Battle of Britain Part Deux
Battle of Britain Take 2!!!
Is it a tale of what happens in Scotland stays in Scotland or is it a happy ending that results in our continued run in the UEFA Champion’s League? Well, only 90 minutes on the pitch will tell.
After taking two very important away goals off the Hoops (okay only one was off the Hoops the other was off of Gallas’ rump) last week, every prognosticator, including this one, are making the Gunners heavy favourites to advance to the group stages of the Champion’s league. A loss for Tony Mowbray’s men mean’s European relegation to the newly launched Europa Cup (oh joy).
Coming into this match up 2-0 might lead some to believe that team is focused on the next EPL match against fellow big four squad Manchester United. However, Arsene Wenger is preaching focus for this match and not looking foward.
“We have to give absolutely everything,” he said. “It is a more important game than Saturday for the club, by far, because tonight you cannot catch back. Saturday, even if you drop points against Man United, you can always catch back, you have 35 league games still to go.
“If you miss your game against Celtic you have zero, it is a massive game,” he added. “It’s not job done yet – it’s job to do against Celtic, a job to finish. We have done a big part of it and we want to get over the line.”
By all indications, Wenger is set to start a very strong side with one notable exclusion. Captain Cesc Fabregas is out definitely for the tie nursing a sore hamstring. It is expected that Welsh wunderkid Aaron Ramsey who replaced Fabregas this past Saturday against Portsmouth will slot into the spot. Even with Ramsey’s promise, the loss of Fabregas cannot be understated.
In all three games played (2 EPL – 1 UCL) Fabregas has been amazing, showing great skill and ability in creating forward momentum for Arsenal’s attack. Even when he doesn’t score, Fabregas is featuring in nearly every one of the build-ups to netting a goal. You need not look any further than the sweet pass to Denilson against Everton that unlocked the troubled side at the 26th minute and started the goal flood.
That being said, the team has many attacking options and a midfield of Song/Diaby, Ramsey and Denilson isn’t as bad as some others out there. Again, Wenger looks to roll out the 4-3-3 that has been so fluid and so effective thus far. I expect one change to the formation from last week with Eduardo starting in place of Bendtner. While the Dane has been effective, he looked a little out of sorts against Celtic last week. So I expect this to be one change from the starting XI from last week.
Whichever team he selcts it is very important that the efficency of the squad at home continues. Both for the sake of the match and for the season.
“For the sake of our season we have to be strong at the Emirates. Any time you are weak at home it has consequences for the game and for the season.”
It is an imperative then that Arsenal followup on this past weekend’s performance (4-1 drumming of Pompey). Remember last season, woeful slip ups at home abain, Hull, Villa, Fulham and Sunderland were part of the reason that our lock in the big four was in question.
As as easy as it looks for Arsenal, it looks equally as hard for the Bhoys from Glasgow. Prior to matching up with Arsenal, The Hoops were down 1-0 against Dynamo Moscow and went on to win the next leg 2-0. However, Tony’s boys need to score three at the Emirates in order to advance. Mowbray is pushing his boys to score early as he believes such a goal would unnerve the Gunners and their supporters which in turn would favour the green and white side from Glasgow.
Celtic will still be without Stephen MacManus and Barry Robson. Landy N’Guemo, who picked up a second yellow in the last week’s tie at Parkhead, is suspended, so Scott Brown could feature in his place. Additionally, you can expect that opposite to last week, Scott McDonald and Marc Antoine Fortune will start.
With Fortune and McDonald and the desperation of the Glaswegians, we should expect the game to be open from the start. No feeling each other out in this one. It will be an immediate pressing attack. Should Arsenal score first, it is over. Conversely if Celtic score first it could be a long afternoon.
All that being said, I do believe the attacking options for Arsenal are much more than Celtic can handle. Our defencive four are growing together very well with Gallas and Vermaelen gelling into (hopefully) a very formidable pairing. With Arsenal having all cylinders clicking, I expect to see a very fluid game with the Gunners coming out 2-0 at home with a final aggregate score of 4-0
Probable Starting XIs
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy, Song, Diaby/Ramsey, Denilson, Arshavin, Eduardo, Van Persie/Bendtner
Celtic: Boruc, Hinkel, Caldwell, Loovens, Fox, Brown, Donati, McGeady, McDonald, Fortune, Maloney
A FINAL WORD:
For Arsenal to win today, as much as I like the spreading around of the socring duties – I want to see a striker get off the mark. Ideally I’d like to see Arshavin get off the schnide. It would be nice to see his first goal of the season be in the Champion’s league. As happy as I am that Adebayor is gone and as up and down as he was – 5 goals in last year’s CL run is nothing to look away from.
For Celtic to win, Boruc needs to be big. I absolutely loved this guy last week. If not for him, the game by the opening 10 of the second half would’ve been 3-0 and well out of reach. He attacks the ball well, is a big presence in the net and he does a very good job at distributing the ball to his team mates.
Match time is 2:30 EST and will be shown live on FSC.
and finally – – – – As much as I hate being on the Dole (out of work), I love the fact that I have alread seen more CL matches this season then I was able to watch last season. Speaking of which – anyone know of an advertising or marketing organization looking for a marketer?
