)
After a draw with United last weekend, we sit a point ahead of Tottenham but a point behind Chelsea who both have a game in hand against each other. We have 3 games left this season and if we win all 3 I think we'll be there. That starts against QPR this weekend. QPR as I'm sure you're well aware have been relegated and therefore have nothing to play for, that said Redknapp would love nothing better than to spoil our run in.
It won't be an easy game but we should have more than enough to beat a QPR team who have been poor so far this season. We start again with Podolski upfront as Giroud serves the second match of his ridiculous ban. I thought Podolski was so-so on saturday but he's really the only dangerous striker we have, regardless of just how fit he is. I expect the team to be the same, Rosicky should retain his starting place after playing well on Sunday. The only position that might change is left back where Monreal will give Gibbs tough competition.
As for QPR they have Zamora returning from a suspension that saw him attempt to take Jordi Gomez's head off his shoulders. Samba is the only doubt though after missing the game with Reading. QPR will be dangerous going forward with Remy, Taarabt and Zamora playing upfront all of whom have 5 goals this season. However with 3 in their midfield we should look to dominate the game in the middle of the park, despite the power of M'Bia. If we can boss the midfield then hopefully we'll be able to play our football and do our thing.
Chelsea play United on Sunday and if we can get 3 points, we'll put the pressure on them to get a win at Old Trafford and with any lucky, they'll slip up. COYG!
Prediction: QPR 1-2 Arsenal
It won't be an easy game but we should have more than enough to beat a QPR team who have been poor so far this season. We start again with Podolski upfront as Giroud serves the second match of his ridiculous ban. I thought Podolski was so-so on saturday but he's really the only dangerous striker we have, regardless of just how fit he is. I expect the team to be the same, Rosicky should retain his starting place after playing well on Sunday. The only position that might change is left back where Monreal will give Gibbs tough competition.
As for QPR they have Zamora returning from a suspension that saw him attempt to take Jordi Gomez's head off his shoulders. Samba is the only doubt though after missing the game with Reading. QPR will be dangerous going forward with Remy, Taarabt and Zamora playing upfront all of whom have 5 goals this season. However with 3 in their midfield we should look to dominate the game in the middle of the park, despite the power of M'Bia. If we can boss the midfield then hopefully we'll be able to play our football and do our thing.
Chelsea play United on Sunday and if we can get 3 points, we'll put the pressure on them to get a win at Old Trafford and with any lucky, they'll slip up. COYG!
Prediction: QPR 1-2 Arsenal
Monday, 29 April 2013
Man United (H) - Review
Again sorry for not posting before the United game, but it's been a busy weekend for myself again. We got a point and if you'd have offered that to me beforehand I'd have taken it. On the basis of the match I think a draw was probably the right result but it's just frustrating to know their only goal came due to our own mistake.
We flew out of the block and for the first 35 minutes we were all over them, a few United hangovers were still looming in my opinion and after 2 minutes, Rosicky who had a blinder found Walcott in space (who was offside) and although De Gea got a touch on it, the power took it in. Our problem this time was not finding that second goal. Podolski who I'm still not convinced is fit, smashed a shot but it was easily saved by De Gea.
Then the mistake from Sagna. He was dithering with the ball and his pass went straight to Van Persie who charged past him. In his effort to get back and correct his error he took Van Persie down inside the area and it was a penalty. You can have no complaints. Of course Van Persie scored and as much as I hate him to his credit didn't celebrate again. That knocked us back and it took us a while to get going again after the half. United went through a spell of 20-25 minutes where they were in total control but couldn't make it count. The final 7 minutes of so where really end to end and either side could have nicked it.
Without Giroud, we had to start Podolski who had his moments but I'm still not sure about his fitness. We spent a fair amount of money on him and it would be crazy not to play him because if he has been unfit this season, so far he's done pretty well. Rosicky also played really well and along with Podolski and Cazorla, one of the few players who will actually shoot and as the old saying goes if you don't shoot you don't score. Both I think can be a little disappointed about being taken off.
With Tottenham dropping points yesterday we sit 2 points above them having played a game more and are now behind Chelsea by a point again having played a game more, but we have to remember that the game they both have in hand is against each other (got it?). I look at our last 3 games: QPR, Wigan, Newcastle and they are all winnable matches. If we win all 3 I think we'll be there. A Chelsea win against Sp*rs would help no end but all but end our hopes of finishing 3rd, but quite frankly I'm sure every Arsenal fan would take that right now.
The end of the season is gonna be close and almost certainly nerve racking. Until next time have a good week!
We flew out of the block and for the first 35 minutes we were all over them, a few United hangovers were still looming in my opinion and after 2 minutes, Rosicky who had a blinder found Walcott in space (who was offside) and although De Gea got a touch on it, the power took it in. Our problem this time was not finding that second goal. Podolski who I'm still not convinced is fit, smashed a shot but it was easily saved by De Gea.
