Through Red Color Glasses: Arsenal v Chelsea, Post Match Review

Its the day after the emphatic Chelsea 3-0 win at the Emirates. If you read the blogsphere, news, and twitter like I do you know there is a wealth of doom merchants out there. Heck, I am sure a lot of you reading this are doom merchants. 4 1/2 years without any silverware will do that to you. But maybe I saw a different match yesterday then everyone else. But then again, maybe I am just pig headed and stupid and refuse to give up hope. If you don’t know I live in the Philadelphia area where until last year we hadn’t had a Championship team in 25 years. So 4 1/2 years is short – unsatisfying but short.

Down but not out. Yet.

Anyway, like everyone I am gutted by the loss. Yes, I hate Chelsea. But they are without a doubt the best team in the EPL right now. If they can maintain it through May still remains to be seen. They are older than most teams and they lose key players in January for possibly 10 matches. Yes, 10. FIFA rules stipulate that national teams can call players up to 2 weeks prior to the first match in any tournament. So there is a possibility that some of Chelsea’s players could be gone before the end of this month. So, we’ll see what effect that has on them. True, Roman can buy in January but who remains to be seen. I still think Chelsea have some falter in them – remember 2005 they had an 18 point lead (I think that number is right) in December, then went on a poor run of form that whitled their lead down to 7. Thats an 11 point drop. 11 points are what we are behind. 8 if you consider we will win our game in hand.

However, I would like to go over some of things I saw yesterday, as did some other people. (Thanks to twitter follower Warren Czapa for the idea and framework).

1. Our defencive problems are more a case of philosophy than talent. Vermaelen, Gallas, Sagna, Clichy/Gibbs/Traore are as good as any tandem out there. They just need a ‘keeper they can have confidence in.
2. Gallas really is a world class defender. He has refound his form with his current central partner. TV5.
3. Theo Walcott, while he has a way to go, is becoming a solid option.  He and Vela both changed the game yesterday and in the 2nd half created more chances. Yes, he is pacy, but he also has the ability to outplay defenders. What he really needs is more time, and a lot more muscle.
4. Eduardo has improved his link up play, but looks tenative around the box. He is more suited for a winger role where he can take advantage of someone feeding him rather than he being the feeder. In lower level games this is sufficient enough but against top teams he has only been effective on the wing.
5. Bendtner is likely to overtake Eduardo in the pecking order when he comes back. But Nicky B isn’t the “B” all end all. We need to have another striker on the team. He needs to come in by January.  Van Nistleroy? Gignac?
6. Vela is good, but also has a long way to go. Every game he has come on to, he has changed the dynamics of the play on the pitch. He needs more time playing and not in the trainer’s room.
7. Song can really dominate the midfield. He is a vast improvement over the last few seasons. With time – I believe he can be as good as Vierra.
8. Arshavin is desperate to win something. And he dishes it out when the other side get nasty. Absolutely loved his getting in the face of Cech, winning the ball numerous times. He was up for the game. Oh, and that goal was a goal. And yes, it would’ve changed things. And no I don’t drink the cool aid.
9. This team was not bullied yesterday. They did not get man handled as was written throughout the press. I know am one of the very few who thought this team showed up yesterday to play. Not just pass the ball around mind you.  They pressed the midfield and shut out Essien, Lampard, Deco and Joe Cole. They also gave some as good as they got. Vermaelen nearly cut Drogba’s legs off at the beginning of the 2^nd half. There were also moments throughout the game that other players were being as physical with Chelsea as they have been with us.
10. If the penalty Drogba got that led to his 3rd goal – why wasn’t the pull down on Vela a foul on the edge of the box (if not an outright PK)? If you watch the replay Vela is dragged down by an arm over his shoulder. No, I don’t think Dudu should’ve had one. He slipped in the rain. Vela was hauled down.
11. This team now plays a full 90 minutes. In the past you could argue that the team or players, when down, just gave up on the pitch. They went from 100% to 65%. This team does not do this. Even when down 2-0 they controlled the play and had the better of it.  Unfortunately a bad penalty (whether it was bad call is open for debate) in front of the box and Drogba vs Almunia – well it wasn’t going to be.
12. Chelsea played the game exactly as I thought they would. Like the top managers in Serie A, Ancelotti does not necessarily play to win against top opposition. He would rather grind out a draw rather than open up a game to possible counter-attacking football. Chelsea played wait and when and if the opportunity presented itself they went for it. Other than that they were content to sit back.
13. Drogba is the most opportunistic player in the league. He can go long spats without a mention and then suddenly pop up and score. He not only does it to Arsenal, but pretty much everyone else. Oh and that free kick – ouch what a scorcher.  And Arsene, I disagree he had a lot to do with yesterday – so did the cross bar. But Drogba and Cole were the only attack Chelsea had all day. Not that they needed anything else mind you. The manager shares my thoughts on Drogba: “Drogba is a good player. It’s funny because he doesn’t do a lot, but he’s efficient in what he does. You would be surprised by the number of balls he touched on Sunday. But Drogba is a great player, nobody can deny that. He’s very efficient. I think as well, at the moment he’s in a period where he kicks the ball and it goes in. On the first goal, at the moment he has complete confidence and he doesn’t wonder ‘will I score or not?’. He just goes for it and he did very well. It’s a great goal, the first one, but it’s a goal of a striker in complete confidence.” – from the manager’s official email
    
14. Maybe booing Cashley isn’t the best idea. It feeds into his ego and he seems to get better for it. I say let him come on quietly and don’t pay him any mind.
15. Finally, why I have not given up hope (and maybe you shouldn’t either)? Manchester United won the league last year with a 1W 3L 2D against the big four.  The key is the lesser teams. With the exception of Sunderland we are doing the work that needs to be done there.

Look I know some of these make light of the issues and I am not so blind as to see there still remain some fundamental issues with the team. However, I also am not going to jump off the band wagon when things don’t go right. It is a fundamental flaw with me that I have so much emotion invested in my team that I refuse to give up hope. When will I admit we lose the season? When mathmatically we are out of it. Until then I believe that anything can happen in this league.

Okay guys let me have it!

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Derby Day Delight: Arsenal v Chelsea, Match Preview

It's On

Let’s cut right to the chase shall we? This Sunday the most potent attack in the league faces off against the stingiest defences in the league. Emirates stadium will be the focal point of the EPL universe this weekend as league leading Chelsea take on 3rd place Arsenal. A win for the Gunners and their title hopes  are still alive, a loss and they will be 11 points behind. Not insurmountable, but not easy to make up either.

Chelsea come into the Emirates playing the best and most confident football in the league.  Their confidence that is borderline arrogance. But that is what comes from winning and playing as a team. Their defence has only conceded 8 goals in 13 matches and have gone 4 games with out conceding a league goal.  On top of that, a few key players who looked to be injured are back in the lineup and the Blues should be coming in at near or full strength.

Carlo Ancelotti has to be given the credit due of getting the best out of the league leaders. He is using formations that suit his talent. The Chelsea attack derives from the diamond in the midfield which looks to passing and distribution to unlock opponents.  Though Manchester United showed that they can effectively be clogged up. Flood the center of the pitch and close down on players, Chelsea becomes vulnerable.