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What upset me most is this ban has blacken Arsenal Football Club’s image. Making it sound like we are a club which like to cheat.
Very much like the Vieira era we were deemed as a “dirty” side.
In both cases, it’s far from the truth.
I cannot say our players are saints there none of them cheats. Our players would dive and cheat, notably Emmanuel Eboue.
But relatively speaking, players from Chelsea, Man U, Liverpool cheat and dive far more often than us. I don’t believe I am being biased here.
It’s the same back in the Vieira era. Our players never purposely going out there to hurt oppositions and played dirty.
‘Cos logically speaking, we didn’t need to. We were never the side which needed to STOP other teams play in order to win. More often than not it’s the other way around. When we played Man Utd at Old Trafford, they were often the one who had to go down the route of “kicking us out of the game”. Just ask Reyes.
Yet we were the side which were called “dirty”.
The media have never been fair to us. Maybe it had something to do with us being billed as the “Non-English” side, despite the fact a few years down the road I believe we will have more British players in our side than any other Big 4 clubs.
Used to have those feelings a few years ago, with the constant red card count, followed by lack of english players comments, etc. Man Utd were considered complete saints no matter what they did. The only way I felt this could have changed was for Arsenal to keep winning against all odds. And when Arsenal stopped competing for the title, well those comments also went away. But this seems like a return to the old ways.
F**ing pissed. UEFA can F**k off as can Celtic. Nonsense. The moral high horse that Celtic and the British press have been riding on has been a joke. Which convinces me that tomorrow Rooney will dive and get a penalty, just to rub it in that Man Utd players can get away with anything as they are a true “british team”. As can Liverpool for matter.
Celtic were never in this tie, never. Looking at the video, the Celtic keeper’s leg touched Edu but Eduardo was in the air before that. The point is that if he was not in the air, then he surely would have been after that contact.
Arsenal could have hammered Celtic 10-1 and still, the British press would have talked about Celtic getting cheated. Celtic will never amount to anything unless the standard of the opposition they face in the SPL improves. Utter joke. I am wiling to bet if a Man Utd player had done this against Celtic, they would never have said anything.
Not sure why Eduardo is treated like this. When his leg was broken, then all the praise and sympathy went to Taylor because he was being brave to play again. Wenger should not have taken back his words and stayed with that Taylor should have never played a game, ever. But Taylor was made out to be a Brit hero for showing the mental strength to play again. Huh.
Keown and company got mad at Old Trafford because Ruud boy cheated and got PV sent off. Would Ruud boy have ever gotten banned for that? Will UEFA now review ever single act of cheating done, week in week out, by players in every area of the field? If UEFA do that, then I might not be that upset but I am convinced this Eduardo thing is a one off. No other player in the Champions league will be charged this season.
Anyone remember Rivaldo’s shameful playacting under the nose of the ref in a WC group match against Turkey? FIFA could have acted and banned him but they didn’t. This shows that every now and then, organizations (FIFA, UEFA, etc) target a player who they can make an example of without having too much damage. Because if UEFA charged a Man Utd player, then that might have brought more complaints. But an Arsenal player? That is an easy target apparently.
I hope Arsenal crush all their opponents in the CL and parade the CL trophy in front of Platini’s f**ing face.
Oh..and I hope Arsenal thrash Man Utd tomorrow :)
From the team’s point of view, losing Eduardo for a few matches because of the ban I don’t believe it would hurt us that much. It’s in the group stage anyway, and all AW needs to do just to play Eduardo more in the league and maybe moving van Persie more to the CL. Those players aren’t supposed to play EVERY game anyway.
It’s a matter of principle. This ban is making Eduardo look like being the FIRST EVER DIVER in the Champions League matches. It gotta be the JOKE OF THE MILLENNIUM.
What’s going to happen next? as arsession rightly pointed out – the can of worms are now officially opened. Expect every manager/player of the defeated side to complain of player (from the winning side) DIVED or CHEATED in a match and try to get them banned.
UEFA better get ready to hire more people for their match review panel. They are going to be shorthanded very soon the way I see it.
UEFA’ Nightmare!
No waiting for someone to dive, the 1st can of worms will open from another matter:
On corners or set pieces, how many times do defenders grab/ hold the jersey of the man they are marking inside the penalty area? It is NEVER called and yet the law is clear – holding is a direct free kick outside the penalty area & a penalty kick is awarded when the infraction occurs inside the PA.
Watch any replay by any network. Its so prevalent on corners and free kicks. Managers and clubs will have conclusive evidence that the defender cheated in defending. The official missed the infraction which would have resulted in a PK.
Or
FIFA might step in & tell UEFA to get its sh*t together and knock off the ludicrous decision, slap Eduardo’s hand & place him on probation.
Fabregas is out for the game tomorrow.
If that’sthe case I think that’s a good thing. That means he probably won’t play for Spain so he won’t risk further injury.
Has anyone heard anything on Nasri’s recovery? After the injury (July 20) AW said 6 weeks. It would be 6 weeks from the injury next Tuesday. However, on the official site injury page, it states he won’t play until October. I’m confused.
