Well I've been away for a few weeks and what a few weeks it's been. We went to the Etihad and played a style of football I never thought I'd see Arsenal play, we set out and protected the back 4 through the simply brilliant Coquelin and a simply magical performance from Santi Cazorla. It was a big performance and hopefully we've broken through this mental block we seem to have in the big games.
Since then we've made a couple of signings. Firstly in the form of a youngster from Legia Warsaw called Kristian Beilik. He's a holding midfielder but at 17 years old I think he's definitely one for the future. The other which is all but confirmed is the signing of Villareal centre back Gabriel Paulista. He's been part of a defence that have conceded just 17 goals this season in La Liga. Joel Campbell is going the other way on a loan deal but there is a sticking point to this deal and that is his work permit. As he's not a Brazilian international there's no guarantee that he'll be granted one. That said, with a fee rumoured to be around £14m, I can't see us dropping that sort of money without being confident enough to get it sorted.
Yesterday was a quite brilliant day and a fantastic advert for the FA Cup. Chelsea crashed out at Stamford Bridge losing 4-2 to Bradford City in an amazing performance. Man City also crashed out to Middlesborough 2-0 at the Etihad. Along with those Southampton and the spuds also went out in surprise results. United and Liverpool have replays so who knows what will happen. As good as these results are they should server as a very serious warning about how dangerous this competition is. We need to make sure we aren't another victim of this mad weekend. We take on a Brighton & Hove Albion side who sit 19th in the Championship but will be right up for it today.
I expect we'll see starts for the likes of Walcott and Ozil who have been watching from the bench recently. I also expect rests for players such as Sanchez and Cazorla who desperately need them, not that you'd know by the way they've been playing recently. We have enough to get through this fixture but we just need to make sure we don't take our foot off the gas.
So fingers crossed we aren't another victim of this weekend. COYG.
Showing posts with label Man city. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Man city. Show all posts
Sunday, 25 January 2015
Sunday, 18 January 2015
Manchester City
It's been a good couple of weeks for Arsenal on the pitch, victory against Hull in the cup and then a good 3 points against Stoke in a controlling performance. But in football you can only look forward and today we take on Champions Man City away. Any wiggle room we might have been gifted by yesterdays results didn't materialise as Chelsea, Southampton, United and Sp*rs (lucky again) all won so today's game means just as much to both teams.
Last season we went down 6-3 in a bizarre game that although on the face of it looks like a demolition, I don't think it can be in the same class as the Stamford Bridge or Anfield mess. On another day we could have taken something from that match. But still we'll be eager to right some wrongs in this one and City are in patchy form, although we are too.
We're without Debuchy after the news that he'll be out for 3 months after a deliberate and unpunished push from that thugish shit Arnautovic. So I think Chambers will fill that gap on the right and it seems Gibbs is still out so Monreal will retain his place at left back. Ramsey returns to the team so he could partner Coquelin in the deep lying midfield role, Ozil is also back despite lacking match sharpness so I think he might start on the bench. The big decision for Wenger is whether he opts to keep Ospina in goal or revert back to SZCZ. My gut instinct is he sticks with Ospina but only time will tell.
City have Aguero and Kompany back in the side (of course they do) so we'll have problems defensively and offensively. Our defence will have to be on top form to keep the live wire quiet. Kompany is obviously a quality defender but I don't rate Mangala so if we can force anyone into some problems it will be him. Silva is the other player to stifle, the ugly Spaniard usually provides a moment of magic so stopping him should be our other priority.
This is a huge match for us today and anything we can take from this is a bonus, a point will take us back above Sp*rs on goal difference. A win though would keep us within touching distance of the top 4. Til next time, pray for a win.
Last season we went down 6-3 in a bizarre game that although on the face of it looks like a demolition, I don't think it can be in the same class as the Stamford Bridge or Anfield mess. On another day we could have taken something from that match. But still we'll be eager to right some wrongs in this one and City are in patchy form, although we are too.
We're without Debuchy after the news that he'll be out for 3 months after a deliberate and unpunished push from that thugish shit Arnautovic. So I think Chambers will fill that gap on the right and it seems Gibbs is still out so Monreal will retain his place at left back. Ramsey returns to the team so he could partner Coquelin in the deep lying midfield role, Ozil is also back despite lacking match sharpness so I think he might start on the bench. The big decision for Wenger is whether he opts to keep Ospina in goal or revert back to SZCZ. My gut instinct is he sticks with Ospina but only time will tell.
City have Aguero and Kompany back in the side (of course they do) so we'll have problems defensively and offensively. Our defence will have to be on top form to keep the live wire quiet. Kompany is obviously a quality defender but I don't rate Mangala so if we can force anyone into some problems it will be him. Silva is the other player to stifle, the ugly Spaniard usually provides a moment of magic so stopping him should be our other priority.
This is a huge match for us today and anything we can take from this is a bonus, a point will take us back above Sp*rs on goal difference. A win though would keep us within touching distance of the top 4. Til next time, pray for a win.
Friday, 12 September 2014
Man City (H)
After a rather tedious International break we return to league action tomorrow with a huge game against Manchester City. It's one of those "season defining" games early on that the press bang on about and in our case with good reason. Last season we took just 5 points against the top 3 sides in the league. We lost all of the away matches against them conceding 17 in the process. Tomorrow represents a chance to build some much needed confidence going into the next spell of the campaign.
We have suffered one casualty over the last two weeks, one Aaron Ramsey which is far from ideal going into this huge clash but the rest of the side are fit to play. We have Gibbs returning along with Arteta meaning that the side will take a familiar shape in my opinion with new boy Danny Welbeck leading the line. Sanchez, Ozil and Cazorla should slot in behind him with Wilshere and Arteta in the gap. City are without Stefan Jovetic who has tweaked a hamstring, that aside they are essentially at full strength and no doubt Toure and Fernandinho will bully our midfield so it could be a tough day for them all round.
Tomorrow will be a tough day for us all round but this City side have weaknesses as we exposed in the Community Shield and more recently Stoke exposed as they beat them 1-0 at the Etihad. What concerns me though is that we have struggled to find any rhythm in any of our matches so far and if City turn up and play like they can we'll get ripped apart based on displays in recent weeks. We need to stay switched on at the back an make the most of our newly acquired pace going forward. New boy Welbeck will be out to impress and especially against old foes City.
Tomorrow is our first big test of the season and make no mistake a loss will have the media all over us like flies should we not take anything from the game. A draw is not a disaster but it's not ideal. We need to ensure that we put on a good performance tomorrow an that we get a good result to boot. Only time will tell.
Until tomorrow COYG!
We have suffered one casualty over the last two weeks, one Aaron Ramsey which is far from ideal going into this huge clash but the rest of the side are fit to play. We have Gibbs returning along with Arteta meaning that the side will take a familiar shape in my opinion with new boy Danny Welbeck leading the line. Sanchez, Ozil and Cazorla should slot in behind him with Wilshere and Arteta in the gap. City are without Stefan Jovetic who has tweaked a hamstring, that aside they are essentially at full strength and no doubt Toure and Fernandinho will bully our midfield so it could be a tough day for them all round.
Tomorrow will be a tough day for us all round but this City side have weaknesses as we exposed in the Community Shield and more recently Stoke exposed as they beat them 1-0 at the Etihad. What concerns me though is that we have struggled to find any rhythm in any of our matches so far and if City turn up and play like they can we'll get ripped apart based on displays in recent weeks. We need to stay switched on at the back an make the most of our newly acquired pace going forward. New boy Welbeck will be out to impress and especially against old foes City.
Tomorrow is our first big test of the season and make no mistake a loss will have the media all over us like flies should we not take anything from the game. A draw is not a disaster but it's not ideal. We need to ensure that we put on a good performance tomorrow an that we get a good result to boot. Only time will tell.
Until tomorrow COYG!
Sunday, 10 August 2014
Arsenal ease past City + Vermaelen Leaves
20 minutes later Ramsey got in on the Wembley action, Sanogo again held the ball up well and slid it across to Ramsey. After a deft touch to lift the ball over the leg of Nastacic, Aaron fired the ball across Caballero again to make it 2-0. City got slightly better in the second half and Arsenal brought on 3 players: Giroud, the OX and Monreal. Sanchez, Koscielny and Sanogo made way. As Arsenal played their way back into control of the midfield the ball broke to Giroud who after teeing up a shot, crashed it past the City keeper from all of 25 yards. A truly great goal which rounded off a very nice performance.
Of course theres little point reading into this game as both sides were without key players, it appears that the only issue is that Koscielny has a minor Achilles problem and may miss the season opener against Palace. Aside from that there were brilliant performances from Chambers who I actually thought should have been MOTM and Debuchy. Considering Alexis Sanchez is still not fully ready according to Wenger he certainly looks like a very exciting player and I can't wait to see him properly this season.
In other news Thomas Vermaelen has left the club for Barcelona. I can't say I'm surprised but it still saddens me a little to think we're letting him go. However the captain featured very few times last season and for a player like himself he needs game time. Whether he'll get that in Catalonia I'm not sure but fair do's to him. He conducted himself phenomenally well over the last couple of difficult seasons for him and his message to the Arsenal fans and family was pure class:
After 5 years at Arsenal - and the last 2 years a proud captain too - it's time for me to move on. The club, the team, the fans, the manager, the staff and other employees, you all made me feel at home at both the training ground and the Emirates Stadium. It was a wonderful time and I feel blessed I've had the opportunity to be a part of such a great club. There have been so many wonderful games and experiences, with lifting the FA Cup as an absolute highlight. I would like to thank you all for your support, it was a huge honour to be a Gunner!