Gooners should expect Chelsea to be relaxed and opportunistic, looking for the right moment to attack rather than pressing for it. A loss wouldn’t be catastrophic for them.  They would still sit on top of the league but both Arsenal and United would feel that the time for reeling them in is nigh. Throw in that Arsenal still have a game in hand and Chelsea loss makes their lead a little more dicey.

It bears mentioning at this time last year Chelsea were ridding high in the league and like now, leading the league. Arsenal  paid a visit to the Bridge and won 2-1, Chelsea were top of the league. That loss began a downward spiral in form that ultimately resulted in Scolari’s sacking.

Even though Chelsea seem as strong as anyone these days they are not without their frailties. Early on in the season, the defense was allowing goals with regularity forcing the team to come from behind in 4 of 5 matches. Additionally, in losses to Wigan and Aston Villa Chelsea have shown an inability to defend against set pieces. Finally, smaller more agile forwards, ala Barca and Arsenal, have had success against Chelsea.

On the surface Chelsea seem the picture of fitness getting most of their first teamers back from injury spells. Drogba is still nursing a cracked rib but did play a full 90 minutes against Porto (a rather quiet 90 minutes). Deco is back from a groin injury and Ashley Cole supposedly is back from a leg injury whether they are fully 100% remains to be seen. Still questionable for the match are Frank Lampard and Bosingwa.

The Gunners on the other hand have a trainer’s table full of impact players. The list is known and was added to this week when Kieran Gibbs suffered a broken metatarsil in the 93rd minute of the Champion’s League match against Standard de Liege.

If Arsenal want to be considered title contenders this is the match where they must stake their claim. While a loss doesn’t rule them out, an 11 point deficit at the start of December is a little bit of a hill to climb.  Arsene thinks his side however are quite ready for the challenge:

“Everyone will look at the game to rate our potential, and I have no worries about that,” said Wenger. “We are ready for the game, are well focused, prepared and the confidence is good. We just want to focus on the game like we want to play it.

“It is a big test, yes – but that is what you want, to play these teams,” he added. “I think there is a period for any team to come out and show its strengths. For my team, this moment has come.

“We are not any more a team that has to be considered to be young. I think we have the strengths and we can show that on Sunday that we are strong enough to compete.” – courtesy the Guardian

The loss last week  to Sunderland was the first time the Gunners were held scoreless this season and even so, they still lead all teams in goal scoring. 17 different players have scored from their matches and their is suitable enough talent to make up for the loss of Van Persie.

Arsenal will look to maintain their 100% record at home.  Their scoring prowess has been especially keen at home where in their last 3 matches they have 12 goals. In their last 10 premier league London derbies, the Gunners have only lost once.

The match however will come down to matchups and two seem to be the most interesting. First will be Thomas Vermaelen/William Gallas versus Didier Drogba/Nicholas Anelka. Putting it simply Drogba is an Arsenal killer. This seems to be one of the matches he is up for every year. In recent memory the middle of the Arsenal defence has either been decimated from injuries or suffering from a lack of form. But whatever the case Drogba has been potent against Arsenal. His french counterpart Nicholas Anelka is playing in the form of his career having finally found the promise he showed early when he featured for Arsenal.

The Gunners duo of Gallas and Vermaelen have gone on to show that they are as solid a tandem as any in the league. Especially nice is the strength and mind of Thomas Vermaelen. His experience is years above his age. He is physical, smart and plays without fear of players. When signed there was concern that he would take time to acclimate to the rough and tumble of the Premier League but he has gone on to show that he is more than ready for it.

With Vermaelen’s form, Arsenal fans have seen a resurgence of William Gallas. It is now clear that there was indeed something to the disharmony between him and Kolo Toure. What it was is anyone’s guess but they just did not seem to click all the time. There has been little of that between Gallas and Vermaelen. Gallas though remains a question mark after taking Andrei’s Arshavin’s head to his eye. And in a display that surely made Gunners proud Gallas went back out and played until the lead was secure.

If the Gunners are going to shut down Chelsea attack Gallas and Vermaelen, with a little help from Alexander Song cloggin the middle, will have to make life miserable for Anelka and Drogba.

The other key matchup is the Arsenal attack against the Chelsea defence. True, Chelsea have gotten 4 clean sheets in the league. Also true they have already dispatched, Liverpool and United. But Liverpool are a shell of their former selves and in fairness the lone goal against United  came after a dubious non-call. Arsenal are probably even with an injured Van Persie more potent attacks they have faced this season.

The Gunners will likely use their speed and creativity to try and take advantage of the Chelsea defence.  Arshavin will be a key component in that attack pressing  the right side of the Chelsea defence where they seem weakest. Both Arhsavin and Cesc Fabregas are the conduit by which all Arsenal attacks should flow from. Fabregas is making the case each week that he is arguably the best Midfielder in the Premier League if not Europe. The new reliance on the 4-3-3 has freed him up to control the game more. Plus the emergence of the Song and Denilson has meant he can roam with a little more freedom and know that their is a strong defensive pairing in the midfield.

Finally, the X factor is the Petr Cech is in my estimation not as solid as he has been. He has to bear some responsibility for the frailty on set pieces. And should Thomas Vermaelen get a hold of a Fabregas cross, I like the odds of the Belgian beating the Chelsea goal keeper. And then there is Manuel Almunia. In 7 league games he has let in 10 goals and made 10 saves. Maybe he isn’t seeing enough action to keep him involved in the game or maybe he just isn’t first team material. Either way he has been the weakest component of the Arsenal back.

Like Chelsea, Arsenal’s attack will need to remain patient and find the right opportunity to unlock Terry and crew. It should not be a game of looking for the most beautiful goal but the right opportunity. If its all broth and no meat then the Gunners will have issues. However, by clogging up the Chelsea midfield and pressing Ivanovic on the right, Arsenal could go a long way to securing a victory at home.

How I think It Will Play Out:

This is a difficult match to see out. Chelsea are in top form. Arsenal are a potent attack. Both in my opinion are weakest at Goal Keeper. Chelsea will play a patient waiting game, looking for the right opportunity to test Manuel Almunia. They will be happy with a 0-0 draw until late in the game. However, the Gunners should look to set the pace early on. Arsenal have not scored a goal in any match before the first 15 minutes. If they can do that an open up the game early, the play will fall into their preferred method. If it is a slow drudging test back and forth the match will favor the opportunistic Chelsea. Either way it’s either going to be a cracker of game or 90 minutes of our lives we will never get back again. I am leaning towards a cracker.

Players to Watch:

Arsenal: Thomas Vermaelen. Arsenal have suffered at the foot of Didier Drogba and the Belgian defender will likely be tasked with preventing him from getting a clean shot on goal. Look for Vermaelen to try and match strength for strength as Drogba will try and muscle his way over and through the defender. This little battle could decide the match.

Chelsea: Nicholas Anelka. Former Arsenal starlet was tapped for stardom at 17 years old and two seasons with the Gunners. He makes his return in great form and will be looking to give Chelsea the silverware they want.