Ofcourse they LIED when they said 6 weeks.
He is back to training in LATE October. Meaning he wont start playing till November considering he never had a pre-season anyway.
And if he has any new injuries, then probably out till next year.
I actually think they will hold him out until January so Wenger can unveil him as a “new signing”
LOL :-D
What a farce of a decision. I’m pissed off big time.
I want Vermaelen to decapitate Rooney tomorrow :)
And Evra and Gary Neville..
Hell I’d like Pizzagate again and 6 players jumping on Rooney like RVN
I like the idea of Vieira even more now (this is assuming he can still run). Would still rather a proper signing in DM, but Vieira would be better than nothing.
I have confidence Song and Denilson will maintain their impressive form of this year (and last year, Song more so than Denilson). But Vieira would be good cover, esp when Song goes away to ACN, and an excellent mentor to the younger players. And he won’t stand in the way of Ramsey who I feel will become a reliable option in midfield in 1-2 years.
Happy if Sendy stays – he is such a better 4th choice than Silvestre.
That’s the thing, he can’t. Run that is.
Thats the thing, he doesnt have to run. He just needs to sit in front of the CBs and tackle.
Yes he does have to run. You can’t afford to have someone who just sits in front of the back four and tackles.
A sure fire way of winning fuck all.
It’s interesting with this 4-3-3 formation. It makes our depth look better. I’ve felt for a while that this is a mix-&-match squad. We look oddly configured, inadequate even, for 4-4-2, but with 4-3-3 you can move players around and arguably get a better return.
Perhaps one of the areas of concern for me is the wide attacking roles…..with Nasri, Walcott and of course Rosicky all injured we don’t really have a lot of depth. We are currently relying on 3 from 4 (RvP, Eduardo, Arshavin & Bendtner). It’s that uncertainty thing again, if everyone was fit, ok, we look as though we have enough options. But there are questionmarks over quite a number of attacking players – even Eduardo and RvP may well breakdown again.
So for that reason, I’d kinda understand if Arsene snapped up someone like van der Vaart from RM.
The other area of risk is perhaps Songs role. Particularly with him off to the ACoN at a critical time. There is no one else who looks as naturally competent at shielding the defence. And come ‘the clutch’, we’re likely to have a tough examination and we’ll need to have a strong base which Song/Gallas/Verma are providing. I fear though, given Song’s young age, and the theoretical choices Arsene has in the other midfielders it will mean no additions here.
With the CB’s, I don’t expect to see an addition. Gallas, Verma, Djourou & Sylvester (and of course Song) mean Arsene is likely to feel content even if we are nervous. So cross your fingers on this one.
We’ll buy Chamakh on deadline day and Senderos will stay. That is it. You heard it here first ;)
I’m not sure what is going on for Senderos. We certainly need to keep him for back up if Arsene has no other better prospects. I believe paired with Vermaelen, he would be effective!
Also, I feel Arsene wants Song to be a CB option, which is okay by me as long as he finds a comparable holding midfielder to rotate with Song.
If Rosicky and Cesc are being added to their National team rosters, then they both should see action this weekend. The playing time on Saturday will give them some fitness preparation b4 national team obligation and expedite their transition to return to league play after the break.
Everton bought Distin .. Sendy’s going nowhere. I’m happy as it means Silvestre wont step on to the pitch.
We have made a good start. We have an easy CL group. Can we please have a few signings now? At least one defensive addition.
I don’t want a repeat of 07-08 season. Go all the way and fail at the last hurdle due to a combination of injuries and lack of quality depth. Not yet another glorious failure.
I read this letter on how to solve the diving situation in the Football365 mailbox. It sounds weird at first, but it is actually a pretty good idea I think… and a very creative one at that:
‘A Really Rather Good Idea…’
“I think I read somewhere that they do this in the German league but if I dreamt it I am happy to claim this as my own idea…!!
Taking last night’s events as the freshest example, Eduardo goes down in the box and appeals for a penalty. Referee then takes Eduardo on one side and quickly asks him if he was brought down and if it really was a penalty. If he then confesses that it really wasn’t, it is put down as a rash ‘spur of the moment’ act and a free-kick is awarded to Celtic and no further action is taken.
If Eduardo said he was brought down by the goalkeeper then the penalty is awarded but with Eduardo knowing it will be looked at after the game.
A panel of referees look at the footage and if Eduardo was found to have lied to the ref on the pitch then he gets an automatic five-game ban. If it inconclusive or he is right, no further action taken.
Lets start testing the honesty of the players and putting the burden on them rather than the overworked officiating team.
Matt Clark”
If the various football authorities want to make a policy decision on certain misdemeanors that they will target and review retrospectively then go ahead, debate it, make a decision and inform the clubs. But this isn’t new, other sports do it, and it’s not a silver bullet.
One of the key questions is “what triggers the review”? Take this instance, Celtic players, the SFA and the British media make a meal of it so Eduardo is a sacrificial lamb? Is that a good basis? No, it’s nonsensical. Like Andez and others have said this is a weekly event. What if Eduardo is banned and simulation occurs in the ManU game by a ManU player? What will be in place to ensure a sense of equitable treatment is in place?