I wish Thomas all the best at Barcelona because a player of his quality and class deserves to play at the highest level for as long as possible. Wenger said earlier in the window is Tommy V left that he'd bring in a replacement so let's hope he does just that. Until next weekend when the Premier League season kicks off, have a great week.
Monday, 31 March 2014
City Review
Again apologies for missing the City game this time but I just never got around to drafting something up. Overall I think we showed some resilience and picked up what could be a vital point come the end of the season especially with Everton breathing down our necks.
I'm not going to lie going into the game I didn't expect much from us in fact I expected the worse and after 18 minutes, I expected it even more. The match started lively and actually would have been a good game for a neutral to watch, both teams were attacking but when Silva broke with City the deadlock was soon broken. The tricky Spaniard looked to shoot but instead squared it to Dzeko who hit the near post but much like at Old Trafford the rebound fell to Silva who put it away. Lucky? Maybe, but when your charging to the title you need luck and Silva had the instinct to follow it in.
The half went on in a tit-for-tat kind of way with both sides creating the odd chance. Mathieu Flamini put the ball in the City net but it was rightly ruled out for offside. The half drew to a close but there was some optimism around the Emirates for the second half and for good reason, the second half started and Arsenal immediately looked better.
There was more urgency and more drive to Arsenals game as they began to pull the City defence across the field. Then 7 minutes in, we struck. Displaying the patient play on the edge of the box that we so often do, found Podolski on the left hand side of the box. The German looked up and curled the ball towards an onrushing Flamini who guided it past Hart. It was a big goal and you could really see what it meant to the Frenchman who as proved to be a phenomenal piece of business from Wenger.
The rest of the game was all Arsenal and moment later we probably should have been 2-0 up. Some clever interplay with Cazorla found Podolski again but this time inside the box on the left with Hart to beat. I thought almost certainly he would fizz it across the face of the goal and into the far corner, but instead he tried to put it between Harts legs but the England keeper got the lucky with the ball brushing off his heel and wide.
That was really the best chance we fashioned for the rest of the game but credit to Wenger, I expected him to throw on some more defensive players as the game progressed but he went for it bringing on Alex OC and Sanogo but it just wasn't to be. After a bad week a big point against Man City was much needed ahead of our final game of the dreaded run we've had to endure.
The game next weekend is without a doubt the biggest of the season. We sit 4 points ahead of Everton who have a game in hand. Assuming they win that, there's a point in it meaning that we have to go to Goodison and get a result. A draw isn't ideal but a loss is catastrophic. If we lose it's out of our hands and we rely on other teams at this silly stage of the season to save us.
I'd just like to take a moment to remember that 13 years ago today, Arsenal lost David "Rocky" Rocastle to non-hodgkins lymphoma at the age of just 33. For those who saw him play, many will never forget his unusual combination of flair and power. For those who didn't he lives on through the stories passed down from fan to fan. RIP Rocky.
I'm not going to lie going into the game I didn't expect much from us in fact I expected the worse and after 18 minutes, I expected it even more. The match started lively and actually would have been a good game for a neutral to watch, both teams were attacking but when Silva broke with City the deadlock was soon broken. The tricky Spaniard looked to shoot but instead squared it to Dzeko who hit the near post but much like at Old Trafford the rebound fell to Silva who put it away. Lucky? Maybe, but when your charging to the title you need luck and Silva had the instinct to follow it in.
The half went on in a tit-for-tat kind of way with both sides creating the odd chance. Mathieu Flamini put the ball in the City net but it was rightly ruled out for offside. The half drew to a close but there was some optimism around the Emirates for the second half and for good reason, the second half started and Arsenal immediately looked better.
There was more urgency and more drive to Arsenals game as they began to pull the City defence across the field. Then 7 minutes in, we struck. Displaying the patient play on the edge of the box that we so often do, found Podolski on the left hand side of the box. The German looked up and curled the ball towards an onrushing Flamini who guided it past Hart. It was a big goal and you could really see what it meant to the Frenchman who as proved to be a phenomenal piece of business from Wenger.
The rest of the game was all Arsenal and moment later we probably should have been 2-0 up. Some clever interplay with Cazorla found Podolski again but this time inside the box on the left with Hart to beat. I thought almost certainly he would fizz it across the face of the goal and into the far corner, but instead he tried to put it between Harts legs but the England keeper got the lucky with the ball brushing off his heel and wide.
That was really the best chance we fashioned for the rest of the game but credit to Wenger, I expected him to throw on some more defensive players as the game progressed but he went for it bringing on Alex OC and Sanogo but it just wasn't to be. After a bad week a big point against Man City was much needed ahead of our final game of the dreaded run we've had to endure.
The game next weekend is without a doubt the biggest of the season. We sit 4 points ahead of Everton who have a game in hand. Assuming they win that, there's a point in it meaning that we have to go to Goodison and get a result. A draw isn't ideal but a loss is catastrophic. If we lose it's out of our hands and we rely on other teams at this silly stage of the season to save us.
I'd just like to take a moment to remember that 13 years ago today, Arsenal lost David "Rocky" Rocastle to non-hodgkins lymphoma at the age of just 33. For those who saw him play, many will never forget his unusual combination of flair and power. For those who didn't he lives on through the stories passed down from fan to fan. RIP Rocky.
Tuesday, 25 March 2014
Chelsea and Swansea Aftermath
I don't really know where to start this following the humiliation of the weekend. The result was one of the most painful I've endured as a fan, worse than the 8-2 at OT, worse than the 6-1 at the same ground. It's been a season where we've competed and where there's been a sense of progress at last, but have we really made that much progress when we lose 6-0, 5-1 and 6-3 away to our closest rivals? The fact that there appears to be this mental block in the big games is a huge concern, especially leading into the FA Cup semi-final. Ultimately the lack of desire and mental preparation rests with the manager.
This was followed by heart-break on Tuesday night when after going 1-0 down at home to Swansea, we showed that fight and determination that everyone has spoken about this season to score 2 goals in 2 minutes via Podolski and Giroud. Then moments from time an unfortunate deflection and block hit Flamini in the shins and ended up in our own net. It pretty much sums up this week and we are now looking very precarious in 4th.
Everton are 6 points behind us, with a game in hand and we have to visit Goodison Park this season. Assuming we lose to City this weekend which based on recent results is pretty much a given, they're 3 behind with a game in hand and we have to play them in 2 weeks. That will be a 6 pointer if ever there was one. It is so typically Arsenal to have been in the title race not 2 weeks ago and now we're looking over our shoulder worrying about our position in the top 4.
There was one shining light on Tuesday however and that was the fact that Kim Kallstrom made his debut and actually looked like a fairly solid player. Everyone and their wife ripped him upon arrival but if he's going to contribute to the team in the end then nobody will be complaining.
Well I'll be back on Friday with some team news and the build up to a game that quite frankly I really don't want to think about at the moment. Try to enjoy the rest of the week. COYG!
This was followed by heart-break on Tuesday night when after going 1-0 down at home to Swansea, we showed that fight and determination that everyone has spoken about this season to score 2 goals in 2 minutes via Podolski and Giroud. Then moments from time an unfortunate deflection and block hit Flamini in the shins and ended up in our own net. It pretty much sums up this week and we are now looking very precarious in 4th.
Everton are 6 points behind us, with a game in hand and we have to visit Goodison Park this season. Assuming we lose to City this weekend which based on recent results is pretty much a given, they're 3 behind with a game in hand and we have to play them in 2 weeks. That will be a 6 pointer if ever there was one. It is so typically Arsenal to have been in the title race not 2 weeks ago and now we're looking over our shoulder worrying about our position in the top 4.
There was one shining light on Tuesday however and that was the fact that Kim Kallstrom made his debut and actually looked like a fairly solid player. Everyone and their wife ripped him upon arrival but if he's going to contribute to the team in the end then nobody will be complaining.
Well I'll be back on Friday with some team news and the build up to a game that quite frankly I really don't want to think about at the moment. Try to enjoy the rest of the week. COYG!
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
Coventry City (H)
I was sitting here Sunday in utter frustration after watching us dominate the first half yet, still go in trailing due to a lapse at a corner. As we pushed forward I got the feeling that it just wasn't going to happen. Santi Cazorla shot but Joe Hart saved. A corner that came in but City's man of the moment in the first half Lescott didn't clear the lines and it fell at the feet of an off balance Koscielny who let fly and rifled it into the top corner, cuing wild celebrations here and utter delirium at the Etihad as our spectacular away fans celebrated like we'd won the league.
I don't want to dwell on our easily deserved point on Sunday but there were some real stand out performances as well as some complete shockers. Let's start with the stand out ones. Mertesacker at the back was incredible and was easily MOTM, Gibbs and Jenkinson also played well. We were solid in the middle too with Cazorla spraying balls all over the pitch. Upfront it was a different story, Podolski had an off game but that's easily forgiven. Gervinho was absolutely awful, he spurred one guilt edge chance going through one on one but taking the heaviest of touches, and then blazing into the top tier from the D at the death. I can't help but feel that he will only be detrimental to our campaign this year, he's erratic and has a tendency to give the ball away at just the wrong time, or miss that match winning chance. Personally I wouldn't have him in the team.