Then the mistake from Sagna. He was dithering with the ball and his pass went straight to Van Persie who charged past him. In his effort to get back and correct his error he took Van Persie down inside the area and it was a penalty. You can have no complaints. Of course Van Persie scored and as much as I hate him to his credit didn't celebrate again. That knocked us back and it took us a while to get going again after the half. United went through a spell of 20-25 minutes where they were in total control but couldn't make it count. The final 7 minutes of so where really end to end and either side could have nicked it.
Without Giroud, we had to start Podolski who had his moments but I'm still not sure about his fitness. We spent a fair amount of money on him and it would be crazy not to play him because if he has been unfit this season, so far he's done pretty well. Rosicky also played really well and along with Podolski and Cazorla, one of the few players who will actually shoot and as the old saying goes if you don't shoot you don't score. Both I think can be a little disappointed about being taken off.
With Tottenham dropping points yesterday we sit 2 points above them having played a game more and are now behind Chelsea by a point again having played a game more, but we have to remember that the game they both have in hand is against each other (got it?). I look at our last 3 games: QPR, Wigan, Newcastle and they are all winnable matches. If we win all 3 I think we'll be there. A Chelsea win against Sp*rs would help no end but all but end our hopes of finishing 3rd, but quite frankly I'm sure every Arsenal fan would take that right now.
The end of the season is gonna be close and almost certainly nerve racking. Until next time have a good week!
Friday, 19 April 2013
Fulham (A)
Now Fulham are a team where if you look at the head-to-head it'll seem as if we dominate the fixture, at home this may be true, but away it's a different story and in recent seasons we've struggled to get 3 points at Fulham. This season Fulham are essentially where they end up most seasons, slap bang in the middle of the table. They took the game to us at the Emirates we only got away with a draw thanks to Giroud bagging a couple. There is no doubt we need a win this weekend with Man City heading to the lane.
Team news this evening has been slow to come out. A few players were in the line for tests to make sure they were fit. Wilshere again looked rusty on Tuesday but that is to be expected, rather worryingly is that Cazorla is also set for a test and if he doesn't make it through I'll be worried. Being hopefully though I think the team will be something like this: SZCZ, Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Ramsey, Arteta, Wilshere, Cazorla, Walcott, Gervinho, Giroud. It's possible that Gervinho may be replaced by Rosicky but I'm not sure he's fit.
Fulham have problems in the middle of park, so much so that Jol has recalled Alex Kacaniklic from his loan spell. Due to problems on the other side of the park Brian Ruiz was deployed on the right meaning that Berbatov had to sit behind Petric. No doubt that Fulhams main threat is Berbatov but Petric and Ruiz also pop up with goals here and there. Berbatov and Ruiz provide a physical side to Fulhams game.
That said on our day we should be able to overcome Fulham. But at this stage of the season there are no easy games and every 3 points counts and with the potential of Tottenham slipping up against City we need to make sure we've done our job and he pressure is on.
As the games begin to run down every win is crucial and with Robin van Rapist and co coming down next weekend we need to make tomorrows game count. COYG!
Prediction: Fulham 1-2 Arsenal
Tuesday, 16 April 2013
Everton (H)
The manager has decisions to make tonight. Fabianski took a kick to the ribs at the weekend and may miss out which would see SZCZ return between the sticks. Mertesacker has served his ban and should return to partner Koscielny at the back. Monreal is also back in contention after colliding with the post against Reading. Further up the field Rosicky is back but Wilshere could be in the starting line up. Walcott impressed at the weekend and I think he'll get the nod ahead of Gervinho. Podolski who scored at the weekend I think will be benched sadly. I think the team will be something like: SZCZ, Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Arteta, Ramsey, Wilshere, Walcott, Cazorla, Giroud.
Everton I think will continue with the line up that beat QPR at the weekend. This means that the big guns will be in Moyes team so we'll have to watch out for the likes of Fellaini, Anichebe, Mirallas, Pienaar etc. The defence will have to be on form as Everton have both pace and power.
We picked up a valuable point against them at Goodison we really need to go one better tonight to put ourselves in the best position to finish in the top 4. A win tonight would put us 4 points clear of the Chavs and the Spuds and both have tricky games coming up including a vital match against each other.
A huge game tonight however you look at it, but big games bring big rewards. COYG!
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Everton
Thursday, 4 April 2013
West Bromwich Albion (A)
They say there are no easy victories in football, however Reading on Saturday was an easy victory. I was very pleased with the performance the team put in against Reading and although the look no more than a Championship team we made them look that bad with out very tidy performance. Now many people will be fully aware that I am no fan of Gervinho and when although I suspected he'd start, I could feel the universal disappointment at the Emirates when his name was read out.
I'd also like to touch on the fantastic display of support on the 7th minute of the match for a man who graced our number 7 until his very premature death. David Rocastle was a fan favourite at Arsenal and with a unique blend of flair and power he was exciting to watch and a very effective player. Sadly on March 31st 2001 David lost his battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma aged just 31 and will always be sorely missed, but will never be forgotten.