Probable Starting XI

Probable Starting XI for Chelsea v Arsenal

Injuries:
Arsenal: Van Persie, Bendtner, Gibbs, Clichy, Djourou, Diaby

Chelsea: Hutchinson, Bosingwa

Final Score:
Arsenal: 2
Chelsea: 2

Game Info:

Fox Soccer Channel in US 11AM EST
Sirius Satellite Radio 11AM

Game day chat will be open (though I will be late getting in) www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat

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Match Preview: Arsenal v Standard de Liege Part II (UCL Matchday 5)

Group H Match Day 5

Nothing like crushing an opponent to make up for a gut wrenching loss. And nothing sets up nicely than a win over a team like Standard de Liege.  The Belgian side come into the Emirates for their second Champion’s League Group Stage match against the Gunners.  The last time these two met, Arsene Wenger’s boys went on their impressive 13 game streak without a loss that only ended against Sunderland this week. So maybe its apres peu that we try to right the ship against them again.

The last time these sides met in Belgium, Arsenal were coming off crushing defeats to City and United. Additionally, it was unclear whether Eduardo would be available pending a possibly suspension for his “dive” against Celtic and a virtually unknown ‘keeper, Vito Mannone began a decent run in place of Manuel Almunia who was out with a “chest infection.”

I’ve heard it mentioned that the Gunners should rest some talent this week in preparation for the Sunday match against Chelsea. And I’ve also heard the match against Standard being dismissed as “insignificant.”  Well, I disagree for two reasons. First, a win today secures first place in the Group and “easier” draw for the knockout stage.  Second there is no tonic for a loss than an emphatic win. I’ll throw in a third, Standard gaffer Laszlo Boloni has been doing his best Robbie Keane impression and yapping away and needs to be shown the “error of his ways” in the same way the Tottenham dud was.

We all remember the start of the last match was a little nightmarish as the Belgians scored  2 goals in the first 4 minutes only to sit back for the remaining 86 and watch Arsenal dismantle them for the 3-2 win. Now with a visit to the Emirates things are setting up nicely for the Gunners.

However, not all is well at the Emirates. Not so much from an ability stand point but from a very unhappy boss. Arsene Wenger is the epitomy of the manager who stands by his players, doesn’t criticize them in public and is usually unflabbable in his pre- and post-match pressers. Well, this week was exception in that he criticized his team for overlooking Sunderland and basically “choking” and then when asked about Theo Walcott’s form in order to make the WC team, Arsene abruptly stated in no uncertain terms, Theo’s focus had better be on Arsenal as they pay him and he should forget about the WC for now. Arsene clearly saying we need a club first mentality

This was not something Gunners fans are used to seeing and it is evident that the boss wants his team to deliver on their promise this year. He realizes that the normal November, December stumble is unacceptable this year  and that the talent on the team exists to do good things. And from all looks of it he is going to do whatever he can, even break convention and get the best out of the squad.

The team obviously will be missing the services of Van Persie and Bendtner in the striker department, but Walcott, Gibbs, Wilshere, Vela, and Denilson all will be back in the squad in some way. Arsene is busy trying to  lock up Vela to a new contract and was recently quoted as saying that the young mexican is why he did not feel compelled to keep Emmanuel Adebayor. At 20 years old the young striker has tremendous ability and has shown that every time he comes on to the field  he is a game changer. Against Sunderland in the 19 minutes he was featured, he set up multiple opportunities and should have been the recipient a favored call as he was tackled in the box.

Kieran Gibbs is available but I expect Wenger to rest him ahead of next Sunday’s clash. That manse Armond Traore should get deputized again. Frankly though, Traore  earned the spot having put in a rather impressive performance in his first real start against Sunderland. He showed pace and and presence and he combines it with size and strength which makes him quite  an effective back and he should play today. Overall I think the squad make up could be a mix and match of key starters and players who need time. Either way, Arsenal should come out to capture all three points emphatically and not rely on just a draw.

How it should play out:

I doubt we will see a penalty in minute 2 to get the Belgians started off today. Arsenal have a 100% record at home and they are doing a good job of making the Emirates their fortress this season. They will use their fluid attack to pressure the Belgians  who are on a woeful run having only won once in their last five matches. Standard do not have the talent to really pressure the Gunners on an equal footing and if they try and open up the game, the Gunners will make this a laugher.  I look for the Gunners to “demolish the Belgians with Finesse”. Of course it won’t be a clean sheet because Manuel Almunia doesn’t know what that looks like.

Players to watch:

Arsenal: Carlos Vela. I think the mexican gets the call to start today and begins to show the boss and the fans what he is capable of.

Standard: Dieudonne Mbokani Bezua. With star player Milan Jovanovic out with his injued foot, the Congolese striker will be called on to test the Gunner’s defence.

Injuries:

Arsenal: Van Persie, Bendtner, Clichy, Djourou, Fabianski

Standard: DeFour, Collet, Sarr, Jovanvic, De Camargo

Possible Starting XI:

Arsenal: Almunia, Eboue, Gallas, Vermaelen, Traore, Song, Fabregas, Nasri, Vela, Eduardo, Walcott

Standard:Bolat, Marcos, Felipe, Victor Ramos, Mulemo, Dalmat , Witsel, Mangala, Dacourt,  Cyriac , Mbokani

Final Score:

Arsenal: 4

Standard 1

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Match Preview: Arsenal v Sunderland

Welcome back to our regularly scheduled football!

After two excruciating weeks. After having to endure a serious injury to an in form striker and a not so serious injury to an upcoming defender. And finally after having to endure the endless rants on Thierry Henry’s handball, we can finally get back to talking about something a lot more signifcant to us all – Arsenal football is back.

Arsenal are looking to pick up where the left off a fortnight ago when they impresively beat Wolverhampton 1-4. This time however, the Gunners face a slightly harder task in taking a Steve Bruce side that has played pretty well this season. Even though they have lost their last 3 we should all remember that this is a squad that got the best of United on its own turf only to have an OG ruin it for them (something eerily similar in that) and side that beat Liverpool. Even though a beach ball helped them – they outplayed the scousers for most of the afternoon.

Sunderland come in having recently lost to Spurs 0-2. And though they did lose they actually played well and should’ve come out with a point. In tha match the employed a 4-5-1 system with Bent up front. With Kenwynne Jones out of the Arsenal clash, it is expected that will do the same here too.

For Arsenal this is match that really cries for a win. Not just for the need to stay in second place and keep pressure on United and Chelsea. But the real need is to prove people wrong. Prove the November curse and all the pundits who think this is when Arsenal will fade away. And it is a worrisome fixture. We’ve not always been solid coming off of international breaks and when we lose key cogs we don’t always seem to fire on all cylinders.

This season however, the club is going about its business proving Arsene Wenger’s faith in his players and his overall developmental policy. The side are scoring at will with an average of 3.5 goals per game and have scored 36 in 11 Premier League matches, which was last done in 1963/1964. The Gunners are also riding an impressive undefeated streakhaving not lost in their last 7 EPL matches and in 13 matches in all competitions. You should note that only 1 was a draw in the EPL and one was a draw in the Champion’s league.