Right Capital One Cup football tomorrow at the Emirates as we take on Coventry. As usual I would imagine Wenger will use this competition to showcase our young talent. I'm not going to attempt to guess our squad cause quite frankly I know very little of our youth team. We'll see the likes of Miquel, Eastmond, Yennaris, Watt etc. One player to definitely look out for is Thomas Eisfeld who is demon going forward, he never fails to impress me. If you're a gambling man, he'll be well fancied to grab a goal. An interesting question that I saw on twitter earlier was whether to play Giroud in a effort to get him firing. I would certainly be tempted to at least have him there as an option, but I'm not sure about starting him.
Coventry have a had a rough start to the season and are still looking for a first win of the season. They have a couple of players to keep an eye on. Their best player so far this season has been David McGoldrick on loan from Notts Forest but he's cup tied so we wont be seeing him. Gary McSheffrey has been round the block a few times and Cody McDonald can be dangerous with his most successful spell being on loan at Gillingham scoring 25 goals in 41 games.
Other than that I know very little about our opponents but I expect us to win relatively easily whatever team we put out. So lets hope for an easy game! COYG!
Prediction: Arsenal 4-0 Coventry
I don't want to dwell on our easily deserved point on Sunday but there were some real stand out performances as well as some complete shockers. Let's start with the stand out ones. Mertesacker at the back was incredible and was easily MOTM, Gibbs and Jenkinson also played well. We were solid in the middle too with Cazorla spraying balls all over the pitch. Upfront it was a different story, Podolski had an off game but that's easily forgiven. Gervinho was absolutely awful, he spurred one guilt edge chance going through one on one but taking the heaviest of touches, and then blazing into the top tier from the D at the death. I can't help but feel that he will only be detrimental to our campaign this year, he's erratic and has a tendency to give the ball away at just the wrong time, or miss that match winning chance. Personally I wouldn't have him in the team.
Right Capital One Cup football tomorrow at the Emirates as we take on Coventry. As usual I would imagine Wenger will use this competition to showcase our young talent. I'm not going to attempt to guess our squad cause quite frankly I know very little of our youth team. We'll see the likes of Miquel, Eastmond, Yennaris, Watt etc. One player to definitely look out for is Thomas Eisfeld who is demon going forward, he never fails to impress me. If you're a gambling man, he'll be well fancied to grab a goal. An interesting question that I saw on twitter earlier was whether to play Giroud in a effort to get him firing. I would certainly be tempted to at least have him there as an option, but I'm not sure about starting him.
Coventry have a had a rough start to the season and are still looking for a first win of the season. They have a couple of players to keep an eye on. Their best player so far this season has been David McGoldrick on loan from Notts Forest but he's cup tied so we wont be seeing him. Gary McSheffrey has been round the block a few times and Cody McDonald can be dangerous with his most successful spell being on loan at Gillingham scoring 25 goals in 41 games.
Other than that I know very little about our opponents but I expect us to win relatively easily whatever team we put out. So lets hope for an easy game! COYG!
Prediction: Arsenal 4-0 Coventry
Friday, 21 September 2012
Manchester City (A)
Afternoon, I have a busy weekend so thought I'd post now. This Sunday we face the biggest test of the season so far and possibly the hardest game we'll have in the league. We travel to City fresh off a very ugly win in Montpellier, which in all honesty we were lucky to win. City on the other hand will have had their confidence dented after leading twice in the Bernabeu only to throw it away conceding two goals in 2 minutes much to the delight of Jose Mourinho.
This is a huge game for us and although we've had a good start to the season much of how people will view us competitively this season will be judged on our performance on Sunday. On how we compete with the "big boys". There is no doubt this is a huge test for our relatively new team.
If we play like we did on Tuesday, giving the ball away sloppily and taking risks with tackles, we will get punished by a team of City's quality. We need to be at our best to really have a chance of coming away with anything. I seemed to think that we were over-complicating things on Tuesday when often the simple ball is the most effective. We were getting caught in possession time and time again and frankly we just looked tired. There will be little room for error and Sunday and all the players need to keep it tight.
Both teams will be tired after big games midweek but in a game like this the team who wants it more usually comes out on top. And our boys certainly want it. Lukas Podolski is certainly not shy in his thoughts and seems confident that we can get a result. I must admit I have been impressed with the whole team ethos this year and we do all seem to have the belief that we can do it.
Teams are total guess work really, especially as they have about 80 players to choose from. For us I think we'll see a similar line up to that we had in France. I'd like to see Koscielny step in if he's fit because I'm not entirely sure Mertesacker can deal with Aguero an other pacey strikers at their disposal. But here goes: Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Alex OC, Diaby, Arteta, Podolski, Cazorla, Gervinho. I think Arsene will decide to drop Giroud to the bench for this one and keep Gervinho in as well hes got 3 in 2. I do worry about Jenkinson down the right, he'll be given a tough time by City's wingers. But in a big game, players sometimes step up.
Our game of course, follows a hugely important match on Sunday, in terms of football more than anything. I hope it all goes without incident for the sake of relations more than anything.
So all attention turns to Sunday where we'll really test our mettle. COYG!
Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal
This is a huge game for us and although we've had a good start to the season much of how people will view us competitively this season will be judged on our performance on Sunday. On how we compete with the "big boys". There is no doubt this is a huge test for our relatively new team.
If we play like we did on Tuesday, giving the ball away sloppily and taking risks with tackles, we will get punished by a team of City's quality. We need to be at our best to really have a chance of coming away with anything. I seemed to think that we were over-complicating things on Tuesday when often the simple ball is the most effective. We were getting caught in possession time and time again and frankly we just looked tired. There will be little room for error and Sunday and all the players need to keep it tight.
Both teams will be tired after big games midweek but in a game like this the team who wants it more usually comes out on top. And our boys certainly want it. Lukas Podolski is certainly not shy in his thoughts and seems confident that we can get a result. I must admit I have been impressed with the whole team ethos this year and we do all seem to have the belief that we can do it.
Teams are total guess work really, especially as they have about 80 players to choose from. For us I think we'll see a similar line up to that we had in France. I'd like to see Koscielny step in if he's fit because I'm not entirely sure Mertesacker can deal with Aguero an other pacey strikers at their disposal. But here goes: Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Alex OC, Diaby, Arteta, Podolski, Cazorla, Gervinho. I think Arsene will decide to drop Giroud to the bench for this one and keep Gervinho in as well hes got 3 in 2. I do worry about Jenkinson down the right, he'll be given a tough time by City's wingers. But in a big game, players sometimes step up.
Our game of course, follows a hugely important match on Sunday, in terms of football more than anything. I hope it all goes without incident for the sake of relations more than anything.
So all attention turns to Sunday where we'll really test our mettle. COYG!
Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal
Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Montpellier Breakdown
It was ugly, we rode our luck, they should have scored more. But we took all 3 points and in football that's all that really matters. I'm not going to babble on too long about this but there are a couple of points I'd like to go over.
In the first half, we looked good and dominated until Vermaelen gave away a dubious penalty that on reflection probably was a penalty. Belhanda stepped up and cheekily chipped it right down the middle. This sparked wild celebrations from their fans and I feared the worst. But 7 minutes later we were level through a very classy Podolski goal, after he was passed in from Giroud, who frankly did basically nothing all game. His second touch opened his body up, selling the keeper a dummy and then putting it past him at the near post, a really great goal. 2 minutes later, we were ahead thanks again to Gervinho. Jenkinson who had a touch and go game (dithering a few times), went charging down the wing, as he did a few times to be fair to him, and put in a great cross for Gervinho in the middle who basically couldn't miss but nearly did! 2-1 Arsenal.
We went in at the half and I felt pretty confident that we'd kick on a kill the game off. Sadly the second half we were poor from the get go. We started and Montpellier battered our goal firing shots all over the place. When we did finally clear our lines, we looked tired physically and didn't really look like we had anything left to give. Steve Bould made the changed as the half went on with Giroud (another goaless appearance), Cazorla and Podolski coming off. Montpellier had a golden chance as the seconds ticked down when Mertesacker completely missed with a sliding tackle leaving the player with the ball about 10 yards out only to smash it straight at Mannone who did well to hold onto it. Diaby who thought the referee wanted to send him off?? made a stupid challenge in the box that I thought was a penalty only to see it waved away.
We were lucky and I'm really not sure why we looked so tired in the second half. If we play like that against city,we'll get battered on Sunday. Ah well. Until then have a good week.
In the first half, we looked good and dominated until Vermaelen gave away a dubious penalty that on reflection probably was a penalty. Belhanda stepped up and cheekily chipped it right down the middle. This sparked wild celebrations from their fans and I feared the worst. But 7 minutes later we were level through a very classy Podolski goal, after he was passed in from Giroud, who frankly did basically nothing all game. His second touch opened his body up, selling the keeper a dummy and then putting it past him at the near post, a really great goal. 2 minutes later, we were ahead thanks again to Gervinho. Jenkinson who had a touch and go game (dithering a few times), went charging down the wing, as he did a few times to be fair to him, and put in a great cross for Gervinho in the middle who basically couldn't miss but nearly did! 2-1 Arsenal.
