Last night we played out a 0-0 draw with Besiktas in tough conditions. When you factor in the partisan crowd and the appalling state of the pitch it's no surprise than many people are happy with that result. Personally I'm always nervous of a 0-0 away from home, look at Chavski last season, but I'm more concerned about the loss of Aaron Ramsey for the next leg after he got himself sent off with 10 minutes to go. On reflection it looked harsh but with the referee being card happy, Aaron should have known better. Hopefully next week we, on our pitch, in front of our home support we can do the business.
Before that we have another tricky away trip to Everton. I'm worried about this match. Quite a lot. In our first two competitive matches following the silky display in the Community Shield we have really struggled to get going. Yes we have new players gelling with the team and yes we have players out but we can't wait around forever. We need to hit the ground running and if we don't against Everton we'll get punished. So far there have been glimmers of what we can do, but key players so far haven't performed.
Cazorla seems to be struggling for whatever reason at the moment, his delivery against Palace was shocking and he didn't really get into the game last night. I do think that with Sanchez on the other wing, whoever is on the left may be neglected but it's up to whoever is in that position to get stuck into the game. Giroud is another player who hasn't got going yet, he was an improvement on Sanogo against Palace but last night he managed to fluff his lines multiple times and his touch was what I'd expect from a 12 year old. The big Frenchman has a key role to play this season and I do think goals boost his confidence so the sooner he can find that opening goal the better.
In terms of team news we have a number of players out for the weekend. Gibbs is expected to out for the fabled 2-3 weeks so expect to see him by the end of December. Arteta was taken off last night and with only Flamini to fill in or potentially Chambers all of a sudden our depth looks a lot lighter than it was before the campaign. I don't think any of our three world cup winners will take part, the earliest I expect to see them is next week against Besiktas.
Our defence looks very threadbare and we're only two injuries away from being in big trouble. Fans are crying out for a defender to replace Vermaelen and various reports link us with Olympiakos centre back Kostas Manolas. I know nothing about him, but at 23 he has a lot to offer if we are interested in him and if Wenger is willing to buy a player they usually have something about them. However last night the Le Prof stated that we weren't close to signing anyone but he is aware we are light at the back and I suspect we'll bring in at least one more player before the close of the window.
Right, I'm off on holiday tomorrow and will miss our next three matches so until then let's hope we do the business. COYG!
Showing posts with label Arteta. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arteta. Show all posts
Wednesday, 20 August 2014
Monday, 23 September 2013
Stoke City Match Report
Right first off it's been manic at work, sale weekends really don't allow much spare time. Thus I've missed my last 2 blog posts. So yesterday we beat Stoke, relatively comfortably, with 3 very untypical Arsenal goals. Many are saying we "out-stoked" Stoke but I don't like to associate us with that mob of gommoids in any way.
It started fantastically with Aaron Ramsey getting a goal that surely he has dreamt about since his horrific leg break back there in 2010. His subtle celebration was clearly a pop at the fans that booed him ever since and I loved every second of it. It was also the first of a hat-trick of assists from Mesut Ozil who again proved what a playmaker he really is. A free kick that was originally a shot was spilt by Begovic and Ramsey was there to slide it underneath him.
Then Stoke pulled on back when a fantastically floated ball was spanked against the post by Arnautovic before Cameron placed it into the far corner. But we didn't let it effect us and moments later we were back in front. Ozil again the provider, this time from a corner which was flicked across the goal by Mertesacker. The two Germans combining well to give us a lead going into the half.
In the second half the game slowed a little there were a few efforts from both side but the final blow came in the 72nd minute when Bacary Sagna headed the ball high and over the Stoke keeper from another Ozil corner. This effectively ended the game and from there on we were in control. Ozil made way to a standing ovation and was replaced by Mikel Arteta in his first appearance for us this season.
The only downside of the game was the loss of Theo Walcott before the match with whats been described as a muscular abdominal problem, Wenger admitted that he didn't know how long the winger would be out or even what exactly the problem was which is worrying for us and our already thread-bare squad. He was replaced by Serge Gnabry who held his own relatively well and with game time and experience could be a very tidy player.
We travel to the Hawthorns on Wednesday night to take on West Brom and I suspect the squad will be fairly different to the one yesterday but a report on that will be up soon. Until then enjoy your day.
It started fantastically with Aaron Ramsey getting a goal that surely he has dreamt about since his horrific leg break back there in 2010. His subtle celebration was clearly a pop at the fans that booed him ever since and I loved every second of it. It was also the first of a hat-trick of assists from Mesut Ozil who again proved what a playmaker he really is. A free kick that was originally a shot was spilt by Begovic and Ramsey was there to slide it underneath him.
Then Stoke pulled on back when a fantastically floated ball was spanked against the post by Arnautovic before Cameron placed it into the far corner. But we didn't let it effect us and moments later we were back in front. Ozil again the provider, this time from a corner which was flicked across the goal by Mertesacker. The two Germans combining well to give us a lead going into the half.