Anyway that game is gone and we need to keep our momentum in the run is as Chelsea slipped up against Southampton. Tomorrow is going to be an odd game. We play West Brom who are by all means a decent team and will be very hard to beat but on the flip side of that, they have nothing to play for. They're sitting comfortably in mid table and aside from a Europa League place will go nowhere. That said they will still provide a stern test for our team who are still battling for a place amongst Europe's elite next season, and although people will say the run in is with us, we have to do our job before we count on others.
Team news for us is looking positive, although we are still without Jack and Theo, they are aiming to be available for selection next weekend. After colliding with the post and going on against Reading, Monreal is available which is good because although Gibbs came on to replace him its clear he isn't quite ready just yet. So with this in mind I think the team will be identical to the one that started against Reading. Fabianksi, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Ramsey, Wilshere, Rosicky, Gervinho, Cazorla, Giroud.
West Brom have a strong team and with Lukaku upfront on loan from Chelsea having bagged 13 of their goals this season. After Odenwingie's antics on deadline day he hasn't been selected (surprise, surprise). Brunt will sit in the gap behind Lukaku and they will have threat from Morrison too. They are however without the powerhouse Mulumbu in the middle which may give us the edge to to run the game from the middle of the park.
West Brom are a tricky team to beat but if we want to keep our charge for the top four on track they are a team we have to beat. On our day when the Arsenal play in the way we all know they can we should be beating West Brom but sadly we all know Arsenal far too well to expect this to be a bump free ride, we do like to make things hard for ourselves.
Until next time. COYG!
Prediction: West Brom 1-2 Arsenal
Friday, 29 March 2013
Reading (H)
Finally after a dull international break we return to proper footballing action this weekend and we continue our chase for a top 4 spot against Reading at home. This won't be an easy game.
Firstly we have a few doubts over the game this weekend, Gibbs is struggling with an illness so Monreal will fill in at left back. Walcott is out with a groin problem and Wilshere is out as a precautionary measure. But the really heartbreaking new came from Abou Diaby who will be out for eight to nine months with an anterior cruciate injury. Nobody deserves his luck. Sadly for him I fear this could end his career at Arsenal.
When Diaby first appeared on the scene his potential was clear and if he hadn't been hampered by injury he would have been one of the best midfielders in the world, make no mistake. After THAT tackle he didn't really seem the same player, then at the beginning of this season I really thought he might be back to his best then after that injury against Chelsea he lost it again. I really feel for the bloke who seems very genuine. As it was well put by 7amKickOff:
None the less the show must go on and with all the injury news etc. I would expect Wenger to keep the same back line and although Podolski is back and available I can't help but feel Arsene will go with Gervinho on the left. I think the Arsenal team will be like this: Fab, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Ramsey, Arteta, Cazorla, Alex OC, Gervinho, Giroud.
Now on paper this is a game we should win but matches aren't played on paper and Reading are scrapping for their lives and they of course have a new manager. We have to go out there and want this win. It looks as if Reading will start with Pogrebnyak upfront on his own with McAnuff just behind him. Along with this they also have Robson-Kanu on the wing who can be a pain on his day.
Reading are a team that are very capable of playing good football and as I said they are fighting for their lives and of course we have the new manager effect to deal with but of course we should dispatch them and keep our chase for the top 4 on track, especially as the scum have a potentially tricky trip to the Liberty to deal with.
So 9 games to go and everything still very much to play for, let's keep on track COYG!
Firstly we have a few doubts over the game this weekend, Gibbs is struggling with an illness so Monreal will fill in at left back. Walcott is out with a groin problem and Wilshere is out as a precautionary measure. But the really heartbreaking new came from Abou Diaby who will be out for eight to nine months with an anterior cruciate injury. Nobody deserves his luck. Sadly for him I fear this could end his career at Arsenal.
When Diaby first appeared on the scene his potential was clear and if he hadn't been hampered by injury he would have been one of the best midfielders in the world, make no mistake. After THAT tackle he didn't really seem the same player, then at the beginning of this season I really thought he might be back to his best then after that injury against Chelsea he lost it again. I really feel for the bloke who seems very genuine. As it was well put by 7amKickOff:
"Dan Smith made three appearances for Sunderland, one in which he ruined a career"It really is that black and white, I wish Diaby a speedy recovery none the less and I really, really hope he proves me wrong.
None the less the show must go on and with all the injury news etc. I would expect Wenger to keep the same back line and although Podolski is back and available I can't help but feel Arsene will go with Gervinho on the left. I think the Arsenal team will be like this: Fab, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Ramsey, Arteta, Cazorla, Alex OC, Gervinho, Giroud.
Now on paper this is a game we should win but matches aren't played on paper and Reading are scrapping for their lives and they of course have a new manager. We have to go out there and want this win. It looks as if Reading will start with Pogrebnyak upfront on his own with McAnuff just behind him. Along with this they also have Robson-Kanu on the wing who can be a pain on his day.
Reading are a team that are very capable of playing good football and as I said they are fighting for their lives and of course we have the new manager effect to deal with but of course we should dispatch them and keep our chase for the top 4 on track, especially as the scum have a potentially tricky trip to the Liberty to deal with.
So 9 games to go and everything still very much to play for, let's keep on track COYG!
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