We went in at the half and I felt pretty confident that we'd kick on a kill the game off. Sadly the second half we were poor from the get go. We started and Montpellier battered our goal firing shots all over the place. When we did finally clear our lines, we looked tired physically and didn't really look like we had anything left to give. Steve Bould made the changed as the half went on with Giroud (another goaless appearance), Cazorla and Podolski coming off. Montpellier had a golden chance as the seconds ticked down when Mertesacker completely missed with a sliding tackle leaving the player with the ball about 10 yards out only to smash it straight at Mannone who did well to hold onto it. Diaby who thought the referee wanted to send him off?? made a stupid challenge in the box that I thought was a penalty only to see it waved away.
We were lucky and I'm really not sure why we looked so tired in the second half. If we play like that against city,we'll get battered on Sunday. Ah well. Until then have a good week.
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
Montpellier (A)
Now that is much more like the Arsenal that we know and love, a convincing 6-1 win over a team that frankly we should be beating 6-1. Yes 2 of the goals were own goals but they were both made by strong attacks down the left and that hard low cross into the box that is always prone to get touched in. A gorgeous free kick from Poldi who was brilliant all game, the keeper probably should have done better but the was very well struck. A goal from Walcott which was nice to see and 2 from Gervinho who I have been very critical of recently.
Attention now turns to our first Champions League match of the season which kicks off this evening with our trip to Montpellier. Much has been made about whether or not Olivier Giroud will start after being left on the bench on Saturday which did surprise me in all honesty. I thought it would have been the perfect game for him to play but maybe Wenger had half an eye on this game. With it being his old club as well where, from what I can gather, he was idolised I think it seems almost written that he would score his first Arsenal goal today, should he start. However as Wenger has stated there is a lot of pressure on him and he might rest him to try and take some of that off of him.
As for the rest of the team I think we will see some level of rotation tonight as we have Man City on Sunday and we may have some players that aren't quite rested fully from Saturday. I have a feeling we might see Walcott start tonight possibly along with Ramsey who didn't feature at the weekend. Gervinho could start sitting in the CAM role behind our main striker whoever that may be, with Cazorla shifting out to the wing, or he could start in place of Giroud. He played well at the weekend and there are suggestions that we may have found a role that suits the Ivorian. For me that remains to be seen realistically, we shall see how he performs as to be honest I find him frustrating. Diaby is expected to be fit to play so we'll either see him start or I think he'll come of from the bench after his fantastic performance against Liverpool. Koscielny is another player who could start but I think we may see Mertesacker retain his position for this match and then maybe drop out at the weekend.
The big talking point amongst Arsenal fans has been goalkeepers. Now Szczesny, I'm not gonna sugar coat it, had a day to forget on Saturday and not just because of the mistake that led to the goal. He overall wasn't great. Now Arsenal have come out and said he has an ankle knock, whether that played a part in his performance is difficult to tell, but one thing that is for sure is that we are taking Mannone tonight with young keeper James Shea on the bench.
I'm not gonna predict players to watch for on their team because I know so little about them. I just know they've got off to a poor start in league currently sitting 16th. A player said the other day, if they play like they did at the weekend against Arsenal, they'll concede 8. Confidence for sure then. My line up would be: Mannone, Gibbs, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Jenks, Diaby, Arteta, Poldi, Cazorla, Walcott, Giroud. We'll see what Mr. Wenger goes for. COYG!
Prediction: Montpellier 0-2 Arsenal
Attention now turns to our first Champions League match of the season which kicks off this evening with our trip to Montpellier. Much has been made about whether or not Olivier Giroud will start after being left on the bench on Saturday which did surprise me in all honesty. I thought it would have been the perfect game for him to play but maybe Wenger had half an eye on this game. With it being his old club as well where, from what I can gather, he was idolised I think it seems almost written that he would score his first Arsenal goal today, should he start. However as Wenger has stated there is a lot of pressure on him and he might rest him to try and take some of that off of him.
As for the rest of the team I think we will see some level of rotation tonight as we have Man City on Sunday and we may have some players that aren't quite rested fully from Saturday. I have a feeling we might see Walcott start tonight possibly along with Ramsey who didn't feature at the weekend. Gervinho could start sitting in the CAM role behind our main striker whoever that may be, with Cazorla shifting out to the wing, or he could start in place of Giroud. He played well at the weekend and there are suggestions that we may have found a role that suits the Ivorian. For me that remains to be seen realistically, we shall see how he performs as to be honest I find him frustrating. Diaby is expected to be fit to play so we'll either see him start or I think he'll come of from the bench after his fantastic performance against Liverpool. Koscielny is another player who could start but I think we may see Mertesacker retain his position for this match and then maybe drop out at the weekend.
The big talking point amongst Arsenal fans has been goalkeepers. Now Szczesny, I'm not gonna sugar coat it, had a day to forget on Saturday and not just because of the mistake that led to the goal. He overall wasn't great. Now Arsenal have come out and said he has an ankle knock, whether that played a part in his performance is difficult to tell, but one thing that is for sure is that we are taking Mannone tonight with young keeper James Shea on the bench.
I'm not gonna predict players to watch for on their team because I know so little about them. I just know they've got off to a poor start in league currently sitting 16th. A player said the other day, if they play like they did at the weekend against Arsenal, they'll concede 8. Confidence for sure then. My line up would be: Mannone, Gibbs, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Jenks, Diaby, Arteta, Poldi, Cazorla, Walcott, Giroud. We'll see what Mr. Wenger goes for. COYG!
Prediction: Montpellier 0-2 Arsenal
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
Wolves (A)
There's nothing quite like simultaneously putting yourself above your rivals and also shattering a teams title chances. That's exactly what we did on Sunday in a game that to be honest we fully deserved to win. From the get go, we were all over City, the first 25 minutes were all Arsenal, we just continually went forward. I said in my preview to the game that when we played them at the Emirates last time they simply parked the bus, the first 25 minutes looked like that's what they were attempting but it wasn't working.
We could have won 3-0 and when Vermaelen expertly cleared Van Persie's header off their line, it was beginning to feel like one of those games. We then hit the post again and this time somehow and I still cant quite figure out how Vermaelen missed an open goal from 2 yards out followed by Benayoun missing from 1 yard out and it just seemed as if it wouldn't come. Then in the 87th minute this happened:
A truly brilliant strike from a player who has had his critics this season (including myself). This was exactly what we needed and exactly what we deserved. Just to add to City's misery Balotelli got himself sent off which should have happened about 85 minutes earlier after an horrendous tackle on Song that could have ended his career.
So we're back into 3rd but there is no time for rest as tonight we travel to bottom of the table Wolves. With Tottenham losing at home to Norwich on Monday we have a fantastic opportunity to increase the gap to 5 points between them and in form Newcastle. Wolves are bottom of the table and Terry Connor has a job on his hands to keep them up, but that in itself makes them dangerous.
News from us isn't ideal as it seems Gibbs has a bit of fatigue and will miss out and Koscielny has a 2 match ban for picking up his 10th booking this season. So I would imagine Djourou will fill in and Santos will obviously take up the Left Back position. Normally I'm not a fan of playing someone behind the striker and if you'd told me at the beginning of the season it would be Rosicky I would have been severely worried but he has played like a man possessed recently and has been absolutely fantastic and its being rewarded.
Wolves I think will have to give it a go at home, a draw serves them no purpose so they have to attack which again suits us. So with that in mind I think Doyle and Fletcher will both start and both can score given the chance. Kightly and Jarvis on the wings can also cause problems so they will be no pushover. The defence has been leaking goals so hopefully we can get in and walk all over them.
Finally today something that I hope will make you all smile
COYG!
Prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-2 Arsenal
We could have won 3-0 and when Vermaelen expertly cleared Van Persie's header off their line, it was beginning to feel like one of those games. We then hit the post again and this time somehow and I still cant quite figure out how Vermaelen missed an open goal from 2 yards out followed by Benayoun missing from 1 yard out and it just seemed as if it wouldn't come. Then in the 87th minute this happened:
A truly brilliant strike from a player who has had his critics this season (including myself). This was exactly what we needed and exactly what we deserved. Just to add to City's misery Balotelli got himself sent off which should have happened about 85 minutes earlier after an horrendous tackle on Song that could have ended his career.
So we're back into 3rd but there is no time for rest as tonight we travel to bottom of the table Wolves. With Tottenham losing at home to Norwich on Monday we have a fantastic opportunity to increase the gap to 5 points between them and in form Newcastle. Wolves are bottom of the table and Terry Connor has a job on his hands to keep them up, but that in itself makes them dangerous.
News from us isn't ideal as it seems Gibbs has a bit of fatigue and will miss out and Koscielny has a 2 match ban for picking up his 10th booking this season. So I would imagine Djourou will fill in and Santos will obviously take up the Left Back position. Normally I'm not a fan of playing someone behind the striker and if you'd told me at the beginning of the season it would be Rosicky I would have been severely worried but he has played like a man possessed recently and has been absolutely fantastic and its being rewarded.