Remember, this isn’t a silver bullet, and professional sportsmen will always ride the laws of the game. If you want to spawn a review/grievance industry, if you think that is a desirable feature go ahead.
I did not see the last goal (went back to work after we went 3-up), but every commentator kept on talking about the “wonder goal” Donati scored…..bla, bla.
Then I watch the highlights…..yes, he hit it on the volley….but Almunia is a f&cking PLANK to let that one in at such a sharp angle.
Infact it is MUCH easier to let in a goal between your legs or at the near post at the far post.
At 1-0, the clown also allowed a simple tap-in when he could have ATTACKED the ball. Only the offside flag saved the play.
I have said it several times, how Almunia keeps for a club not in the Spanish second division, I would never know.
Pray tell me ..what should Almunia have done here? He’s got two choices.. anticipate the shot across goal and move accordingly OR cover the near post and hope that his dive will be big enough to parry a shot across goal. Most keepers go for the latter, and its not that he didnt dive tbf.. he just didnt reach it. It was a sort of strike that Lehmann saved from Solksjaer just after Ade had scored on 85″. He doesn’t catch the eye .. Almunia but he has been reasonably solid throughout. What was the last game we lost primarily because of him?
Are you serious??? He dived?? What is the point of diving AFTER the ball has passed?
The Solsjaer shot was POINT BLANK in the six yard box.
Donati was on the edge of the freaking penalty box!
Fred you have a point with the offside goal, I thought Al looked suspect there. The donati shot was unstoppable really. If he would have left his near post exposed he might have been able to stop it but then Donati may have aimed for the near post.
Fred your bias blinds you sometimes.
This is not Eduardos first offense by the way I remmeber him winning a penalty this way once already because there was some contact it was not really questioned but it was a dive nonetheless. I also remember Eduardo having one turned down but he was not carded.
In this instance there was a little contact but he was already going down even before that slight touch took place. Yes the media have made a big deal out of it, but it was so obvious and the first in such a big game too.
It is nice to see Arsenal fans standing by our player on this occasion but I imagine if it was Eboue he would have been thrown to the wolves.
We have all followed Eduardo since he has joined Arsenal. It is not his tendency to deceive.
IMO – Nothing will happen to Eduardo. This is not based on whether he is innocent or guilty. The referee was not obstructed, saw the play and in his judgment awarded the penalty.
Every governing football goes out of its way to 100% support officiating decisions on the field – made in real time.
If Eduardo receives a 1 or 2 match ban, then the can of worms will spill out for ALL CLUBS.
Any suspect call will be petitioned for review, fan/club influenced. Every match has questionable decisions.
This type of scrutiny is not what UEFA or Football wants or needs.
“Every governing football goes out of its way to 100% support officiating decisions on the field – made in real time.”
Excellent point.
A beg to differ there. I am a big fan of Eduardo but he does dive like many other players, but he does dive as I said I have seen him do it on a couple of occasions. If could be bothered to look over the video I could tell you which games. The dive against Celtic is recent proof that he does have a tendency to deceive. Hopefully the criticism will encourage him to stop.
I find the Eduardo dive incident has been blown to a ridaculous proportion.
First, everybody dives these days. From Rooney, to Ronaldo, to Gerard, to Lampard. They dive all the time.
And if they are talking about to punish the players just because they had the INTENTION to dive and to fool the refs. Then as far as i m concerned, regardless of those divers who eventually earned his team a penalty or not, they should all be banned. Cos afterall say if you have an INTENTION to kill someone, whether you are successful or not, you are equally guilty.
I look at the penalty Everton earned against Burnley (which they missed), it was a dive as clear as board daylight. Far worse than the Eduardo incident. So should the player be found not guilty just because the penalty taker missed the penalty?
I am all for getting rid of the playacting / diving acts in football. But it’s so God damn unfair they just single out one incident involved Arsenal and no one else.
We have seen plenty of dives far worse than Eduardo’s week in week out yet nobody bothered to make a meal out of it. Giving me an impression that Eduardo is the first diver they ever discovered in football.
Nice draw for us. Only one long away trip to Greece. And that comes on Mathday 6, when we should have a place in the knockout stages secured. Really couldn’t ask for anything more.
The CL group stage is such a nonsensical procession.
We could top our group half-awake. Infact I am sure the likes of Wilshere, Merida, Vela, Walcott and Ramsey will look really good against these 3 joke teams.
Hopefully it should give us more leeway to rest players and concentrate on the league.
The kids can then handle the league cup and the ones who shine can handle the CL (at least after the first 3 games anyway).
As for the Man U game, if Almunia’s head is not in his arse we should pick up at least one point.
Rooney and Evra are the only two players who could make us cry. The rest of the squad (with Ferdinand, Vidic and Van der Sar injured) I wouldnt even want at Arsenal.
Fred I think you may well have a good season telling us all; I told you so when it comes to Big Al.