As is usual the press are making a feast of it on our injury list. And while there are a slew of players on it. There is good news as Fabianski, Vela,  Denilson, Walcott Wilshere and Traore are all available for inclusion in the squad. Gibbs should be back by Midweek or at least in time to face Chelsea (but that’s another story). While the loss of Van Perise and Bendtner are significant, they are hardly irreplaceable as our attack has resulted in 17 different scorers. It will be up to a cobbled Black Cat defense to slow them down.

Eduardo looks to be the front runner to fill in for Robin Van Persie. Having signed a new long-term contract and having been booted out of the World Cup, the Crozillian has his entire focus on succeeding at the Emirates. True, he hasn’t been 100% but he is coming on having scored a brace in one of Croatia’s recent friendlies and was all over a woeful Wolverhampton squad.  He has something to prove and I think this makes him more dangerous.

The question mark for the match, at least for me is Andrei Arshavin. There are some reports as to his fitness having come off a depressing WC qualifier loss. If he is ready, I think like Eduardo, the Russian is going to go out with something to prove. Andrei is one of the most dynamic players in the EPL and likely will be so in all of Europe in due time.

This is not going to be an easy opponent to match up against and Gunners fans should not be lookin past the Black Cats to our rendezvous with Chelsea. This has le-down written all over it but in my hearts I think this club is going to come and do as they have done all season and prove their doubters wrong. No one is picking Arsenal to stay the course and challenge for the title. I think this is something the Gunners relish and while they are not the invincibles they are a truly dynamic bunch of players who are going out each week doing what they do best.

How the match will play out:
I expect the usual sluggishness we see from Arsenal to start the game off.  With the blackcats at home I wouldn’t be surprised to see a lot of pressure and especially a lot of testing of whomever replaces Clichy/Gibbs on the left back side. However, I still think the fluidity of the 4-3-3, 4-1-2-1-2 or whatever we are calling it these days will allow all of our available attacking options to press the game. Ultimately, the Gunners patience in opening up opponents should will out. The Gunners are ever mindful of where they are on the table and they will be looking to set this game up as pressure on both United and Chelsea.

Players to Watch Out For:
Arsenal: It’s a tie. Cesc Fabregas took his league form to the international stage and did not lose a bit. Fabregas right is clearly the best midfielder in Europe right now. He is scoring, setting up plays and giving defenses fits. Eduardo is filling in for the injured Robin Van Persie and what the side will lose in height, they will gain in tenacity, guile and agility. Eduardo has been coming on as of late and while he did not directly score against Wolverhampton, he forced the two errors that resulted in OGs.

Sunderland: Marton Fulop. First team ‘keeper Craig Gordon is out for 3 months with a broken arm he suffered against Tottenham.  Fulop has been deputized to take his place. His last start was in August at home in a 2-1 win against Blackburn. He has not even started in Carling Cup matches at this point. He will be tested frequently by the Arsenal attack.

Injuries:
Arsenal: Van Persie, Bendtner, Diaby, Gibbs, Clichy, Djourou

Sunderland: Catermole, Gordon

Suspended:
Arsenal: None

Sunderland: Jones, Turner

Final Score:
Arsenal: 2
Sunderland: 1

Game Time is 10:00AM EST, 15:00BST
US TV: Fox Soccer (live)

Gameday Chat will be open!!!

Popularity: 5% [?]

Things I Think I Know About Ankles and More

That's Going to Leave a Mark

Well, its November and what would any November be without a significant injury to one of the core players for Arsenal. Whatever the season is like it is always the month before Christmas that sees us suffer. This time the victim is Robin Van Persie our inform central striker with the chocolate leg. He’s a victim, not of a bad tackle, but of circumstance with this right ankle being missed on tackle but so firmly planted it rolls leading to a partially torn ligament in the ankle.

Now for those of you that do not know partially torn ligament in the ankle sounds pretty bad. Let me spell out to you in a more comforting way – ligament tears are known more commonly as – ankle sprains. Depending on the type of damage and range of movement each sprain is classified into 3 levels of severity. They are:

Grade I Sprain

A Grade I (First Degree) sprain is the most common and requires the least amount of treatment and recovery. The ligaments connecting the ankle bones are often over-stretched, and damaged microscopically, but not actually torn. The ligament damage has occurred without any significant instability developing. Recovery time 4-6 weeks.

Grade II Sprain

A Grade II (Second Degree) injury is more severe and indicates that the ligament has been more significantly damaged, but there is no significant instability. The ligaments are often partially torn. Recovery time 4-8 weeks

Grade III Sprain

A Grade III (Third Degree) sprain is the most severe. This indicates that the ligament has been significantly damaged, and that instability has resulted. A grade III injury means that the ligament has been torn. Surgery is likely necessary and recovery time is 6-12 weeks.

Based on what we are hearing from the Dutch FA, Arsenal and Van Persie himself, I think we could say he is either a Grade I or II sprain. More likely a Grade II since he seems to be on the longer end of the recovery time.

Arsenal physios and doctors are allowing the dutch striker to go to Serbia to visit a doctor who has a rather inorthodox way to treat ligament injuries. It is a combination of electro-therapy and gene-therapy. The gene therapy being the placenta fluid I am so sure you have all read about. As best as I can surmise based on my career in healthcare. The placenta fluid is likely thought to have regenerative properties. Scientists are currently looking at placenta genes as a way to conduct gene therapy on more chronic conditions. Anyway, I digress. The addition of the electro-therapy will be used to stimulate and speed up whatever processes the placenta fluid is likely to have. Basically, it can only help and not hurt any more than he is hurt now. If it doesn’t it should not alter his recovery time in the negative.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, I just am making a broad assumption based on what I know is being done with placenta in science.

So enough with ankles and on to the more urgent discussion of what does Arsenal do? Once the injury was universally known, the twitterverse, blogs and media were quick to determine we had in face suffered a major catastrophe and our title hopes were lost. I love pundits and fair weather fans, I really do. These are the same pundits who declared the fight for the last big four spot would be between us and City. They didn’t see the epic collapse of the scousers or the mediocrity that is City’s defense coming.

Again I digress. It is true that the loss of Robin Van Persie is a loss to the club. The striker has been coming into form lately and has goals in 7 of the last 8 matches he has played in. He was prolific in the recent North London Derby. But how much and how significant a loss is debatable.

Remember that Van Persie was rather slow to start the season and by the third league game we had already scored 11 goals. If memory serves correct only 1 if any were scored by the man with the chocolate foot. The rest came from a rather robust attack. And true again, we are missing the great dane who fancies being the best striker in the world in 5 years. However if we are going to suffer injuries anywhere, our forwards are one of our deepest areas.

Figure that Eduardo and Arshavin are likely to feature big in the revamped lineup with RvP out. Also, John Cross at the Mirror has confirmed that Walcott should feature in the squad against Sunderland – likely coming off the bench. Additionally, Carlos Vela is set to return and he is definitely going to be looking to show Arsene that he is ready for more first team exposure.

But really this is a golden opportunity for Eduardo who has declared that since Crotia is out of the World Cup his focus is squarely on helping Arsenal achieve its silverware goals. Now is the opportune time for the Crozillian to do so.