Wolves I think will have to give it a go at home, a draw serves them no purpose so they have to attack which again suits us. So with that in mind I think Doyle and Fletcher will both start and both can score given the chance. Kightly and Jarvis on the wings can also cause problems so they will be no pushover. The defence has been leaking goals so hopefully we can get in and walk all over them.
Finally today something that I hope will make you all smile
Prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-2 Arsenal
Friday, 6 April 2012
Manchester City (H)
I hope your all enjoying your Easter weekend so far. It would make the weekend perfect if a certain team lost tomorrow and we end City's title chance on Sunday. Both games are hard to predict, Sunderland are one of those problem teams and people who assume Tottenham are going to turn up and win might be in for a shock. Similarly for people who think City are going to turn up and win. I don't think it will be that simple.
The game on Sunday is the most important one of the season so far, we've worked hard to pull ourselves out of the shit we were in at the beginning of the season to get to where we are. Letting it go now would be both frustrating and quite frankly gutting. We wobbled against QPR but we need to forget it and get ourselves up for the game. In recent weeks city have also wobbled a bit too which personally I think boils down to them not having the bottle to see the season out.
The good thing is that due to recent results they've put the pressure on themselves, every game for them now is a must win which means they they'll have to come and attack us which will leave them open on the counter. When we played them earlier in the season they parked the bus and to be honest were lucky to get all 3 points. That won't be the case this time and as Sunderland showed at the weekend when they have to go forward they can be punished. On top of that Mancini came out and said if they don't win the title is over, in my opinion that poor managing but whatever. A draw does neither team any good really but if you offered me one now I'd probably take it.
We have no new injury worries ahead of the game but this time I think we'll play Gervinho instead of Ramsey on the left and I think we need too, he's more dynamic going forward. However I think he might have a job against Richards power which means Oxlade might get the nod ahead of him. The rest of the team I think will be the same, with Rosicky slotting in behind RVP. The defence will have their work cut out for them and we really can't afford any slip ups this weekend.
In terms of City, there was news earlier this week that Aguero might be out due to a "stupid injury" but he's fit so will no doubt lead their line along with the headcase Balotelli. No matter what you think of Mario hes a dangerous player and when he's in the right place he's as good as any in front of goal. There will be yet another warm welcome for Samir Na$ri who I'm still yet to be convinced fits into their team. Yaya Toure and De Jong will provide the power in the midfield. I can't help but feel that Song will be a key player for us, he will have his hands full with the likes of Balotelli when defending, but will have to compete with power of De Jong and Toure when he pushes forward.
Theres no doubt our best chances will come on the break but for that to be a successful plan we need to make sure we don't concede early. It will be a tight game and with the title and 3rd place riding on it, it will be a game that both teams need to win, hopefully the red half will come out on top. Whatever the result have a happy Easter! COYG!
Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City
The game on Sunday is the most important one of the season so far, we've worked hard to pull ourselves out of the shit we were in at the beginning of the season to get to where we are. Letting it go now would be both frustrating and quite frankly gutting. We wobbled against QPR but we need to forget it and get ourselves up for the game. In recent weeks city have also wobbled a bit too which personally I think boils down to them not having the bottle to see the season out.
The good thing is that due to recent results they've put the pressure on themselves, every game for them now is a must win which means they they'll have to come and attack us which will leave them open on the counter. When we played them earlier in the season they parked the bus and to be honest were lucky to get all 3 points. That won't be the case this time and as Sunderland showed at the weekend when they have to go forward they can be punished. On top of that Mancini came out and said if they don't win the title is over, in my opinion that poor managing but whatever. A draw does neither team any good really but if you offered me one now I'd probably take it.
We have no new injury worries ahead of the game but this time I think we'll play Gervinho instead of Ramsey on the left and I think we need too, he's more dynamic going forward. However I think he might have a job against Richards power which means Oxlade might get the nod ahead of him. The rest of the team I think will be the same, with Rosicky slotting in behind RVP. The defence will have their work cut out for them and we really can't afford any slip ups this weekend.
In terms of City, there was news earlier this week that Aguero might be out due to a "stupid injury" but he's fit so will no doubt lead their line along with the headcase Balotelli. No matter what you think of Mario hes a dangerous player and when he's in the right place he's as good as any in front of goal. There will be yet another warm welcome for Samir Na$ri who I'm still yet to be convinced fits into their team. Yaya Toure and De Jong will provide the power in the midfield. I can't help but feel that Song will be a key player for us, he will have his hands full with the likes of Balotelli when defending, but will have to compete with power of De Jong and Toure when he pushes forward.
Theres no doubt our best chances will come on the break but for that to be a successful plan we need to make sure we don't concede early. It will be a tight game and with the title and 3rd place riding on it, it will be a game that both teams need to win, hopefully the red half will come out on top. Whatever the result have a happy Easter! COYG!
Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
QPR thoughts and Man City Build up
Well, we certainly could have done without that result. But we were sloppy and when a team is scrapping for safety they are always dangerous. The first goal scored by Taarabt, was one that was our own undoing. Thomas Vermaelen, usually solid at the back was caught with the ball and Taarabt unfortunately, after 69 efforts, got his first goal of the season. We didn't look convincing afterwards and then against the run of play Walcott struck the post but the ball came back to him and he side footed in the equaliser. However this wasn't the turning point we had hoped. Early in the second half Van Persie went through one-on-one and drove the ball towards the top corner, Paddy Kenny pulled of a truly amazing save.
I think people were harsh saying he should have scored, he's won us too many games this season to start picking holes in his play and it was a brilliant save. I also think people were harsh in again condemning Vermaelen for the second goal, OK he was caught napping but he slipped, its hardly his fault and on top of that where was Song and the rest of the midfield when the ball was slid in to Taiwo who smashed the ball home leaving Szczesny no chance. So our ran came to end but it was going to happen eventually, we now need to pick ourselves up for City at the weekend.
I know this is going to make me very unpopular but please read it carefully. I think we suffered going forward on Saturday due to the inclusion of Ramsey. A man who's clearly lacking confidence and most certainly isn't a left sided attacker. I struggled to understand why Wenger chose him when we had £26m worth of left winger on the bench in the form of Gerv and Alex OC. There is no way playing Ramsey on the left is going to benefit himself or the team.
So ahead to a game where we can in a sense end City's title chances but more importantly give us a huge 3 points with the Yids breathing down our necks. There's one goal in it so a 6-0 win would be perfect. Maybe asking a bit much there but at this stage of the season things like goal difference can make such a huge difference and with Chelsea starting to pick up form again we really need to make sure we keep ourselves in the race.
The game also has huge connotations for City, they could find themselves 8 points behind United come kick off. Either way they have to come and attack, a draw for them is useless, which means we can split them on the counter and as they showed at the weekend their defence can leak goals. The ongoing spat between manager and Balotelli hopefully means the dressing room is tense. I'm going to say now that I think and also hope that United win the league. When it comes down to football vs money, there is only one winner and I can accept another United title win. Ferguson has been in this position many times before and he knows exactly what to do and how to handle the game, City on the other hand haven't. Mancini said that it will come down to the derby but he may have to face the fact that it may be over by then.
Anyway enough title talk its depressing that I can't speak about Arsenal challenging for it again but there you go. Preview and predictions later in the week.
I think people were harsh saying he should have scored, he's won us too many games this season to start picking holes in his play and it was a brilliant save. I also think people were harsh in again condemning Vermaelen for the second goal, OK he was caught napping but he slipped, its hardly his fault and on top of that where was Song and the rest of the midfield when the ball was slid in to Taiwo who smashed the ball home leaving Szczesny no chance. So our ran came to end but it was going to happen eventually, we now need to pick ourselves up for City at the weekend.
I know this is going to make me very unpopular but please read it carefully. I think we suffered going forward on Saturday due to the inclusion of Ramsey. A man who's clearly lacking confidence and most certainly isn't a left sided attacker. I struggled to understand why Wenger chose him when we had £26m worth of left winger on the bench in the form of Gerv and Alex OC. There is no way playing Ramsey on the left is going to benefit himself or the team.
So ahead to a game where we can in a sense end City's title chances but more importantly give us a huge 3 points with the Yids breathing down our necks. There's one goal in it so a 6-0 win would be perfect. Maybe asking a bit much there but at this stage of the season things like goal difference can make such a huge difference and with Chelsea starting to pick up form again we really need to make sure we keep ourselves in the race.
The game also has huge connotations for City, they could find themselves 8 points behind United come kick off. Either way they have to come and attack, a draw for them is useless, which means we can split them on the counter and as they showed at the weekend their defence can leak goals. The ongoing spat between manager and Balotelli hopefully means the dressing room is tense. I'm going to say now that I think and also hope that United win the league. When it comes down to football vs money, there is only one winner and I can accept another United title win. Ferguson has been in this position many times before and he knows exactly what to do and how to handle the game, City on the other hand haven't. Mancini said that it will come down to the derby but he may have to face the fact that it may be over by then.
Anyway enough title talk its depressing that I can't speak about Arsenal challenging for it again but there you go. Preview and predictions later in the week.
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Aston Villa (A)
Well when you look at the game on Sunday, we weren't outplayed, we had a goal ruled out and Joe Hart pulled off some good saves. Maybe a loss wasn't fair, 1-1 I think would have been a more even scoreline but there you have it, that's football. Now that's taking the positives from the game there are negatives of course.