In the second half the game slowed a little there were a few efforts from both side but the final blow came in the 72nd minute when Bacary Sagna headed the ball high and over the Stoke keeper from another Ozil corner. This effectively ended the game and from there on we were in control. Ozil made way to a standing ovation and was replaced by Mikel Arteta in his first appearance for us this season.
The only downside of the game was the loss of Theo Walcott before the match with whats been described as a muscular abdominal problem, Wenger admitted that he didn't know how long the winger would be out or even what exactly the problem was which is worrying for us and our already thread-bare squad. He was replaced by Serge Gnabry who held his own relatively well and with game time and experience could be a very tidy player.
We travel to the Hawthorns on Wednesday night to take on West Brom and I suspect the squad will be fairly different to the one yesterday but a report on that will be up soon. Until then enjoy your day.
Friday, 16 August 2013
Start of the season. Aston Villa (H)
Well in my last post which was over a month ago, I said if we signed any new players I'd keep you updated and surprise surprise the season is about to kick off and we haven't signed anyone. We haven't even spent a penny. Whilst we have cleared the deadwood getting shot of Gervinho, Chamakh and others we have left our squad threadbare and there was a lot of talk of how we'd cope with injuries...
But of course this wouldn't be the start of the season without us having a mountain of injuries. The main one that has been reported today is that Mikel Arteta looks to be out for up to 6 weeks with a thigh problem. Add him to Nacho Monreal and Thomas Vermaelen along with long term Abou Diaby and we're looking pretty thin as it is.
It just doesn't make any sense to get rid of 25+ players and not to bring in replacements. For a man of Wenger's intelligence and whatever you think of him there's no doubt he's not dumb, I don't understand what he was thinking. I don't buy the whole "we tried but they didn't happen" story, if every other club can manage it then so can we with our ever growing "war chest". Watching the managers press-conference he has said that "we will be active in the transfer market...we are looking more for quality than for numbers, we would like 2/3 players, if possible more".
Anyway on the plus side football is finally returning tomorrow and we kick off at home against Aston Villa, a side that I would say have had a good summer. They've tied Benteke down and held on to Wiemann whilst adding to their side. we have a fit side apart from the injuries highlighted above. Sagna and Ramsey are fit to play after reports suggesting that they had picked up knocks. The boss confirmed that Per Mertesacker will captain the team this weekend which is an interesting choice, the quiet German and a player who upon closer analysis appears to have had a bit of a ropey pre-season being pulled out of position a few times.
I think we'll go for something like: SZCZ, Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Wilshere, Ramsey, Rosicky, Walcott, Cazorla, Giroud. I think Rosicky will step into the gap and lead the midfield attack with Jack and Aaron behind. Or Cazorla may lead the attack with someone shifting over to the left. I think a focal point of our attack will be Walcott running diagonally behind the defence and if we link up its a very effective point of attack.
Obviously threats from Villa will be Wiemann and Benteke. Our defence will need to be strong in the air to keep the big Belgian out of the frame. Of course Agbonlahor is a player that we shouldn't overlook either. I think this could be a big a game for Mertesacker who I'm certain will be marking Benteke. Villa are sharp on the counter too so our pacey players will need to track back.
It's difficult to predict a the first game of the season, but based on our promising pre-season I'm quietly optimistic. Until next time COYG!
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Aston Villa
But of course this wouldn't be the start of the season without us having a mountain of injuries. The main one that has been reported today is that Mikel Arteta looks to be out for up to 6 weeks with a thigh problem. Add him to Nacho Monreal and Thomas Vermaelen along with long term Abou Diaby and we're looking pretty thin as it is.
It just doesn't make any sense to get rid of 25+ players and not to bring in replacements. For a man of Wenger's intelligence and whatever you think of him there's no doubt he's not dumb, I don't understand what he was thinking. I don't buy the whole "we tried but they didn't happen" story, if every other club can manage it then so can we with our ever growing "war chest". Watching the managers press-conference he has said that "we will be active in the transfer market...we are looking more for quality than for numbers, we would like 2/3 players, if possible more".
Anyway on the plus side football is finally returning tomorrow and we kick off at home against Aston Villa, a side that I would say have had a good summer. They've tied Benteke down and held on to Wiemann whilst adding to their side. we have a fit side apart from the injuries highlighted above. Sagna and Ramsey are fit to play after reports suggesting that they had picked up knocks. The boss confirmed that Per Mertesacker will captain the team this weekend which is an interesting choice, the quiet German and a player who upon closer analysis appears to have had a bit of a ropey pre-season being pulled out of position a few times.
I think we'll go for something like: SZCZ, Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Wilshere, Ramsey, Rosicky, Walcott, Cazorla, Giroud. I think Rosicky will step into the gap and lead the midfield attack with Jack and Aaron behind. Or Cazorla may lead the attack with someone shifting over to the left. I think a focal point of our attack will be Walcott running diagonally behind the defence and if we link up its a very effective point of attack.