I don’t buy into the doom and gloom and like has been said in a previous thread, if our championship hopes are tied to Robin Van Persie then we don’t deserve to win. It has to be a team effort and frankly there is more of an aura of “Teamwork” in this current generation of players than in recent memory. Goals will have to come in from everywhere and they should. I still think we pose one of the biggest attacking threats in the league.

Arsenal are not done by any means. And as they were written off at the beginning of the season – I think they are being written off again, much to I hope the chagrin of the punditry who say so.

THINGS I THINK I KNOW:

• With all the news on Van Persie, lost was the stellar performance of Aaron Ramsey on international duty for Wales. His 2 assists and a lone goal were the only single biggest reason that Scotland went down in flames. He done Club and Country proud and at 18 is slated for more glorious things to come
• Also lost in the clutter was news of Eduardo’s brace in Croatia’s 5-0 friendly win. If this is portent of things to come opponents should beware
• Arshavin was instrumental in Russia’s 2-1 win over Slovakia. While he didn’t score his play leading up to the goals is a reason why Russia were able to go ahead and win
• There are ongoing attempts to unsettle Fabregas again. Don’t they realise that while he is Spanish in nationality he is no longer Barca blood. He has been at Arsenal far longer than he had been at Barca. Who do they think got him to this point in his career? Certainly not them. While I have no doubt Fabregas will sometime go to Barca, I don’t see it in the near future.
• Adebayor is out again saying he feels no remorse for his celebration and is upset his former teammates wouldn’t shake is hand. Awww Dade has turned to Baby. Seriously this guy needs some mental help
• Why is it we have 2 players go down and the press has us in a bonified crisis while Chelsea lose Lampard, Drogba, Bosingwa and Cashley Gold and nothing is spoke of it or how it effects them. By the way John Terry is also fighting an ankle injury and his prognosis is iffy
• As a fan of Scottish Football – how the mighty have fallen. Two years ago, Scotland’s national team looked very promising and their were talks of a sustained run. However that was a team managed by an able manager – McLeish of Birmingham. Thank goodness George Burnley is gone. My choice for replacement  - Sir Alex Fureson’s son who was recently released from his job. Also the SPL are pure shite and in shambles
• Back to my favourite team to slag – Mark Hughes is currently doing damage control for his teams current lack of form. Since beating Arsenal they are 0-4-1. Their last two draws has seen the opposition come back to draw level. The defence is crap (sorry Kolo) Lescott and Bridge are the biggest culprits. Selling Dunne was the worst move for the Citizens.  Sparky is saying they were never focused on a top four spot and that if they finished fifth this season wouldn’t be a failure.  Riiiiiggggghhhtttt. £200m isn’t supposed to buy fifth place
• The special one wants to return to build something. Jose Mourinho wants to return to the EPL and build something from the ground up and sustain for 10 years. City is glamor choice based on the money – but if he wants a challenge and wants to really build something. How about coming back next season when Newcastle are promoted and under new ownership. Build that storied club back up to being a force
• Finally I think our lineup for the near feature will look something like this: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Song, Nasri/Diaby, Fabregas, Arshavin, Rosicky/Vela, Eduardo/Walcott/

Popularity: 6% [?]

Interlull Debate – Greatest Footie Player of the Decade

Who is this decade's greatest player

Well, the interlull is clearly upon upon us and like a tall sailing ship stuck in the doldrums it looks like Gooners the world over are bored out of their minds.  These next few days are exciting to some extent, dealing with national pride and all that. The coming international matches will determine the last few national sides to make it to South Africa. The playoff matches are pretty exciting when you think about it, especially with some big country names having to fight for their World Cup lives.

Nonetheless, the interlull is looked at as a bad thing, especially when your club team is on a good run of form. It’s also a bad thing when your club team has a history of not doing well coming off of the interlull. It’s not like either of those describe a club from North London we all love. Like the Gooner faithful we are, the interlull hasn’t deterred is from incessantly discussing a league match that is still nearly three weeks away.  I guess that goes to show you where our hearts and minds truly lie. And that’s not a bad thing.

But in an effort to show that we are a cultured lot and in effort to show that we can discuss football outside Arsenal. . .right?  And given THIS group’s and sports fans in general natural propensity for debating we at YAMA  would like pose to you this question – Who is the greatest player of this decade? Heady stuff man. Bit it’s easy right? That’s a rhetorical question.

So, seeing as how there are only a few weeks left before the dawn of a new decade, what better time than now (the last interlull of the decade) to discuss such an important topic? Or better put what a better way to have a discussion that doesn’t require you to scroll down to point #180.

We can tackle this a many different ways we can go for the absolute best OVERALL player regardless of position, or we can go by the best at a position. Oh hell, we could just do it both ways. Maybe if we get to some sort of consensus ( knowing you lot, I am sure we won’t ) we could actually have a working list that could lead to a full fledged end of year article. You game?

There are myriad players from different countries the world over, each shocking, awing, and entertaining the watching billions with his own unique style, his own repertoire of tricks that can’t be stopped, shots that can’t be blocked, passes only he can see, and moves that us mere mortals could only dream of making.

So who will  it be?  Ronaldinho?  Fat Ronaldo?  Cristiano Ronaldo?  Rivaldo?  Roberto Carlos?  Riquelme?  Zanetti?  Zidane?  Beckham?  Cantona?  Vieira?  Henry?  Makelele?  Casillas?  Fabregas?  Klose?  Xavi?  Iniesta?  Ballack?  Raul?  Van Nistelrooy?  Bergkamp?  Davids?  Messi?  Puyol? Torres?  Seedorf?  Ibrahimovic?  Pirlo?  Pires?  Kahn?  Cannavaro?  Malidini?  Nesta?  Ferdinand?  Eto’o? Lamprad?  Shevchenko?  Giggs?  Figo?  Owen?  Kaka?  Buffon?  Deco?  Gerrard?  Nakata?  Scholes?  Totti?  Or someone else?

Let the madness begin!

Special thanks to ChiGooner for the idea and the original content – which was only slightly altered by me to make Art happy and make this more “tabloidish”

Popularity: 4% [?]

In the Aftermath: Arsenal 4 – Wolves 1 Post Match Review

Good fortunate smiles on the fortunate doesn’t it?

Arsene Wenger’s boys continued their impressive march winning emphatically at the Molineux. The 4-1 mauling placed the Gunners in 2nd in the table and next the Chelsea they are showing the most consistent form always looking like a threat to win their matches.

Pointing the way to the top!

It’s hard to say that matches this early in the season are must wins but the top of the table is very congested with a loss or a draw having the ability to drop as many as three places down. So even with all the impressive wins, the Gunners needed to come out and contine their current form.

This match had collossal let down written all over it and Mick McCarthy’s side certainly started out as if they had it in them. Within 10 minutes Nenad Milijas delivered a probbing corner as Sylvan Ebanks-Blake eluding his markeronly to wind up driving the shot wide of the post.  And then again at the 18th minute Milijas again found Chirstophe Berra on a free kick. Berra however, wasn’t in position and the ball was pushed away from danager.