Firstly, our full back situation is becoming more and more of an issue. Its all well and good shoving Vermaelen and Djourou in but there are situations when you simply need a trained fullback. When your 3-0 up and coasting there isn't an issue, when your playing league leaders and you know its going to be a tough match its a totally different story. Obviously Santos and Sagna are out for months and we won't be seeing either for quite some time, but there is encouraging news for Gibbs who Wenger said "He is I think one week maximum away. He could be present at Aston Villa or the game after [against Wolves]. Of course, you want him back and to play". Jenkinson on the other hand is neither here nor that at the minute, he was at least 3 weeks away 3 and a half weeks ago so read into that what you will.
Secondly when your 1-0 down and chasing a game it says a lot that the option you turn too is the two men who have a combined total or 2 goals between them all season. Arshavin clearly has something up with him and you can clearly see when he plays that he believes his time at Arsenal is over, bar a rapid return to form. You could tell when the ball fell to him just inside the box and he hit the side netting it was going to the be another one of those. Chamakh on the other hand, I don't remember touching the ball. His career looked so promising when he arrived and whether it was through lack of games or confidence he looks a shadow of the player he was. We just don't have the depth of the other big clubs (bar sp*rs).
Anyway the City game is gone and now we have to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and look to the trip to Aston Villa tomorrow night. In recent years we haven't performed too bad up there but in the past it was a game we simply didn't like. We went there and even our own fans expected very little, thankfully though times have changed and they're on a bit of a poor run. Quite frankly with Chelsea playing the yids on Thursday a win will put the pressure on both and hopefully put some distance between us and Liverpool who we only lead by goals scored.
I would expect to see again a similar squad to the one we played on Sunday purely because nothing has changed. So our threats will again come from Gervinho and Walcott down the wings and of course Robin Van Persie up front. In terms of Villa threats well obviously Darren Bent causes problems (lets hope he didn't finish his shopping on Sunday). N'Zogbia has his moments but so far this season he's been pretty poor, hopefully that will continue tomorrow night.
Aston Villa have lost to 4 of the top 6 at home so far this season which means if we want to be challenging for the top 4 we have to keep up the trend and beat this lot. As always with the Premier League if you want the top prizes, you have to play the top football. We were on a nice little run before City and the players still seem upbeat after Sunday so lets hope we can pick up where we left off.
It's been a long one today so thanks for sticking with it. Just a quick word regarding Wolves at Home. Firstly the original date scheduled for the match may be changed. The tube drivers want more money which may make life very difficult for fans trying to reach the Emirates. So the date for this match may change over the next few days, so check the Arsenal site and Sky Sports News for updates. Regardless of that, the pre-match post will be over the next few days I would say probably the 23rd, until then COYG!
Prediction: Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
Firstly, our full back situation is becoming more and more of an issue. Its all well and good shoving Vermaelen and Djourou in but there are situations when you simply need a trained fullback. When your 3-0 up and coasting there isn't an issue, when your playing league leaders and you know its going to be a tough match its a totally different story. Obviously Santos and Sagna are out for months and we won't be seeing either for quite some time, but there is encouraging news for Gibbs who Wenger said "He is I think one week maximum away. He could be present at Aston Villa or the game after [against Wolves]. Of course, you want him back and to play". Jenkinson on the other hand is neither here nor that at the minute, he was at least 3 weeks away 3 and a half weeks ago so read into that what you will.
Secondly when your 1-0 down and chasing a game it says a lot that the option you turn too is the two men who have a combined total or 2 goals between them all season. Arshavin clearly has something up with him and you can clearly see when he plays that he believes his time at Arsenal is over, bar a rapid return to form. You could tell when the ball fell to him just inside the box and he hit the side netting it was going to the be another one of those. Chamakh on the other hand, I don't remember touching the ball. His career looked so promising when he arrived and whether it was through lack of games or confidence he looks a shadow of the player he was. We just don't have the depth of the other big clubs (bar sp*rs).
Anyway the City game is gone and now we have to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and look to the trip to Aston Villa tomorrow night. In recent years we haven't performed too bad up there but in the past it was a game we simply didn't like. We went there and even our own fans expected very little, thankfully though times have changed and they're on a bit of a poor run. Quite frankly with Chelsea playing the yids on Thursday a win will put the pressure on both and hopefully put some distance between us and Liverpool who we only lead by goals scored.
I would expect to see again a similar squad to the one we played on Sunday purely because nothing has changed. So our threats will again come from Gervinho and Walcott down the wings and of course Robin Van Persie up front. In terms of Villa threats well obviously Darren Bent causes problems (lets hope he didn't finish his shopping on Sunday). N'Zogbia has his moments but so far this season he's been pretty poor, hopefully that will continue tomorrow night.
Aston Villa have lost to 4 of the top 6 at home so far this season which means if we want to be challenging for the top 4 we have to keep up the trend and beat this lot. As always with the Premier League if you want the top prizes, you have to play the top football. We were on a nice little run before City and the players still seem upbeat after Sunday so lets hope we can pick up where we left off.
It's been a long one today so thanks for sticking with it. Just a quick word regarding Wolves at Home. Firstly the original date scheduled for the match may be changed. The tube drivers want more money which may make life very difficult for fans trying to reach the Emirates. So the date for this match may change over the next few days, so check the Arsenal site and Sky Sports News for updates. Regardless of that, the pre-match post will be over the next few days I would say probably the 23rd, until then COYG!
Prediction: Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
Friday, 16 December 2011
Champions League draw and City (A)
I have to say, I wasn't remotely surprised to see us draw AC Milan in the Champions League. We seem to have a habit of drawing the best teams out of the pot. Although I don't think we're going to get hammered, it certainly won't be easy for us. The away leg is vital, if we can nick a goal or two then we have a chance. Lets not forget we do like playing in the San Siro (Inter 1-5 Arsenal, AC 0-2 Arsenal) and Italian sides generally don't perform well against English teams so we shall see ho that pans out. Chelsea drew another Italian team in the form of Napoli.
So that was about the only piece of news that we've had this morning ahead of our huge clash at eastlands on Sunday. It seems that we'll play the same team that beat Everton 1-0 last week. So that means Vermaelen back out on the left, leaving Koscielny and Mertesacker to deal with pace of Aguero and the power of Balotelli. This is going to be a difficult one for our defence, especially Mertesacker who as Paul Merson put it "turns like a submarine". Now usually I'd go through the squad and identify dangerous players but it will be far simpler this week to just pick weak spots. With Clichy suspended I assume they'll play Zabaleta at left back and although he's good, I think Theo may cause some problems with his pace down that flank, especially with Silva prone to wander all over the pitch. Lescott is another player that I just don't think is up to scratch and if Van Persie can get in behind him then hopefully we'll have some joy that way.
Sunday could be a day of classic Arsenal counter attacking football. However letting a strikeforce worth more than a space shuttle batter your defence is a very dangerous tactic so it will be interesting to see how Wenger plays it. That said last year we went there with little hope and won 3-0. However on that day Na$ri was playing for us and just a word on that little French money grabbing wanker, I highly doubt he'll play and if he does, he'll receive a torrent of abuse from our travelling fans much like he did in the Carling Cup clash. That seemed to put him off all evening which was visible when he wanted to be substituted, but sadly for him he misread the board (prick).
I've been trying to figure out if the game on Sunday is a good time to play City. Fresh off their first Premier League defeat to Chelsea, they will be wanting to bounce back. But that will have just reminded them that they aren't invincible and maybe we can use this to our advantage. Anyway only time will tell. COYG!!!
Prediction: Manchester city 2-1 Arsenal
So that was about the only piece of news that we've had this morning ahead of our huge clash at eastlands on Sunday. It seems that we'll play the same team that beat Everton 1-0 last week. So that means Vermaelen back out on the left, leaving Koscielny and Mertesacker to deal with pace of Aguero and the power of Balotelli. This is going to be a difficult one for our defence, especially Mertesacker who as Paul Merson put it "turns like a submarine". Now usually I'd go through the squad and identify dangerous players but it will be far simpler this week to just pick weak spots. With Clichy suspended I assume they'll play Zabaleta at left back and although he's good, I think Theo may cause some problems with his pace down that flank, especially with Silva prone to wander all over the pitch. Lescott is another player that I just don't think is up to scratch and if Van Persie can get in behind him then hopefully we'll have some joy that way.
Sunday could be a day of classic Arsenal counter attacking football. However letting a strikeforce worth more than a space shuttle batter your defence is a very dangerous tactic so it will be interesting to see how Wenger plays it. That said last year we went there with little hope and won 3-0. However on that day Na$ri was playing for us and just a word on that little French money grabbing wanker, I highly doubt he'll play and if he does, he'll receive a torrent of abuse from our travelling fans much like he did in the Carling Cup clash. That seemed to put him off all evening which was visible when he wanted to be substituted, but sadly for him he misread the board (prick).
I've been trying to figure out if the game on Sunday is a good time to play City. Fresh off their first Premier League defeat to Chelsea, they will be wanting to bounce back. But that will have just reminded them that they aren't invincible and maybe we can use this to our advantage. Anyway only time will tell. COYG!!!