Obviously threats from Villa will be Wiemann and Benteke. Our defence will need to be strong in the air to keep the big Belgian out of the frame. Of course Agbonlahor is a player that we shouldn't overlook either. I think this could be a big a game for Mertesacker who I'm certain will be marking Benteke. Villa are sharp on the counter too so our pacey players will need to track back.
It's difficult to predict a the first game of the season, but based on our promising pre-season I'm quietly optimistic. Until next time COYG!
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Aston Villa
Thursday, 7 February 2013
Sunderland (A)
As the game drew on I had that feeling that we would be staring down the barrel of another disappointing result. But then in the 78th minute Lukas Podolski's deflected shot found the bottom right hand corner. After a bizarre ruled out and ruled back in incident and rather amusing moment between us and the Stoke fans we had our goal and held on until the end. In all honesty Stoke turned up happy to try and absorb all the pressure and nick a point, but we always looked like scoring. Let's hope we can have a repeat performance against Sunderland this weekend.
Sunderland have been in a real hit and miss side this season. Beating City one week then losing to Reading the next. Let's hope we catch them on the off day when we travel up north on Saturday. Now we know Sunderland are a physical side much like Stoke and we know it'll be a tough game. Fletcher is their main target man having scored nearly double the amount of goals as their next highest scorer. We also have Danny Graham to contend with having signed for them in the window.
Vermaelen is still a doubt after failing to shake off an injury picked up before last weekends game. If he's still out Koscielny will step in again. Wenger will have a choice to make between keeping Diaby and Oxlade-Chamberlain in or returning to Podolski and Cazorla. I thought we looked more dangerous with the German and Spaniard in the team, however both, Cazorla especially needed a rest. I think Wenger will throw them back in this weekend. So: SZCZ(who might actually have a save to make this week), Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscileny, Monreal, Arteta, Wilshere, Cazorla, Walcott, Podolski, Giroud would be my guess at the team.
I thought Monreal overall was fairly solid against Stoke, he can certainly pick out a ball and he can certainly hold his own physically. He has a few wobbles but I'll put that down to nerves more than anything. It was great to see another Spaniard in the team in the form of Mikel Arteta, whose experience is desperately needed in the team. We're no doubt better off with him in the team so I'm glad to see him back.
It'll be a tough trip to Sunderland but let's hope we can grab another 3 points in the fight for the top 4. COYG!
Prediction: Sunderland 1-2 Arsenal
Vermaelen is still a doubt after failing to shake off an injury picked up before last weekends game. If he's still out Koscielny will step in again. Wenger will have a choice to make between keeping Diaby and Oxlade-Chamberlain in or returning to Podolski and Cazorla. I thought we looked more dangerous with the German and Spaniard in the team, however both, Cazorla especially needed a rest. I think Wenger will throw them back in this weekend. So: SZCZ(who might actually have a save to make this week), Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscileny, Monreal, Arteta, Wilshere, Cazorla, Walcott, Podolski, Giroud would be my guess at the team.
I thought Monreal overall was fairly solid against Stoke, he can certainly pick out a ball and he can certainly hold his own physically. He has a few wobbles but I'll put that down to nerves more than anything. It was great to see another Spaniard in the team in the form of Mikel Arteta, whose experience is desperately needed in the team. We're no doubt better off with him in the team so I'm glad to see him back.
It'll be a tough trip to Sunderland but let's hope we can grab another 3 points in the fight for the top 4. COYG!
Prediction: Sunderland 1-2 Arsenal
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
Everton (A)
Talking of tomorrow night, we face a long and difficult trip up to Goodison Park, where Everton had a good start to the season but have wobbled over the last few weeks. Everton are one of those sides who people have been talking about as to whether they will make the top 4. For me they just don't have the depth for that, when they are all fit and firing they are a very good side, but when they lose a couple of key players, they seem to lose some of their threat.
Walcott is set to return for us and I expect him to start and see out Alex OC. Likewise with Sagna and Wilshere who were both rested, I would expect all of them to return to start with the Ox, Ramsey and Jenkinson missing out. Whether Vermaelen will return to the start is a bit of a hit and miss, Koscielny could fall back to the bench or on the less likely, Vermaelen could return to left back at he expense of Gibbs. Mertesacker will remain in the team to try and counter some of the threat of Fellaini. The big German will have a busy game tomorrow, so lets hope he's on the ball.
Everton will see the return of their main man this season Fellaini who will sit behind Jealvic, so they have a powerful duo going forward. The pace will come from Naismith, on the right, who has been deadly this season and Pienaar on the left. Osman and Hitzlsperger will make up the rest of the midfield. At the back we will see Heitinga and Distin in the middle with Jagielka and Baines either side. I think down the right may be our best form of attack with Walcott yet again. Although Baines is a top class left back, he does like to go forward and in front of him he has Pienaar who isn't exactly defensive minded.