Arsenal would go in front on the 28th minute from a corner kick from Fabregas. But it was the play that resulted in the corner that really set the Gunners up. Eduardo featuring in his second start with Bendtner on the bench, raced down the wing to block Ronald Zubar from the ball resulting in a cross check that led to an Arsenal free kick. Fab’s shot was deflected wide of the post but it was the hustle and cunning of the Crozillian striker that got them to this point.

From the resulting corner the ball was swung in and on the far post, Zubar who was under pressure from Eduardo, deflected the ball past his keeper. It was quite evident the goal was an OG as Eduardo refused to celebrate – though his workman effort at the post was surely the reason Zubar was where he was.

Like last week’s win against Spurs, the suddeness of the first goal, after a good effort by Wolves, changed the momentum of the game. From that point on it wasn’t a concern of IF Arsenal would win but by how much. Feeling they were finally in control of the match, the Gunners exerted further pressure and with Wolves pressing up, a break away 2 on 1 with Ramsey and Eduardo versus Craddock resulted in another own goal. This time however, Eduardo was more direct in his influence, lobbing a shot that went off of Craddock’s head and rattled the post in. It did look like Eduardo wasn’t going for goal but rather a lob pass to an open Ramsey.

In stoppage time, Captain Cesc Fabregas would reassure the Gunner faithful witha  beautifully slotted shot past Wayne Hennessey. Coming off a pass from the continually improving Robin Van Persie, the goal was a rocket that continued to show that this new 4-3-3 or 4-3-2-1 (depending on who ask) is giving Fabregas the freedom to be more in control and more of threat. He has shown that last week against Spurs and against AZ Alkmaar.

A final tally from Andrei Arshavin would put the icing on the cake and mean that the 1 goal allowed in the 89th minute would not threaten the game at all.

Arsenal fans have to come to understand that because an opponent is coming at them like Wolves did does not mean we have resorted to old ways. I would be surprised if lower teams didn’t get up for playing one of the big boys. Win or not. The key will be for Arsenal not to look down and let them in the game for the entire 90 minutes. This team is more clinically threatening in my opinion than any Arsenal squad of recent memories.

Even with the injuries we have, we are not lacking in our ability to create and get results from the chances we are creating. Even with two own goals in this match, they came as a result of a steady Arsenal attack and pressure of some great scoring talent.  Abou Diaby went down early on and we were able to replace him with Song who was sitting on the bench to get a rest.

MOTM Ramsey

The best part of the game – besides the win – was to watch the continued emergence of Aaron Ramsey.  While there were some mistakes – he is showing a Fabregas like ability to see plays develop and control play. He started out in defencive role but with Dibay going off and replaced by Song, Ramsey was freed up to more of an attacking role.  His interlinking play with Eduardo set up the second goal and he was in on more than enough of his fair share of chances. Depending on how long Diaby is out, Ramsey is now going to get a chance to show a little more of himself and I expect that performances like yesterdays are only a view of things to come.

With Gael Clichy on the bench Kieran Gibbs also got a chance to show the boss why he should play more. His pace and crossing in my opinion are superior to Clichy’s and frankly his size and tackling skills give him a tremendous upside. He burned more than one opponent yesterday and one ill advised cross he would’ve been better suited to take the shot himself but overall his was a very steady and solid performance.

Defensively we looked solid yet again. Vermaelen and Gallas continue to look like an imposing pair in the middle. I rarely saw them get caught out of position. Vermaelen did seem to be the culprit on the Craddock goal in the 89th but overall, he controls his space very well and looks so far to be the best signing of the summer for ANY team.

We now head into the interlull in 2nd – waiting to see what happens between United and Chelsea. A draw puts us in 3rd 1 point behind United and 3 points behind Chelsea. A Chelsea win leaves us in 2nd on GD and 5 points behind Chelsea. A United win puts us 2 points behind Chelsea and 3 points behind United. In each scenario we are in a good position with a game in hand.

The good news as I see it for the Interlull is that I believe that most of the teams our players are playing for have already qualified so hears hoping some of them get some rest. The exception I believe is Arshavin with Russia who has a playoff to star in. Also the return from the interlull will see the return of Denilson, Vela, Walcott, Wilshere and possibly Fabianski. If noone gains any serious knocks away on the break, the only people to be out would be Bendtner and Djourou. Here’s to hoping.

Editor’s Note: I blame myself for the lack of a cleansheet. 1 minute prior to the goal, I said in Game Day Chat: “I am slightly impressed with Mooney. 3 matches back and 2 cleansheets.” Then craddock scored. So my fault.

Player Ratings:

Almunia: 6
Sagna: 7
Gallas: 7
Vermaelen: 7
Gibbs: 7.5
Diaby: 5
Ramsey: 9
Fabregas: 9
Arshavin: 9
Van Persie: 7.5
Eduardo: 8

Subs:
Song: 7
Rosicky: 6
Nasri: 6

Popularity: 6% [?]

Match Preview: Arsenal v Wolves

Arsenal look to extend unbeaten streak against Wolves

Two weeks ago against West Ham United, Arsenal had a chance to make significant ground against the league leaders when they all dropped points. The Gunners unfortunately were able to do anythiong more than muster 1 point. This week with Chelsea and United pitted against each other, Arsenal can once again make up ground on the leaders, all they need to do is win.

As easy as it sounds, the wins on the road haven’t been as easy to gain as they have been at home. Losses at both Manchester sites and draws at West Ham and away on the Champions league against AZ Alkmaarhave caused some Gunner’s faithful to have some slight amount of concern. Even a win at Craven Cottage saw the lowest output of the season with the rather potent offense only managing a goal in a rather hard fought match.

This week’s opponent is premier league returnees Wolverhampton.  The Wolves are coming into the match after a well fought draw against Stoke. The draw came courtesy of a Jody Craddock brace in the 2nd half. He will be one that the Arsenal defence will have to be a look out for especially if the lads are up 2-0 in the second half.

Unfortunately for the team from the Molineux they have not won in their last 6 league matches and and drawn their last 3. Their only win at home this season was a 2-1 win against Fulham. More troubling for Wolves is that the last time they beat Arsenal most of the Gunners current team weren’t even born. That result 3-2 win was at Highbury in 1979 with their last home win being a 1-0 win in 1978.

For Arsenal this is their first trip back to Molineux since two lads named Viera and Ljunberg took them to a 2-0 victory in January 2005. The Gunners are clicking on all cylinders and next to Chelsea have been the one squad who always look a threat to score when they have the ball. In impressive form, the Gunners secured their 1000 point under Arsene Wenger by vanquising North London rivals Tottenham. A match that looked like it was going to be more equal than it eventually wound up being.

Captain Cesc Fabregas’ form continues to increase after every game. His stunner against Spurs was equaled, nay it was bettered when he netted a brace against AZ Alkmaar in the Champion’s League Group H match this past Wednesday. The young spainard is slowly making a case to be considered the best central midfielder in Europe.  He is controlling each game and maturing into a role that most players his age can’t fathom. His talent is unnatural and his ability otherworldy (at times). If Arsenal are going to come home with anything for their trophy cabinet it will be in no small part to the effort of the Catalan.