Prediction: Manchester city 2-1 Arsenal
Monday, 28 November 2011
Manchester City (H)
Evening all, what an odd weekend its been in the world of football. Many people including myself are still getting over the shock of the sad loss of Gary Speed. When I heard it on the radio in the car it was one of those moments where you stop and think "I can't believe I've just heard that". It was a day as many people said when the football becomes irrelevant and I have to say full marks to those players brave enough to play after hearing the news 15 minutes before the team talk.
The sheer number of tributes that have been paid are a testament to what a true gent he really was. Everyone talks about what a lovely man he was and he was a real good guy on the football scene. He was also one of those players that everyone liked, he simply had no enemies. The reasons to why it happened can wait, naturally my thoughts are with the wife and two children he leaves behind, I hope they get the privacy and respect they need at this hard time.
The show must go on though and we look ahead to tomorrow nights Carling Cup clash with Man City at home. Now the team that we'll play is a real difficult one to pick, if we'd have drawn Crystal Palace then I think that we'd be talking about this in a whole different light. No disrespect to Palace but simply because its Man City, putting all of our hopes on our young lads is a bit harsh on them so Arsene has spoken about bulking up the side with a few regulars so to speak. But who they'll be remains a mystery. Apparently Walcott, RVP and Ramsey are on 'alert'. To be honest I'll be surprised if RVP starts, yes we're playing city, yes its a big game but I think its too risky.
Picking their side is equally as difficult, I've lost track of who is and isn't a regular, I couldn't really care either. What we do know is that any team they put out will make it a challenge. Samir Na$ri returns to the Emirates to what I'm sure will be a less than warm welcome back. Whatever happens I'm sure it will be full of drama and have all that big match atmosphere.
Talking of atmosphere, the Emirates is often criticised for lacking it, but on Saturday evening it was anything but. Even after we went behind, the fans really got behind the team and after we equalised I really thought we were gonna nick it. But it simply didn't happen. That sad, if I get stuck behind the grown man who decided to stand on his fucking seat for the last 10 minutes tomorrow night, I'm kicking off.
So tomorrow will be a test regardless of who plays but I just have a feeling that we might do city over tomorrow. However I'm more often wrong than right. COYG!
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Manchester City
The sheer number of tributes that have been paid are a testament to what a true gent he really was. Everyone talks about what a lovely man he was and he was a real good guy on the football scene. He was also one of those players that everyone liked, he simply had no enemies. The reasons to why it happened can wait, naturally my thoughts are with the wife and two children he leaves behind, I hope they get the privacy and respect they need at this hard time.
The show must go on though and we look ahead to tomorrow nights Carling Cup clash with Man City at home. Now the team that we'll play is a real difficult one to pick, if we'd have drawn Crystal Palace then I think that we'd be talking about this in a whole different light. No disrespect to Palace but simply because its Man City, putting all of our hopes on our young lads is a bit harsh on them so Arsene has spoken about bulking up the side with a few regulars so to speak. But who they'll be remains a mystery. Apparently Walcott, RVP and Ramsey are on 'alert'. To be honest I'll be surprised if RVP starts, yes we're playing city, yes its a big game but I think its too risky.
Picking their side is equally as difficult, I've lost track of who is and isn't a regular, I couldn't really care either. What we do know is that any team they put out will make it a challenge. Samir Na$ri returns to the Emirates to what I'm sure will be a less than warm welcome back. Whatever happens I'm sure it will be full of drama and have all that big match atmosphere.
Talking of atmosphere, the Emirates is often criticised for lacking it, but on Saturday evening it was anything but. Even after we went behind, the fans really got behind the team and after we equalised I really thought we were gonna nick it. But it simply didn't happen. That sad, if I get stuck behind the grown man who decided to stand on his fucking seat for the last 10 minutes tomorrow night, I'm kicking off.
So tomorrow will be a test regardless of who plays but I just have a feeling that we might do city over tomorrow. However I'm more often wrong than right. COYG!
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Manchester City
Monday, 8 August 2011
Pre-season round up
I apologise that I haven't posted in a while, I'm currently still in the US although I return home soon. Since I last posted a lot and not a lot has happened. We managed to draw with both Boca Juniors and New York Red Bulls to lose the Emirates cup although it was a nice thing to see Thierry raise the cup. After a young lad put the ball through our own net minutes from the end there were thunderous boos from our own fans. Really? At a pre-season friendly? I dread to think what the reaction will be when we lose at home during the league. I think booing the team in a pre-season game is excessive and also bad for moral, you must remember that these games are simply warm up exercises to bring fitness levels up so losing them isn't the end of the world.
I understand the fans frustration at what seems to be a poor summer of few signings and few improvements. I understand that because I am a fan, but surely booing the team off the pitch after a pre-season tournament isn't the way to go about supporting our boys. Following the Emirates cup we suffered our first defeat of the pre-season , going down 2-1 away to Benfica. Now this may not appear good, but we bossed the first half with a team that I imagine will resemble the starting line up (minus Cesc, Samir and Jack) with the Dutchman RVP scoring. There were 6 changes at the half and a much younger untested squad took the field and this showed a problem for us, which is that the squad is lacking depth. Looking at United, Chelsea and City they all have players on the bench who can fill in when needed and do the job well. We, on the other hand offer little in the shape of stand ins. I'd like to say that we will strengthen by dipping into the transfer market but looking at developments today I highly doubt that, more on that in a bit.
So the saga of Cesc continues and it has reached a point now where all parties involved at our end seem totally fed up of it. The board have stated they want to sort this sooner rather than later, but with Barcelona continually pissing around its still going on. I really hope the pathetic way that Barcelona have treated us this summer comes back to haunt them. But the fault doesn't only lie with them it lies with us, I read that Hulk as he is known has a 100M Euro buy out clause in his contract. 100m! Now why didn't who drafted Cesc's contract agree a £40m buy out, that's what we want and that ensures that we get it. Anyone who knows the ins and outs of football contracts and clauses, answers on a postcard please. Cesc was left out of the squad for both the Emirates and Eusebio Cups, due to a "Thigh Problem", whether this is true or not who knows but we seem no closer to a conclusion than we have all summer.
As for Samir Nasri, well fuck only knows whats happening about his future. He was also left out of the squad with a muscular problem but Wenger seems confident he will be an Arsenal Player this season. However the window is open till August 31st so who knows what could happen between now and then.
Now to the transfers I touched on earlier and we have made another one! Don't get too excited this one has been in the pipe line all summer and its that of 17 year old Alex Oxlade-Chamerlain. Another winger, just what we need right now. Another for the future but hardly one that at the moment, with all respect, gets the blood rushing, I really don't understand the signings of winger after winger unless we're planning to play 1-1-8 next season but hey, I'm not ruling it out. Also during last week we had another bid rejected for Jagielka but as I said, I think that deal is miles away from completion so we shall see what happens this week. Arsene said we were looking to sign "super quality", if a 17 year old Southampton winger is his idea of super quality then god help us all.
Anyway the season is almost upon us and men (and women) everywhere are starting to get excited about that first game of a brand new season. The dullness of a football-less summer is nearly over and the harsh reality of the Premier League starts for us with a tricky trip to Newcastle, followed by our Champions League qualifier with Udinese, who also may be a challenge. But at least we avoided the trip to Russia the following week.
Next post will be Thursday, until then enjoy your week.
I understand the fans frustration at what seems to be a poor summer of few signings and few improvements. I understand that because I am a fan, but surely booing the team off the pitch after a pre-season tournament isn't the way to go about supporting our boys. Following the Emirates cup we suffered our first defeat of the pre-season , going down 2-1 away to Benfica. Now this may not appear good, but we bossed the first half with a team that I imagine will resemble the starting line up (minus Cesc, Samir and Jack) with the Dutchman RVP scoring. There were 6 changes at the half and a much younger untested squad took the field and this showed a problem for us, which is that the squad is lacking depth. Looking at United, Chelsea and City they all have players on the bench who can fill in when needed and do the job well. We, on the other hand offer little in the shape of stand ins. I'd like to say that we will strengthen by dipping into the transfer market but looking at developments today I highly doubt that, more on that in a bit.
So the saga of Cesc continues and it has reached a point now where all parties involved at our end seem totally fed up of it. The board have stated they want to sort this sooner rather than later, but with Barcelona continually pissing around its still going on. I really hope the pathetic way that Barcelona have treated us this summer comes back to haunt them. But the fault doesn't only lie with them it lies with us, I read that Hulk as he is known has a 100M Euro buy out clause in his contract. 100m! Now why didn't who drafted Cesc's contract agree a £40m buy out, that's what we want and that ensures that we get it. Anyone who knows the ins and outs of football contracts and clauses, answers on a postcard please. Cesc was left out of the squad for both the Emirates and Eusebio Cups, due to a "Thigh Problem", whether this is true or not who knows but we seem no closer to a conclusion than we have all summer.
As for Samir Nasri, well fuck only knows whats happening about his future. He was also left out of the squad with a muscular problem but Wenger seems confident he will be an Arsenal Player this season. However the window is open till August 31st so who knows what could happen between now and then.
Now to the transfers I touched on earlier and we have made another one! Don't get too excited this one has been in the pipe line all summer and its that of 17 year old Alex Oxlade-Chamerlain. Another winger, just what we need right now. Another for the future but hardly one that at the moment, with all respect, gets the blood rushing, I really don't understand the signings of winger after winger unless we're planning to play 1-1-8 next season but hey, I'm not ruling it out. Also during last week we had another bid rejected for Jagielka but as I said, I think that deal is miles away from completion so we shall see what happens this week. Arsene said we were looking to sign "super quality", if a 17 year old Southampton winger is his idea of super quality then god help us all.