Tomorrow's game is a big one, a win will lift us above them and could put us 2 points behind Chelsea. If we want to keep up with the teams above us we need to kick on and win games like this. When I looked at Villa away and Everton away, I would have been happy with us to get 4 points from a possible 6, but as always with Arsenal we'll have to go about it the hard way. COYG!
Prediction: Everton 1-2 Arsenal
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
Fulham Analysis
It all started to see well, just like against Schalke, then just like against Schalke we conceded a 2 goal lead. It was a match where had we just been tighter at the back we could have gone on to score more and would have easily taken the 3 points.
Giroud, who was fantastic, opened the scoring after just 11 minutes with a powerful header than Schwarzer couldn't keep out. Then on the 23rd minute, Podolski converted Arteta's cross and we were 2 nil up and cruising. However, once again, defensive problems at the back saw Berbatov find space far too easily and simply nod it past Mannone. It then got worse as Berbatov then crossed for Alex Kacaniklic who peeled away from Sagna and headed into the ground from 14 yards. Mannone perhaps could have done better but he did have to travel the length of the goal to get there.
The second half didn't start well either. 20 minutes in Arteta, who had an absolute mare, was caught dallying on the ball by Ruiz and then gave away a penalty. At which point Berbatov stepped up and cooly put the penalty in. We had squandered a 2 goal lead and we all feared the worst. 2 minutes later Giroud came to our rescue, he hit the base of the post with a great effort, it fell to Walcott who then crossed for Giroud to head past Schwarzer again. With seconds left, we got a dubious penalty decision when Arshavin put in a cross that hit a Fulham defenders hand. Harsh, but in this league you have to take these chances and sadly we didn't. Arteta rounded off his shocker by having his penalty saved very well you have to say by Schwarzer.
I understand that the manager has his penalty takers set out before the game but it seemed the logical move to let Giroud take the penalty, although he missed one against Coventry earlier in the season. That's not a moment to linger on or worry about, everyone misses penalties it just happens. What worries me more is the fact that we once again shipped 2 goals that we should have dealt with.
It's the derby this weekend and its a real chance for either team to kick on as we've both been playing badly. I've heard reports that we will start with 3 centre-backs. If Wenger decides to do that, he will have lost it. For 2 reasons, firstly as an attacking team, removing an option going forward isn't smart. Secondly this is the derby at home, we have to go out and show we mean business, we can't sit an absorb pressure.
A lot of mixed feelings and opinions ahead of Saturday, I'll be back with mine beforehand on Friday. I'm going to finish by saying that I've seen a lot of talk on twitter about people wanting us to lose at the weekend. We support our team, always. We can be disappointed with results and we have the right make those feelings known but we always have to support the team. It's what we're here for. Until next time enjoy the rest of your week.
If you feel like it give me a follow for stuff on Arsenal, football and just general ramblings:
Follow @fisher_mr
Giroud, who was fantastic, opened the scoring after just 11 minutes with a powerful header than Schwarzer couldn't keep out. Then on the 23rd minute, Podolski converted Arteta's cross and we were 2 nil up and cruising. However, once again, defensive problems at the back saw Berbatov find space far too easily and simply nod it past Mannone. It then got worse as Berbatov then crossed for Alex Kacaniklic who peeled away from Sagna and headed into the ground from 14 yards. Mannone perhaps could have done better but he did have to travel the length of the goal to get there.
The second half didn't start well either. 20 minutes in Arteta, who had an absolute mare, was caught dallying on the ball by Ruiz and then gave away a penalty. At which point Berbatov stepped up and cooly put the penalty in. We had squandered a 2 goal lead and we all feared the worst. 2 minutes later Giroud came to our rescue, he hit the base of the post with a great effort, it fell to Walcott who then crossed for Giroud to head past Schwarzer again. With seconds left, we got a dubious penalty decision when Arshavin put in a cross that hit a Fulham defenders hand. Harsh, but in this league you have to take these chances and sadly we didn't. Arteta rounded off his shocker by having his penalty saved very well you have to say by Schwarzer.
I understand that the manager has his penalty takers set out before the game but it seemed the logical move to let Giroud take the penalty, although he missed one against Coventry earlier in the season. That's not a moment to linger on or worry about, everyone misses penalties it just happens. What worries me more is the fact that we once again shipped 2 goals that we should have dealt with.
It's the derby this weekend and its a real chance for either team to kick on as we've both been playing badly. I've heard reports that we will start with 3 centre-backs. If Wenger decides to do that, he will have lost it. For 2 reasons, firstly as an attacking team, removing an option going forward isn't smart. Secondly this is the derby at home, we have to go out and show we mean business, we can't sit an absorb pressure.
A lot of mixed feelings and opinions ahead of Saturday, I'll be back with mine beforehand on Friday. I'm going to finish by saying that I've seen a lot of talk on twitter about people wanting us to lose at the weekend. We support our team, always. We can be disappointed with results and we have the right make those feelings known but we always have to support the team. It's what we're here for. Until next time enjoy the rest of your week.