He doesn’t look too switched on at present. No doubt he will make some match saving saves throghout the season but judging by recent form, he has a bag of mistakes waiting to come out the locker
Big Al is the new Denilson ;)
Alas, I do think Eduardo should get a two-game ban. I was fucking digusted by Rooney when dived to win a penalty at the infamous Pizzagate game. But only Van Pisstleroy got a retrospective ban for his sneaky knee stomp on Ashley Cole. (Of course, now i wish he’d hit him harder!) Rooney got away with it – you can see the smirk on his face. And I wish he’d been punished.
Dudu wasn’t quite so blatant. He trailed a leg and went down without making any meaningful contact. He didn’t fully ‘draw’ the foul. But it’s still a dive and somewhat surprising from his otherwise pleasantly humble player. So fair’s fair.
Next time somehow tumbles in our area, we want the same retribution.
CL draw is a nice one for us. I remember when we thumped Standard Liege 7-1 away back in the days of Merson etc.
Diving is unpleasant no doubt.
But retrospective action is a brave new world….
So every fall in the area will be reviewed?
What triggers the review?
What about a fall outside the area that results in a free kick?
What about a fall that results in an opposition player being carded?
What if the player was simply trying to avoid collision?
What about dangerous play?
What about persistent fouling that stops play?
If there is an overwhelming concern about ‘diving’ then by all means have the discussion, establish the position, and start applying it as a policy.
But DON’T react to a one-off ocassion that is no worse than any other.
Retrospective discipline is a whole new area.
Kiwi, retrospective discipline via video review is up and running. The principle extends to punching and kicking (Van Nistleroy’s ban like I mentioned), why not to dissimulation intended to fool the referee.
We have red cards overturned on review if the decision was wrong.
Yes, the UK media have gone overboard on this incident. But only because it is relatively rare in the UK game. The Pires dive was years ago and still gets mentioned.
The questions you raise would all be decided by the FA or Uefa panel. They may feel the evidence is inconclusive. Apparently one angle shows some contact by Dudu. They decide. But as for the principle of retrospective punishment, it’s already here and being enforced.
It just doesn’t apply to goals or scorelines though.
True true.
Although, simulation is hardly rare….and one must ask why Arsenal misdemeanors are leaped upon with great excitment whilst the great morass of anti-game behaviour by other clubs rarely receives much attention?
You raise the Pires incident – a case in point. Why is that still brought up? Why not the myriad diving of ManU players in far more crucial junctures?
My point is this. Whilst the ability may be there to retrospectively review events, it is rarely used. I think it is a can of worms that needs to be very carefully considered. Otherwise we will have an industry develop of retrospective actions, lawyers, equity, it will creep and creep and become an unwlecome diversion. Every week there will be a procession of players before the various tribunals.
And so it goes on with the SFA calling for Eduardo’s blood. The moral tones make me vomit. Is Eduardo the first player in the game to win a soft penalty?
Has anyone picked up on the small fact that even after we scored the penalty, Celtic still needed the same amount of goals to win? Thanks to the away goals rule?
Before the penalty, Celtic needed to score 3 to win. After the penalty their 3 ‘away’ goals would beat our 2 away goals and 1 home goal.
We all know that Celtic never looked like winning the tie at any stage so this whole saga is a stain on Celtic’s reputation. They just look like ugly whingers.
Perhaps we should offer to accept a 2 game ban IF officials review the 2 games and yellow-card all the fouls that were treated leniently by the ref???
Exactly. Let those who has no sin casts the first stone.
Can those Celtic players, who been calling for Eduardo to be banned, honestly come out and say they themselves had never dived?
And I too feel whether it’s a penalty or not is totally irrelevant.
Celtic never looked like having a prayer in the match.
Arsenal, Alkmaar, Olympiakos and one more. Not bad at all.
Good game yesterday. Kiwi already said what I thought..sad that he dived but way way OTT.
As for the team here are my thoughts:
Almunia will be okay over the course of the season. The goof ups of not jumping for the ball was his first in a while to be fair. If you actually watched the league last season tons of keepers got beat near post including Cech. So really , he kept us in tons of games and made the odd mistake. Hardly anything to crucify him by..still I’d love it if he came out more.
Not Gallas’s biggest fan..but he and Vermalean have been downright outstanding as a pair. Long may the conceding late after we have scored 3 goals continue.
Clichy and Sagna will both keep getting caught more this season because of the formation with 3 attackers sucked towards goal. I remember a move where RVp got caught upfield and we nearly conceded on the counter. That will continue to happen until we get the system perfectly right. Teams that play long diagonals will score against us or atleast have a chance..always. Combine that with both FB’s being a little under the weather defensively..and Clichy’s strange magnetism towards the dee even when there is an attacker on the left..are all worrying signs. Still as I said..as long as we score 3 ..who cares.
Cesc Denilson and Song have been excellent for a large part. Song mispassing a few here and there but recovering by and large. No one has said anything crap about Denilson..meaning he is playing out of his skin right now. Long may this new adventurous Denilson continue. He is a younger version of Xabi Alonso.. which is why I am very happy Alonso never came. He’ll always be good enough allround to take a first team spot without being as flash at something. I wonder what’ll happen when Nasri or Rosicky come back though. Diaby ..well again yesterday he was off the boil a bit. I hope he does it this season.