Anyway the season is almost upon us and men (and women) everywhere are starting to get excited about that first game of a brand new season. The dullness of a football-less summer is nearly over and the harsh reality of the Premier League starts for us with a tricky trip to Newcastle, followed by our Champions League qualifier with Udinese, who also may be a challenge. But at least we avoided the trip to Russia the following week.
Next post will be Thursday, until then enjoy your week.
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
Gael Clichy moves to Man City
Apologies for not breaking this last night, I was watching Derren Brown fuck with people's mind's in London, very good show if anyone is thinking about it. Anyway so it was finally confirmed last night after weeks of speculation that Gael Clichy has gone Man City for an undisclosed fee. Those of you have been following will remember that I already stated that I thought he had to go so I'm quite happy to see him go.
But the questions are now being asked as to whether we invest in a new left back or whether we let Gibbs fill in full time. Now I personally don't think, at the moment, Gibbs is ready to fill in full time but the main problem is he is one of the most injury prone players out there, so I think we need to buy a top drawer replacement. That is just my view there are many people that say he needs to be given games and so on. We'll have to see what Wenger does, if anything.
Nasri seems to be on his way, what way exactly is anybodies fucking guess. I can't see him staying now cause obviously if he wanted too he would have signed. But as I've said time and time again about him, if he wants to go because of money then he isn't the sort of player we want at the club. Reports suggest a deal could be done by the end of the week but I can see this being a drawn our, messy situation. The way Nasri has treated everyone at the club has been incredibly disrespectful and should by some chance he stay, I don't think anyone at The Emirates will be as fond of him as we all were.
The latest on Fabregas, well I say the latest on it but its been the same story for the whole of the summer, Barcelona line up bid, deal to be done by the end of the week. Until i see anything concrete I'm not believing anything. Interestingly Cesc was back for pre-season yesterday dispelling the idea that he was gonna boycott pre-season prep. I agree with the Arseblogger on this one, that just isn't the sort of player Cesc is, he does respect the club and deep down he loves Arsenal, as much as a move back to his home land is tempting.
Finally today, I was watching an interview with Kenny Sansom, who I have met and spoke with before and he seems to be thinking if we lose these 3 players (one being Clichy!!) we're basically fucked beyond all belief. Now I do think this is going over the top, a squad is 25 people not 3, admittedly our squad of 25 involves the likes of Denilson but still. Wenger isn't an idiot he knows if they go we need to do business and from what I hear on the grapevine we are already involved in business. So much like last time we spoke I heard Kenny and found myself thinking "Really?"
That's it for now I'll keep you all posted. Enjoy the sun.
But the questions are now being asked as to whether we invest in a new left back or whether we let Gibbs fill in full time. Now I personally don't think, at the moment, Gibbs is ready to fill in full time but the main problem is he is one of the most injury prone players out there, so I think we need to buy a top drawer replacement. That is just my view there are many people that say he needs to be given games and so on. We'll have to see what Wenger does, if anything.
Nasri seems to be on his way, what way exactly is anybodies fucking guess. I can't see him staying now cause obviously if he wanted too he would have signed. But as I've said time and time again about him, if he wants to go because of money then he isn't the sort of player we want at the club. Reports suggest a deal could be done by the end of the week but I can see this being a drawn our, messy situation. The way Nasri has treated everyone at the club has been incredibly disrespectful and should by some chance he stay, I don't think anyone at The Emirates will be as fond of him as we all were.
The latest on Fabregas, well I say the latest on it but its been the same story for the whole of the summer, Barcelona line up bid, deal to be done by the end of the week. Until i see anything concrete I'm not believing anything. Interestingly Cesc was back for pre-season yesterday dispelling the idea that he was gonna boycott pre-season prep. I agree with the Arseblogger on this one, that just isn't the sort of player Cesc is, he does respect the club and deep down he loves Arsenal, as much as a move back to his home land is tempting.
Finally today, I was watching an interview with Kenny Sansom, who I have met and spoke with before and he seems to be thinking if we lose these 3 players (one being Clichy!!) we're basically fucked beyond all belief. Now I do think this is going over the top, a squad is 25 people not 3, admittedly our squad of 25 involves the likes of Denilson but still. Wenger isn't an idiot he knows if they go we need to do business and from what I hear on the grapevine we are already involved in business. So much like last time we spoke I heard Kenny and found myself thinking "Really?"
That's it for now I'll keep you all posted. Enjoy the sun.
Thursday, 30 June 2011
Sky Sources: Man City close to signing Nasri and Clichy
I was going to write today about an Arsenal source talking about us signing Cahill and I will touch on that in a bit. But I'm starting with the news that Man City are closing in on signing Samir Nasri and Gael clichy. This story has literally just been broadcast on SSN. The report suggests they are going to offer £20m and to be totally honest if its true we should take it. You must remember this is player who is on the last year of his contract and is stalling over a new deal due to money. If he is motivated by money then he is certainly going to the right place with Shake man-I'm-a-spoilt-rich-cunt-suer throwing money at things to please himself. But as many people have stated including myself, he had a good 6 month spell and we all got a bit caught up in Nasri fever, but really he hasn't shown that he is a tried and tested performer. To top that off we'll also make a cool profit on him.
When I look at Nasri now I see a player who has 1) let success get to his head and 2) has let his agent convince him he really is that good. The term money talks is a certainly true when it comes to Nasri who was stalling over an extra 20k a week, Man City are reportedly offering him an extra 90k a week taking his salary to an eye watering 180k. Now I don't think I'm alone here when I say that he is not worth that, so best of luck to city with that and once again not letting the squad gel and settle will be their downfall.
As for Clichy I couldn't give two shits where he goes. In earlier posts I said he was past it and I stand by that, he hasn't been at his best for seasons now. As much as it pains me to say it, when we let that money grabbing arsehole Ashley Cole go, we lost the best left back in the world. Clichy stepped in for a while but in recent seasons his touch has gone and I think its time we all went seperate ways. No fee has been mentioned for him but I would assume its between the 5-8m mark.
However there was talk of players moving the other way. Now who exactly would we want from their squad? well in a perfect world I'd like Yaya Toure but we all know that won't happen, no doubt we'll be offered some two bob defender or midfielder such as Kompany. So lets look at it this way is £25m about the right price for Nasri and Clichy? Well yes an no. Yes in the situation we are in where Nasri has a year left on his contract and isn't going to sign a new one and in Clichy's current form he isn't worth much. No in the sense that Nasri is certainly a talent and when Andy Carrol commands £35m then Nasri commands more than £25m on his own. But such is life and football.
Onto what I was actually going to post about. An "Arsenal" source yesterday said that we were going to move in on Gary Cahill, now many people have doubted whether Wenger will pay the £17m that they want including myself. But reports suggest that we will pay his get out clause and then offer them a player, namely bentfoot. Now this may sound stupid but it may have more support than you'd think. They have lost Elmander who has moved to Galatasaray and Bendtner could be his replacement so we shall see what develops.
That's it for now but be sure to check back and I'll keep you updated on the Nasri/Clichy saga and anything else that happens. Remember we follow a club not a player...
When I look at Nasri now I see a player who has 1) let success get to his head and 2) has let his agent convince him he really is that good. The term money talks is a certainly true when it comes to Nasri who was stalling over an extra 20k a week, Man City are reportedly offering him an extra 90k a week taking his salary to an eye watering 180k. Now I don't think I'm alone here when I say that he is not worth that, so best of luck to city with that and once again not letting the squad gel and settle will be their downfall.
As for Clichy I couldn't give two shits where he goes. In earlier posts I said he was past it and I stand by that, he hasn't been at his best for seasons now. As much as it pains me to say it, when we let that money grabbing arsehole Ashley Cole go, we lost the best left back in the world. Clichy stepped in for a while but in recent seasons his touch has gone and I think its time we all went seperate ways. No fee has been mentioned for him but I would assume its between the 5-8m mark.
However there was talk of players moving the other way. Now who exactly would we want from their squad? well in a perfect world I'd like Yaya Toure but we all know that won't happen, no doubt we'll be offered some two bob defender or midfielder such as Kompany. So lets look at it this way is £25m about the right price for Nasri and Clichy? Well yes an no. Yes in the situation we are in where Nasri has a year left on his contract and isn't going to sign a new one and in Clichy's current form he isn't worth much. No in the sense that Nasri is certainly a talent and when Andy Carrol commands £35m then Nasri commands more than £25m on his own. But such is life and football.
Onto what I was actually going to post about. An "Arsenal" source yesterday said that we were going to move in on Gary Cahill, now many people have doubted whether Wenger will pay the £17m that they want including myself. But reports suggest that we will pay his get out clause and then offer them a player, namely bentfoot. Now this may sound stupid but it may have more support than you'd think. They have lost Elmander who has moved to Galatasaray and Bendtner could be his replacement so we shall see what develops.
That's it for now but be sure to check back and I'll keep you updated on the Nasri/Clichy saga and anything else that happens. Remember we follow a club not a player...
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