If you feel like it give me a follow for stuff on Arsenal, football and just general ramblings:
Follow @fisher_mr
Monday, 22 October 2012
Norwich: Poor display
After waiting 2 weeks to watch Arsenal again, they performed like that?! It was one of those games where we just never got into it, didn't click, couldn't find our rhythm, however you want to put it, it was terrible. We didn't look interested in the match and for the 4th league game in a row conceded first. This time there was no reply.
We dominated possession but far too often Giroud was isolated upfront and we couldn't supply him. Then in the 19th minute Mannone spilled a shot that he probably should have held and even against Grant Holt Mertesacker couldn't match his pace to block his finish. Again this leaves question marks over Mannone about whether he really can challenge for number 1. That for the moment is a debate for another day though as at this current moment we simply have no choice with SZCZ and Fabianski out for the near future anyway.
From that we never really looked like getting an equaliser. Giroud had a half chance with a falling, overhead kick, a difficult technique so no surprises when he didn't quite pull it off. Then the best chance of the game fell to Gervinho. Serge Gnabry who every time I've seen him has been quality, slipped a perfect ball through for the Ivorian who delayed too long before pulling the trigger and saw his shot blocked. In all honesty, he may have scored 5 goal this season but I still see him as the weak link and the sooner he disappears off to the ACoN the better in my opinion.
It was interested to hear what Arteta had to say after the game about defensive issues and the effect conceding has on a team:
He's correct in what he says and it was clear to see that he was highly disappointed with the performance of the team and to be honest he should be.
Ah well that's the end of the match and now it has to be forgotten before we face the toughest opponents in our group, Schalke, at the Emirates on Wednesday night. A preview of that match will be up tomorrow. Until then chin up and lets move on.
We dominated possession but far too often Giroud was isolated upfront and we couldn't supply him. Then in the 19th minute Mannone spilled a shot that he probably should have held and even against Grant Holt Mertesacker couldn't match his pace to block his finish. Again this leaves question marks over Mannone about whether he really can challenge for number 1. That for the moment is a debate for another day though as at this current moment we simply have no choice with SZCZ and Fabianski out for the near future anyway.
From that we never really looked like getting an equaliser. Giroud had a half chance with a falling, overhead kick, a difficult technique so no surprises when he didn't quite pull it off. Then the best chance of the game fell to Gervinho. Serge Gnabry who every time I've seen him has been quality, slipped a perfect ball through for the Ivorian who delayed too long before pulling the trigger and saw his shot blocked. In all honesty, he may have scored 5 goal this season but I still see him as the weak link and the sooner he disappears off to the ACoN the better in my opinion.
It was interested to hear what Arteta had to say after the game about defensive issues and the effect conceding has on a team:
“If you go ahead, it gives you a lift, the other team has to take risks, and you can cause mistakes. You can’t get back in the game every time you fall behind. It’s a tough ask and we haven’t done it today."
He's correct in what he says and it was clear to see that he was highly disappointed with the performance of the team and to be honest he should be.
Ah well that's the end of the match and now it has to be forgotten before we face the toughest opponents in our group, Schalke, at the Emirates on Wednesday night. A preview of that match will be up tomorrow. Until then chin up and lets move on.
Thursday, 31 May 2012
Arsenal all quiet
Well it's the lull before the summer of hectic buying and selling and of course the Euros. I struggle to watch England play, not for the want of trying but for the fact that they are boring as fuck to watch. I'll watch us over the Euros and want us to win obviously but I'll do it without being particularly entertained.
Anyway onto Arsenal, this is my first post in a while and will probably be the last for a while because quite simply nothing is happening. Contract talks with RVP broke down and he has now set off with Holland in their pre-season preparations for the Euros. There isn't much we can really say about that, we just have to hope that post-tournament he decides to stay on. Elsewhere nothing but rumours. Depending on what paper you read we either: definitely have/definitely haven't/probably/probably haven't signed M'Villa, who quite frankly fails to excite me. I read today that we have also registered our interest in Doumbia who, despite being an absolute machine on FIFA 12, has done pretty much nothing of note.
I'm beginning to wonder whether new players really are the answer looking at the players with been linked with, bar Kagawa who, lets face it when posed with the question of United or Arsenal based on recent seasons only really as one choice. However I can't see Kagawa fitting in with either of our potential systems, without dropping someone. But that poses the question of who do we leave out? Play 4-4-2 with Podolski and (hopefully) rvp upfront and that means that across the middle we have a choice of Song, Arteta, Ramsey, Rosicky and Wilshere along with possibly Diaby and possibly Benayoun. So out of those possible 7 players we need to leave potentially 3 players out. Maybe more if we have Walcott or Gerv or Oxlade on the wings.