RVP, Bendtner and Arshavin have worked exceptionally hard this time round..as they must to make this 4-5-1 or 4-1-2-3 or whatever work. The DM cannot be everywhere in this system. It’ll work only with extreme fluidity where no one has a fixed position and every one keep floating based on where they feel danger is. NB specially has just kept running everywhere..Cant see Ade doing that really.
The season has been very exciting so far ..what was the last time we won 4 games in a row by large margins and we enjoyed the game. Long may it go on!! I just wish we’d sign Paddy on a 1 yr deal for cover..it’d be perfect.
Also don’t agree with Mazza about beating Porto and Bolton and everyone being sharpish. They were but you also forget the laboured 1-0 against WBA in the first game with Eboue in CM and that terror Fulham defeat of a set piece. Statistically not much diff may be. but as far as team chemistry , fun and work ethic go there’s a ton of difference. Plus the defense looking far far more convincing..Vermalean has been outstanding.
ManU? I think we’ll win this..1-2. ManU are in a bit of a spot in CM and don’t have Tevez to run around causing pain. I seriously doubt how much Giggs and Scholes(yeah yeah..every year we say it) have left in the tank if we play as we have so far. So feeling cautiously optimistic.
I wasn’t particularly clear in my post but I’m thinking specifically of Denilson, Diaby, Eboue and Song.
I’ve always thought Song was decent and he’s merely just carried on playing decent imo. I still think he gets beaten to the ball time after time by a Fletcher or Carrick.
Denilson’s passing has improved,and he’s a bit more penetrative so far but will have the same fearlessness at Old Trafford or will he revert to Mr. Passive?
Ditto Diaby and his lack of consistency. I just don’t think alot has changed in that area.
Obviously circumstances and personnel around them have changed since the start of last season. Arshavin has come in, Ade has gone thank god so we can internchange more freely, and Vermaelen has made a big impression.
I remember the days of yore when Song was crucified away at Fulham and everyone said he would never make it. I had my doubts too. He has come out and improved..wont go as far as to say he’s the next Viera but hell..there’s a difference between a 17 year old and a 21 yr old. Thats why I’m always positive about this team.
About Denilson and his penetrativeness.. I think he has it in him to play both roles. The going forward CM who comes back to defend as a part of his job.. As well as the out and out Makelele style DM who just keeps it simple. He isn’t exceptional at either but he’s better than a lot of one dimensional single skilled CM’s older than him. I’d keep him and play him a lot, he’s much more intelligent than anyone on websites gives him credit for. Plus he rarely gets injured and can play 3 games a week all season. If he’s “passive” at Old Trafford it’ll probably be because he’s been TOLD to play that way; coz he certainly can play both ways and isn’t as cowardly as made out… look at the way he stuck up for Wilshere when he got kicked.
Diaby – Jury’s still out. Too inconsistent I agree.
Overall its been a nice nerve calming start though. Let time tell the fates of all these players.
Now that CL is guaranteed, are we going to make any defensive signings?
Everton have signed Distin and Aston Villa have signed Richard Dunne. So I guess Senderos is going nowhere, unless Portsmouth ask for him.
Say what you will about Eboue – but I think the man has more class – a ton more class than Emmanuel Eboue.
Even after his run in with the fans last season he never once asked to leave the club or told us AC Milan was like Beyonce.
Here in this article he has clearly pledged himself to the club:
http://bit.ly/130vse
I still think it’s too early to make conclusions Kiwi, although I’m not saying your making definitive ones, merely observations I know.
Around this time last year we were beating porto 4-0 at the Emirates, and Newcastle 3-1. The football, going forward, wasn’t too dissimilar to the football we’ve played so far this season.
For instance, if we played Celtic at the same stage last year, I think we would have seen a very similar game to last night. Back then, apart from that horro show at Fulham, the likes of Denilson and Song were looking sharp. Same as they are now. Eboue as well, back heeling for RVP against Newcastle and scoring against Bolton.
I think the biggest difference has been Vermaelen and the infectiousness of his agressiveness. Even Gallas threw himself into a diving header just moments after Vermaelen had cleared the ball about three times with his head.
We’ve always played good football at the Emirates for the most part, but so far away from home I haven’t been impressed by our football. I thought we were poor against Celtic on the ball and if it was very much pass, pass, pass, lose it.
However, maybe our lack of work rate in the past meant we had to over-compensate with our passing, so with added steel in the side we don’t need to monopolise possession like we used to do.
Our jaw is no longer of the glass variety, it seems.
United will tell alot. I still think once we come across a well drilled defensive unit we might revert back to the pass, pass, pass routine. Hopefully the likes of Denilson stay OUT of their shell and allow us to maintain the frisky dynamic.
Beginning of last fall:
Mazza, I was thinking that Denilson partnered with Cesc in midfield every start, Song on the bench. It was not until Cesc was injured that Song became a regular starter.
midfield lined up:
Theo/Diaby/Eboue—Cesc—Denilson—-Nasri
He did well and credit to him for applying himself.
It’s early days, but if he has eradicated the stupidity from his game, learned to control his facial expressions, and continues to play in a similar vein to this, then I think most gooners will readily accept him back in the fold. And in time he might even enjoy a special cult-like following. The type fans reserve for those (quirky) players who apply themselves yet may not be the most gifted.