Running close second to Fabregas in form is dutch wunder kind Robin Van Persie. In his last EPL matches he has netted 7 goals, each equally as impressive as the last. His opener against Spurs, showed that when all things are clicking for a player its amazing how things go in the net.  Arsene Wenger, sang his praise this week by stating there isn’t another striker in the league that he would switch out and replace Van Persie with. The Gunner Gaffer thinks his striker is by far the best in the league and possibly Europe.

The Gunners are not without their issues, like midweek, their is a host of the red army visiting the trainers table. The list is known and filled with the likes of Denilson, Vela, Wilshere, Walcott, Bendtner, Fabianski, Djourou, and Clichy. But Tomas Rosicky and Samir Nasri are back and if his midweek form is any indication, Nasri, like Rosicky looks to make a statement early in his return.

There should be minor changes this weekend to the side that went out against AZ. Figure that Sagna will rotate back into to his slot and EBoue back to the bench. Since Nasri is still gaining in match fitness, look for Rosicky to replace him up front. Either way that is a solid attacking form. Throw in Diaby playing as consistently as he has these last two matches and even with the walking wounded, the Gunners look to field another strong side.

With regard to Goal Keeper, figure Manuel Almunia to be back between the sticks. Arsene seems to have regained his faith in the keeper after two solid starts. And it looks like, at least for now, the GK crisis is over as Arsene has said, “ To me he looks back to his best. I’m not worried about him.” 

Arsenal have scored 14 goals in their last four league games and Arsene Wenger will be looking for them to keep that form up as well as maintain the focus he is so diligently pressing them for. With the teams above them playing away at Stamford bridge the Gunners simply cannot afford to let off the gas pedal now. Look for a strong effort and Gunner win.

How it should play out:

Robin van Persie has opened the goal scoring in five league matches this season. Given how well the Gunner attack is going, look for a continued effort to prove all the nay sayers wrong. Wolves will likely be playing with 10 behind the line. And hope to take advantage when possible especially on set pieces. However, the Gunners have shown some extreme patience in unlocking teams. The should do it and within the midway point of the first half.  The Gunners are best when scoring early and often – which they will do at the Molineux

Injuries:

Arsenal: Bendtner (groin), Clichy & Denilson (both back), Fabianski (thigh), Djourou & Walcott (both knee), Traore & Vela (groin), Wilshere (ankle)

Wolves: Iwelumo (foot), Foley, Jones & Ward (all knee)

Player to Watch:

Arsenal: The easy pick would be either RvP or Fabrega, but I am going with Andrei Arshavin. While he has not been scoring enamasse every time he touches the ball he is a threat. And when he is in form – he is simply the best. While he didn’t score against AZ his playmaking skill was evident for everyone to see. I see him playing a big role in unlocking the Wolves.

Wolves: Jody Craddock. Absolutely saved the Wolves last week with a brace in the second half. He is a viable threat especially on set pieces.

Possibly Starting XI:

 Arsenal: Almunia, Gallas, Vermaelen, Sagna, Gibbs, Song, Diaby, Fabregas, Arshavin, van Persie, Rosicky

Wolves: Zubar, Berra, Craddock, Elokobi , Edwards, Castillo ,Henry, Kightly, Maierhofer, Doyle

Final Score:

Arsenal: 2
Wolves: 0

Match is on at 12:30 EST on FSC. Gameday Chat (www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat) will be open.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Match Preview: Arsenal v AZ Alkmaar Part II (UCL)

Champion's League Action Match Day 4 Group H

A fortnight ago, Arsenal had an early chance to close out Group H and qualify for the knockout stages of the Champion’s League. However, as was typical for some Arsenal teams of the past, the Gunners owned the game throughout only to relax in the last quarter of the game and watch David Mendes da Silva shot equalize in the last minute of the game. Today’s match is an attempt to once again close out the group and right the wrong that was done in Holland.

AZ Alkmaar come to the Emirates still following through on their erratic league form. They’ve lost to Ajax, needed extra time to beat a bottom feeding Eredivisie club and won 1-0 over another opponent. But still as was mentioned two weeks ago a Ronald Koeman managed side have managed to be a thorn in the Gunner’s side in the past.

In fact the Gunner historically haven’t been all that successful at home against Dutch Sides. They are an appalling 2 W 4 D 1 L. In order for them to progress into the knockout stages – they will need to halt that trend and come out with an emphatic win.

This is amatch less about what AZ can do and more about Arsenal comingo ut and dictating the play for a full 90 minutes. Coming off the draw to AZ and a following draw to West Ham – 2 matches they held the lead for most of the match – Arsenal have shown a renewed committment to focus. Arsenal’s young guns won in style 2-1 over Liverpool in the Carling Cup and even in a lackluster peformance against Tottenham, mauled their derby opponents 3-0. All the while in both matches it was evident that Arsenal were committing themselves towards protecting their leads.

A lack of focus isn’t in the only thing Arsenal will need to overcome. Trips to the trainer’s table are becoming a regularity with the team. On Tuesday it was announced that Gael Clichy could be out up to 4 weeks with a stress fracture in his lower spine. Niklas Bendtner is also out, having come up lame with a severe groin injury. Throw in long term injuries, to Denilson and Djourou as well as ankle an knee injuries to Walcott and Vela and some very talented people won’t being seeing the pitch for the next few weeks.

However, Arsenal will be bouyed by the return of Tomas Rosicky who was out the last few matches with a slight knee injury. And while he likely won’t start, he should factor in as a sub. Filling in for the injured Clichy will be budding England starlet Kieran Gibbs. Personally, I am a bigger Gibbs fan than I am a Clichy fan. Clichy is amazingly quick but I sometimes feel is commitment to getting the ball back is limited. Kieran Gibbs is a bigger, quicker and more adept at defense than Clichy. Everyone agrees that Gibbs could be a new version of Ashley Cole – hopefully without the ego. Gibbs sees the play real well and when he does make youthful mistakes always seems to correct them or learn from them. Like Thomas Vermaelen – he continues to improve game over game, month over month, etc. His downside is really his lack of first team experience. He played good chunks last year for an injured Clichy and will now get the chance to do the same. If he is going to be the star everyone is projecting him to be – this is where he needs to stake his claim. Frankly, I like the lad’s chances.

Arsenal sit atop Group H with 7 points out of 9. A win today with two more more games to go puts them into the knock out rounds. One more win after that puts them in first place in the group and gives them the likelyhood of a favorable draw.

How the match should play out:

I expect that Arsenal are going to want to continue to make a point that they have arrived. To a man there seemed to be actual regret and “pissed-off-ness” that they let AZ and West Ham back into those matches. In year’s past I never saw that from this team. Throw that desire into Arsenal’s recent home form and the Emirates is going to be difficult for the Dutch to prosper in. Arsenal are showing a good ability to strking repeatedly in a quick fashion. With the exception of the derby match they are also scoring earlier in matches which opens up a game for them. I expect early goals in succession from the club and coming from the likes of the red hot Robin Van Persie and his up front partner Andrei Arshavin. The match will be put away for good from an Eduardo strike in the second half.