Play 4-3-3 and that means that we'd have to play either Podolski or rvp on the wing which is a possibility. The other side is up for grabs between Gerv, Walcott and Oxlade, but once again in the middle we have to fit in 5 players. So who do we leave out? Ramsey, OK maybe, but then Wilshere who we have desperately missed this season is surely a no, Song who occupies that holding midfield role needs to stay in. Arteta who we just signed I also think needs to stay in the squad which means leaving the re-born Rosicky who by the way had a fantastic season in my books on the sideline which Ramsey.
Maybe we need a bit of a clear out but I can't see who we sell apart from possibly Diaby, if he ever gets fit again. We have a midfield full of players who we NEED in the team, players who have signed a new deal and players who could be the best thing since sliced bread.
Food for thought. I'm not even gonna start on the defence.
Anyway unless anything big happens, its set to be another few quiet weeks. I think my next post maybe a players we might sell type of piece. Have a great few weeks!
Anyway onto Arsenal, this is my first post in a while and will probably be the last for a while because quite simply nothing is happening. Contract talks with RVP broke down and he has now set off with Holland in their pre-season preparations for the Euros. There isn't much we can really say about that, we just have to hope that post-tournament he decides to stay on. Elsewhere nothing but rumours. Depending on what paper you read we either: definitely have/definitely haven't/probably/probably haven't signed M'Villa, who quite frankly fails to excite me. I read today that we have also registered our interest in Doumbia who, despite being an absolute machine on FIFA 12, has done pretty much nothing of note.
I'm beginning to wonder whether new players really are the answer looking at the players with been linked with, bar Kagawa who, lets face it when posed with the question of United or Arsenal based on recent seasons only really as one choice. However I can't see Kagawa fitting in with either of our potential systems, without dropping someone. But that poses the question of who do we leave out? Play 4-4-2 with Podolski and (hopefully) rvp upfront and that means that across the middle we have a choice of Song, Arteta, Ramsey, Rosicky and Wilshere along with possibly Diaby and possibly Benayoun. So out of those possible 7 players we need to leave potentially 3 players out. Maybe more if we have Walcott or Gerv or Oxlade on the wings.
Play 4-3-3 and that means that we'd have to play either Podolski or rvp on the wing which is a possibility. The other side is up for grabs between Gerv, Walcott and Oxlade, but once again in the middle we have to fit in 5 players. So who do we leave out? Ramsey, OK maybe, but then Wilshere who we have desperately missed this season is surely a no, Song who occupies that holding midfield role needs to stay in. Arteta who we just signed I also think needs to stay in the squad which means leaving the re-born Rosicky who by the way had a fantastic season in my books on the sideline which Ramsey.
Maybe we need a bit of a clear out but I can't see who we sell apart from possibly Diaby, if he ever gets fit again. We have a midfield full of players who we NEED in the team, players who have signed a new deal and players who could be the best thing since sliced bread.
Food for thought. I'm not even gonna start on the defence.
Anyway unless anything big happens, its set to be another few quiet weeks. I think my next post maybe a players we might sell type of piece. Have a great few weeks!
Friday, 20 April 2012
Chelsea (H)
I dealt with Wigan in the previous post so there is no need to bother ourselves with that again so we can dive right in with Chelsea this weekend. This is a massive game in the race for Champions League qualification and a win for us would be huge and could possibly sink Chelsea's chances of qualifying although they have an even bigger game with Newcastle to come.
Now there is encouraging team news coming out of the Chelsea camp today with the diving dog out with a "knee problem" although he's clearly being rested with Tuesday in mind. Not that it bother me. Drogba has an annoying record of scoring against us so with that in mind I'm glad to see him out. So instead our defence has to deal with Torres who is VERY slowly starting to score again, hopefully we can add to his torrid run of form by denying him a goal at the weekend. Along with that Chelsea are also without Luiz and and Ivanovic whose banned after his kidney punch a few weeks ago.
However we have our own problems. Arteta is out for the rest of the season sadly which leaves a gap in the midfield. Wilshere is also out for the rest of the seaon and probably the Euros (so much for back in March!), which worries me as this injury seems to be worse and worse as time goes by. Benayoun is also ineligible to face Chelsea. There is some positive news though, Koscielny returns after his ban, so Djourou will drop to the bench. Also in the defence Gibbs is expected to be back in at left back after picking up a knock. I also expect Gervinho will be back after featuring from the bench against Wigan.
So teams look something like this. Arsenal: SZCZ, Sagna, Kos, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Walcott, Song, Ramsey, Gervinho, Rosicky, RVP. A lot is being made of Ramsey slotting in to the midfield but we really have no choice. Now many of you will be aware I'm not a big fan of Ramsey at this current moment, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't get behind him. We're called supporters for a reason, however you look at it, he's going to play so we need to support him. I would genuinely love to see Ramsey score this weekend and shut me up.