Sorry, if I went overboard about Eboue, but the guy has talent. As others in the team, needs to show more performances like these to prove his mettle.
Anyways, seems like he has finally found a good pshychologist, and is handling himself much better.
I agree, this season has seen a change. The old pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass , pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass…..routine has been replaced with greater intensity and purpose.
The reasons for this are most probably several.
1. There is undoubtedly a greater pressing of the opposition when we aren’t in possession, this results in the ball being won and released against a less defensively prepared side.
2. Perhaps the formation of a 3-man attack and 3-man midfield also helps encourage this sense of purpose rather than the horrid semi-continental slow metronomic build-up that was our style over recent seasons. The 3-man midfield seems to accept it’s main function is to win possession and launch immediate attacks, whilst 3 of the 4 attackers who occupy places in the 3-man attack are genuine goal-centric players, not impotent passers.
3. Critically there has been greater organisation and stability at the back with the Song/Gallas/Verme axis inspiring confidence – everyone else can do their jobs.
Last year, despite our domination of possession and exhibition of mind-numbing lateral and backward passing, too often we would succumb to the sucker punch and then try and recover the game.
I’ve never been convinced with this new style of anemic passing with little forward thrust. Thankfully it seems to have gone. Replaced with greater intensity and purpose. Under Wenger our success has been as a side that seeks to strike first and repeatedly, remember the regular 3, 4 or 5 goal beatings inflicted in the first 30mins? We killed the game quickly, we did not engage in 90min arm wrestles. Obviously I am generalising, but you get the point, we overwhelmed the opposition, our offensive reputation was part of our defence.
from BBC:” UEFA has set aside $78 million for the playoff round, a fourth and final stage of qualifying which was introduced for this season’s competition. The 20 clubs currently taking part in 10 playoff ties — including Arsenal and Atletico Madrid, plus Austria’s Salzburg and FK Ventspils of Latvia — will each receive a fixed $3 million payment. ”
This apart from the close to $2 million of matchday revenues. So, coming fourth has its own set of financial advantages.
As for the Eduardo penalty, from one TV replay it was apparent that Boruc, while retracting from the challenge had made contact with his knee with Eduardo’s shin, and this disbalanced him, so really do not understand Arsene’s statements after the match, and reaction of British media. I guess Sky/ITV purposefully do not telecast footage from cameras which may make the matter transperant, as that wouldn’t ignite controversies to garner newspaper sales and internet blogging.
Anyway, a very strong performance. This system is so very dynamic. Almost all characters apart from CB pairing are replaceable.
Eboue was massive. He is such a wonderful creative force. The counterattacking ability that he provides is so crucial. Like his run just before the half time break.
Also, one more difference is that all players are looking to shoot whenver they get any sniff of goal or free space in midfield, and are genuinely dissapointed if they are off target. This is not a characeristic of Arsenal’s squad over the past few seasons. They must have practiced a lot of shooting.
Not very excited about the ManUtd game. A win would put a lot of media pressure. A loss would be hard to take, but still keep our feet on ground. A draw can be a very good result. But, on current form, would love us to go and thomp ManU at OT by a 3-0 margin.
And if you people know any Chechen rebels please tell them to get in touch with a Russian by the name of Alishier Usmanov, who has lots of cash to splash. ( and it seems is again trying to create some board room trouble when things are going so well on the field. BOO BOO !! )
Come on Gunners. Arsenalisation at OT – we await !!
I believe playing Celtic (home & away) has given us the best preparation for our Saturday match with ManU. Celtic and ManU are both athletic, strong tackling, and press you all over the field.
ManU has not found their identity. Gone are two great clutch scorers; Ferdinand is out injured, and Anderson has vented his unhappiness at SAF. Their win over Wigan is meaningless. This is an opportune time for us to take the 3 points.
The Celtic players and the media are going OTT over Eduardo. It’s the British thing. They love their own. The simple ‘honest’ yeoman trier. And conversely they get irked at the more refined, talented and exciting talent from Europe and South America. So over 2 legs we’ve seen a limited Celtic side chasing manfully yet tackling repeatedly in banal fashion. Today we saw Caldwell, who so beautifully typifies the yeoman spirit, literally commit a rugby tackle to haul an Arsenal player to the ground. When the foul was called he could be seen moments later continuing to shake his head in disbelief. The simpleton appears to genuinely believe that his action was within the rules of the game.
The commentators could be heard continually praising Celtic’s ‘commitment’, seemingly oblivious that this so-called commitment was a series of repeated fouls. Yet compare that to the massed vitriol toward Eduardo. Good job.
Yeah the reaction to Eduardo is insane. Yet when his leg was broken, everyone praised the good old Taylor. Argh. Same type of OTT comments when Pires went to the ground a few years ago. But ofcourse, no word when Rooney did his ground hug to end Arsenal’s run.