Players to Watch:

Arsenal: Robin Van Persie is on a tear. He has 7 goals in 6 league matches and seems to be a threat every time he in the box.

AZ Alkmaar:  David Mendes da Silva killed Arsenal’s qualifying hopes two weeks ago. Was a threat a few times prior to the equalizer.

Injuries:

Arsenal: Bendtner, Walcott, Fabianski, Denilson, Djourou, Vela, Wilshere

AZ Alkmaar:  El Hamdaoui

Possible Starting XI:

Arsenal: Almunia, Eboue, Vermaelen, Gallas, Gibbs, Song, Fabregas, Diaby, Eduardo, Arshavin, Van Persie

AZ Alkmaar: Romero; Swerts, Moisander, Moreno, Poulsen; Holman , Mendes da Silva, Schaars, Martens, Dembele, Pelle 

Final Score:

Arsenal: 3
AZ: 0

The game will be shown on tape delay on FSC at 5PM EST. Game day chat (www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat)

Popularity: 5% [?]

In the Aftermath: Arsenal v Spurs – Match Review

Sometimes the best way to shut someone up is to stick your foot right where it don’t belong. And in this case that place is the back of the net.  This was a week of rather boisterous bravado from Robbie Keane who proclaimed to anyone who would listen, that Spurs were on a level playing field with their North London Rivals. There was one problem with Robbie’s proclamation, they had to play anyting on the pitch. And when they did – well let’s just say the gulf is as wide as it ever was.

For the first 42 minutes of the match it looked like the Gunners and Sprus would head into the dressing room drawn equal. There were chances to be sure but overall, it seemed as if Arsenal were content to feel out their opposition and find an opportune time to strike rather than open up the attack. But within a minute that all came to a crashing halt.

Hey Robbie - My bench is better than yours. Neener!!

Coming off a throw in within the attacking end, Tottenham’s defense allowed Bacary Sagna to have his time setting a low hard cross into the box. Charging in, Robin Van Persie beat his marker to the ball and stuffed it under the diving arm of Spurs leaky keeper Gomes. BUt that was just the start and the laziness that SPurs were showing in the back would become more evident in the next 15 seconds.

Set up to tip off theball after RvP’s goal, Spurs gave a way the ball to Arsenal Captain, Cesc Fabregas. Fabregas, who obviously had been playing too much Fifa 10 decided to emulate his game and elude two defenders, one on a poorly timed challenge and the other on a self-pass through the legs of a defender. From there it was a foot race and the dashing Spainaird won the race and slotted an absolute corker past Gomes again. For many of us Arsenal fans watching on ESPN2 we had to be content with the replay as the goal happened while they were showing the highlights of RvP’s goal. Nonetheless Fabregas now has two goals this season that are absolute class. And he is laying stake to being the best all around player in the EPL this season.

So within a scant minute, Spurs hopes of overtaking Arsenal in the standings for the first time were dashed. Happy St. Toteringham day! For those of you who don’t know what that is – it is the day on the table when Arsenal are guaranteed a spot of Tottenham. For the remainder of the day, Harry Redknapp’s Spurs lacked the fight with only a sustained effort of about 2 minutes pressing the Gunners. But defensively the crew seemed to take whatever lesson they learned from last week’s draw and apply it to a more important match.

Manuel Almunia was back in goal and even with a couple wobbly catches, overall he played a good game, even showing some aggressiveness coming out for the ball. In fairness to the spanish keeper, he did look more in control, did not seem to be erratic and frankly didn’t look like he was going to get caught out of position. That was also with his defense playing solidly in front of him. Arsenal seemed to be on most of the headers in the match and Thomas Vermaelen always seemed to be connected at Peter Crouch’s hip. It was evident that Spurs were going to try and release him and the Verminator was having none of that.

Combine that effort with some good tackles and saves within and around the box, the defense were solid doing well to preserve a well needed clean sheet. A clean sheet goes a long way to supporting the defensive confidence needed to carry over in each game. With AZ Alkmaar coming to the Emirates in the mid week having that confidence will be necessary to do what is needed to close out the group stages.

But the Derby is our focus and we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the effort of RvP, Fabregas and Arshavin. Fromt he get go these three certainly seemed ready to play. And while Arshavin did not score, it was evident that the importance of the Derby was not lost on him. He was tracking back on the ball, playing defensively and when given the space, he pressed the Sprus back four constantly. It was this work effort and the exhaustion with it that likely got him subbed out.

Offensively however, it was RvP and Fabregas with the glory. Having both netted the first half goals to seal the deal, Arsenal fans would not be happy unless one of them scored another to officially close it out. And that task was left to Van Persie. Eduardo who had two to three real solid chances at goal, was caught running down the side, and in play that reminds us all of “playing to the whistle” – the ball was gathered up by Sagna who like everyone else slowed up thinking the play would be called dead but when it wasn’t – kept the ball moving forward and sent another quaility cross in that beat Ledley King (only barely) and was tipped in by RvP for his 2nd of the day and 9th overall. While some could argue that the play should have stopped, the tip in by RvP was without any power and Gomes should’ve stopped it cleanly. As it was the Gunners were now 3 up and the life was completely out of that other team from London.

Excuse me as I pass you by.

This match could’ve been uglier for the visitors  and Eduardo should’ve had two goals of his own. It is clear that time off has made the Crozillian a little rusty but nonetheless it was nice to see him get a longer spell ieven if it was at the expense of re-injured Nicholas Bendtner. Nicky B seems to be out now for another 4 weeks with a groin injury.

The only real blemish in this otherwise strong performance was the continued uninspired performance of Diaby. The blind faith Wenger has in the boy is disconcerting and one hopes that he is only buying time until he has a fully fit Samir Nasri. Diaby’s performance on the field is often lackluster and incomplete. He plays with moments of solid football acumen but more often his play is fraught with mistakes, errant passes, losing the ball and a lack of confidence in his ability. The spurts of solid play show the lad likely does have the skills to play but would likely benefit from more time learning behind a true first team player. It remains to be seen though if Arsene sees him in this light.

Overall the play of the team was solid. They now firmly sit in 3rd place and by all rights they are right in the mix for the EPL title. It remains to be seen if they can correc the defensive frailty enough to make a sustained push for the title. In fairness though to Arsene and the gang in red and white, neither United or Chelsea have been that strong in defense either. Liverpool are doing the best impression of a relegation club and Tottenham, Villa and City are still trying to sort out their own identity. And as much I hate to say this – I think City have the best chance now to supplant someone in the big 4.  That is unless Pool suddenly realize their pedigree.

Well done to the lads, we can sit back and enjoy this one, especially after the draw to West Ham. Next up on the docket is the home match against AZ Alkmaar, which will allow the Gunners to put the Group to bed. Next weekend the Gunners face off against EPL Debutantes Wolverhampton.

Player ratings:

Starting XI:
Almunia: 7
Sagna: 9 (MOTM)
Gallas: 7.5
Vermaelen: 8
Clichy: 7
Fabregas: 9
Song: 8
Diaby: 5
Arshavin: 7.5
Van Persie: 9
Bendtner: 7

Subs:
Eduardo: 7.5
Ramsey: 6
Eboue: 6

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