Chelsea have the opportunity to rest players after 2 intensive games. So a few names may drop out but this is a huge game for them either way. The main thing is no Drogba which is a huge bonus for us.
i think this will be a tight game decided by 1 goal but I think we might just have too much for them after their last two games. If we come out firing, there's every chance we'll be celebrating at the end.
COYG!
Prediction: Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
Now there is encouraging team news coming out of the Chelsea camp today with the diving dog out with a "knee problem" although he's clearly being rested with Tuesday in mind. Not that it bother me. Drogba has an annoying record of scoring against us so with that in mind I'm glad to see him out. So instead our defence has to deal with Torres who is VERY slowly starting to score again, hopefully we can add to his torrid run of form by denying him a goal at the weekend. Along with that Chelsea are also without Luiz and and Ivanovic whose banned after his kidney punch a few weeks ago.
However we have our own problems. Arteta is out for the rest of the season sadly which leaves a gap in the midfield. Wilshere is also out for the rest of the seaon and probably the Euros (so much for back in March!), which worries me as this injury seems to be worse and worse as time goes by. Benayoun is also ineligible to face Chelsea. There is some positive news though, Koscielny returns after his ban, so Djourou will drop to the bench. Also in the defence Gibbs is expected to be back in at left back after picking up a knock. I also expect Gervinho will be back after featuring from the bench against Wigan.
So teams look something like this. Arsenal: SZCZ, Sagna, Kos, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Walcott, Song, Ramsey, Gervinho, Rosicky, RVP. A lot is being made of Ramsey slotting in to the midfield but we really have no choice. Now many of you will be aware I'm not a big fan of Ramsey at this current moment, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't get behind him. We're called supporters for a reason, however you look at it, he's going to play so we need to support him. I would genuinely love to see Ramsey score this weekend and shut me up.
Chelsea have the opportunity to rest players after 2 intensive games. So a few names may drop out but this is a huge game for them either way. The main thing is no Drogba which is a huge bonus for us.
i think this will be a tight game decided by 1 goal but I think we might just have too much for them after their last two games. If we come out firing, there's every chance we'll be celebrating at the end.
COYG!
Prediction: Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
Thursday, 19 April 2012
Arteta Update & Ramsey
I don't normally do a post like this but its a short one just to keep you updated and to clear one thing up. So Mikel Arteta limped off after less than 10 minutes in the disappointing defeat to Wigan on Monday and news appears to be bad. It seems he'll be out for the rest of the season no matter how short it is now, its still a massive part of the season. Now according to one statistician we have a win record of 0% without Arteta in the league this season. I can't confirm or deny it but either way that's not something we want to be hearing.
Now ahead of the MASSIVE game against Chelsea on Saturday we have a gap in the midfield which we have to plug and the speculation has already started as to who will fill the gap. Many have said they think Alex OC is the answer, personally I have my doubt for 2 reasons, 1 that's not where I think he's best and 2 he isn't the answer to everything. Yes he gives us a new dimension and yes hes powerful but hes still young and as a lot to learn. A few have wearily whispered Diaby but surely he isn't fully fit if he only managed 45 minutes for the reserves the other night. Now I like Diaby and people saying hes past it due to this injury and we need to get rid of him need to wake up and realise this is the sort of situation we find ourselves in if we didn't have him. OK he can't play but what if he was fit, he makes it all more interesting. That leaves the young Aaron Ramsey who I think will start at Stamford Bridge.
Now onto Ramsey. I have been highly critical of Ramsey for the last month or so and many of you have been bitching and whining about how I'm being unfair. Read this carefully. I understand he's had a torrid year, coming back from an awful injury and losing a close friend and mentor in Gary Speed. I understand people being quick to defend him. But this is my point, he is off form and at this stage in the season when we are fighting for our Champions League status every single player has to put in his shift and I know against Wigan a lot of players were under par but Ramsey, sadly has been under par for weeks now. If we had a wealth of midfielders to choose from I'd keep him benched until I thought he was ready to come back and make an impact, but with the added annoyance of losing Arteta he's now being thrust under thee limelight.
I know many of you think that's harsh but football is a harsh game. That's just how it is. Finally on this subject, to those fans sending him death threats, its absolutely pathetic. I love Arsenal football club and I want to see us succeed, but at the end of the day there are more important things in life than football. You aren't fans, fans get behind the team. Even though I think he's off form I will cheer Ramsey on, I want to see him score on Saturday.
Anyway, Chelsea preview and build up to come.
Now ahead of the MASSIVE game against Chelsea on Saturday we have a gap in the midfield which we have to plug and the speculation has already started as to who will fill the gap. Many have said they think Alex OC is the answer, personally I have my doubt for 2 reasons, 1 that's not where I think he's best and 2 he isn't the answer to everything. Yes he gives us a new dimension and yes hes powerful but hes still young and as a lot to learn. A few have wearily whispered Diaby but surely he isn't fully fit if he only managed 45 minutes for the reserves the other night. Now I like Diaby and people saying hes past it due to this injury and we need to get rid of him need to wake up and realise this is the sort of situation we find ourselves in if we didn't have him. OK he can't play but what if he was fit, he makes it all more interesting. That leaves the young Aaron Ramsey who I think will start at Stamford Bridge.
Now onto Ramsey. I have been highly critical of Ramsey for the last month or so and many of you have been bitching and whining about how I'm being unfair. Read this carefully. I understand he's had a torrid year, coming back from an awful injury and losing a close friend and mentor in Gary Speed. I understand people being quick to defend him. But this is my point, he is off form and at this stage in the season when we are fighting for our Champions League status every single player has to put in his shift and I know against Wigan a lot of players were under par but Ramsey, sadly has been under par for weeks now. If we had a wealth of midfielders to choose from I'd keep him benched until I thought he was ready to come back and make an impact, but with the added annoyance of losing Arteta he's now being thrust under thee limelight.
I know many of you think that's harsh but football is a harsh game. That's just how it is. Finally on this subject, to those fans sending him death threats, its absolutely pathetic. I love Arsenal football club and I want to see us succeed, but at the end of the day there are more important things in life than football. You aren't fans, fans get behind the team. Even though I think he's off form I will cheer Ramsey on, I want to see him score on Saturday.
Anyway, Chelsea preview and build up to come.
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
Saturday, 31 March 2012
Queens Park Rangers (A)
Last weekends game against Aston Villa was possibly one of the easiest and most comfortable wins all season, bar the 7-1 game against Blackburn.We cruised through the game with Villa not really presenting much of a threat. It was a solid Arsenal performance like the teams of old. There was a touch of fortune with the first goal and Given will feel he should have done better, the second was well finished by Walcott as Song again made an exquisite pass over the top. I said it was the sort of game where Walcott could turn it on and he did. The last goal was a belter from Mikel Arteta who struck his free kick from 35 yards out which went streaking into the corner of goal.
QPR away today and another game where we should be looking to take 3 points ahead of the Man City game at home next weekend. We need to keep the pressure on Chelsea and Tottenham and this is the perfect game to do so. QPR's inconsistency means they look likely to go down, but as Liverpool found out a few weeks ago they can be a tricky opposition. However without target man Cisse who has been sent of (again) since returning to the Premier League that leaves them with Zamora upfront who is hit and miss.
I think our team will be similar if not the same as the team that eased past Aston Villa. Ramsey will be pushing to start for this game although his poor run of form may suggest that the manager hasn't quite got enough conifdence in him to start. Alex OC will be pushing for a start but Gervinho performed will last week and I think he will retain his place. Koscielny should be fit to start after recovering from a bout of tendinitis. I think Rosicky will back up RVP who of course will be up front.
As I mentioned earlier QPR are without Cisse which means Zamora will be upfront on his with a support player slotted in behind him (probably Taarabt). Diakite can be dangerous as well so we'll need to keep our eyes on him. That thug Barton will no doubt play, hopefully Song will take a leaf out of Frimpong's book and flatten him. QPR are poorly organised at the back and I think we'll exploit that to our full effect.
March 31st is a date every Arsenal fan remembers. In 2001 we sadly lost David Rocastle to a Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. On that day we played Tottenham at Highbury, the silence was perfectly observed and we went on to win the game 2-0. I have no doubt that 11 years on the fans will chant his name at QPR as they do nearly every time we play on this date.
Prediction: QPR 0-2 Arsenal
QPR away today and another game where we should be looking to take 3 points ahead of the Man City game at home next weekend. We need to keep the pressure on Chelsea and Tottenham and this is the perfect game to do so. QPR's inconsistency means they look likely to go down, but as Liverpool found out a few weeks ago they can be a tricky opposition. However without target man Cisse who has been sent of (again) since returning to the Premier League that leaves them with Zamora upfront who is hit and miss.
I think our team will be similar if not the same as the team that eased past Aston Villa. Ramsey will be pushing to start for this game although his poor run of form may suggest that the manager hasn't quite got enough conifdence in him to start. Alex OC will be pushing for a start but Gervinho performed will last week and I think he will retain his place. Koscielny should be fit to start after recovering from a bout of tendinitis. I think Rosicky will back up RVP who of course will be up front.
As I mentioned earlier QPR are without Cisse which means Zamora will be upfront on his with a support player slotted in behind him (probably Taarabt). Diakite can be dangerous as well so we'll need to keep our eyes on him. That thug Barton will no doubt play, hopefully Song will take a leaf out of Frimpong's book and flatten him. QPR are poorly organised at the back and I think we'll exploit that to our full effect.
March 31st is a date every Arsenal fan remembers. In 2001 we sadly lost David Rocastle to a Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. On that day we played Tottenham at Highbury, the silence was perfectly observed and we went on to win the game 2-0. I have no doubt that 11 years on the fans will chant his name at QPR as they do nearly every time we play on this date.
Prediction: QPR 0-2 Arsenal
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