Getting tired of this so called word “commitment”, especially when applying to Celtic. So when there is kicking, fouling and no skill whatsoever, it is called “commitment”, when applying to a Brit team. I am sure there is plenty of commitment when Blackburn take on Bolton, but seriously, the game has moved on from the old days of tackle, foul, hack & long ball.
and soccernet is no less. What is the point of this comment?
For now, at least, the likes of Manchester City must sit and watch as Arsenal will take their place in the pot for Thursday`s group stage draw in the millionaire’s playground of Monaco,..
What does Man City have to do with this? This implies the preseason nonsense that Arsenal will drop out of the top 4. Why not Liverpool?
Anyway, hope Arsenal stuff Man Utd on sat. And if Rooney or Owen dives to win a penalty on sat, expect to hear nothing.
Interestingly, Celtic are a team that do try and play ‘football’. Their problem was that Arsenal simply played it on a higher level and they couldn’t compete.
Their response was atypical of the historic British football culture – if you can’t compete, foul as much as you can get away with.
In time the culture will change. It has already. The infusion of talented foreign players and managers has wet the appetite for a technically superior product.
I don’t know if I can take Arsene’s new found honesty –
“From outside I must say it looked a penalty, but having seen it again on television, it doesn’t look to be a penalty,” the Arsenal manager said. “But I must still say that we were likely always to score the first goal because Eduardo had a great chance before the penalty and we always looked in control of the game.
“I believe really that it was not a penalty but I am also not sure that the keeper didn’t touch him with his right knee, having seen it again. I do not want a penalty which is not a penalty, but I do not go as far to say Eduardo dived.
“He went down, for what reason I do not know. But I do not think he would have complained if the penalty was not given. Is it acceptable? I never asked in my life any guy to dive to win a penalty but sometimes the players go down because there is no other way to escape the tackling of the keeper. Sometimes they dive.
Really, Arsene? Sheesh. Give me something to complain about – please!
Go back to the Liverpool match (2 seasons ago) where Hleb was brutally taken down in the box and nothing was called. (I think Hleb was even given a yellow card for diving – not sure.)
In fact over the past 3 years, Arsenal rarely get the calls in the box.
The official saw contact from the keeper’s knee with Eduardo. ANYWAY, WE HAVE TO BELIEVE THE OFFICIAL HAD THE BEST VIEW vs.THE REPLAYS.
These home and away matches give both teams the opportunity to prove their worthy of advancing. Advancing on a fluke is minimized with this format.
Even starting today without Cesc, Rosicky, Arshavin, RvP, Nasri, Theo, Djourou we controlled the tempo and were far more dangerous than Celtic.
All this said, those (above) not starting are of NO or LITTLE help where we need quality back ups for Song and Vermaelen. (Djourou is needs more match experience with the first team)
Also, Diaby is not the back up for Cesc and Ramsey is a work in progress. So this could also be a weak link for the long run in the spring.
We have qualified for CL and now Arsene (has the money) and must address the lack of depth at these two key positions (holding mid & CB).
Based on current form and fitness, I’d go for Arshavin, Van P. and Eduardo as the front three… with Cesc (fingers crossed), Song and either Denilson/Diaby/Eboue in midfield. With those last three, who knows which version will show up.
So far we haven’t had a game where we’ve been frustrated and needed to turn to the long ball or firing crosses onto Bendtner’s head. Can we even play like that anymore, if required?
As of today, I think Sat. will be 1-1. But if ManUre are still depleted and we find top gear, who knows? We haven’t played a tight, frustrating game yet either, so still not sure what our mental resiliance is like when push comes to shove.
All the signs are really promising though.
I’m very much agreeing with the praise for Song.
He has been immense in the 3 games he has played.
His absence against Portsmouth, was for me, a key reason for us looking less anchored. Kudos to Song, a tough game will come, and he won’t play so well, then his challenge is to bounce straight back. I hope he does. If he can maintain this level of performance he is on the way to becoming an absolutely ‘key’ man for the team.
Verme, is also immense. An Arsenal CB that actually attacks the ball in the air!!! How retro, unbelievable, wonderful. One little stanza showed him doing 3 headers in 15 seconds! All strong decisive headers, not this woofter half-arsed type that has become our trademark.
Verme and Song are firming up the defence. On countless ocassions I saw Song in the 4 man backline, covering for either Gallas or Verme who has ventured forward. Heady stuff.
Now for Mr Eboue. When I saw him on the teamsheet I groaned deeply. Yet, thankfully, he put in a big-effort performance and showed a bit of composure. The goal was well taken and well deserved. I particularly liked his continual chasing of the Celtic backline cretans – excellent.
I liked Eduardo too. His sights aren’t fully adjusted and he clearly needs game-time, yet he has that quality about him. He’s in the right place at the right time yet with the footballing quality to survive and contribute to our quick thinking highly technical passing style.
Job done, another confidence boosting performance.
On to ManU. If we can put out our best line-up, it should be an interesting game. No one in the team should be too tired. Most have had a game off. The CB’s have been present in all games, yet the nature of their position means that they don’t cover as much territory as other roles. And frankly, every game Gallas & Verme play together is critical to them building a good working understanding.
I wonder who Arsene will go for in attack. You’d think Arshavin is a cert, his quality could be critical.
And I’m thinking RvP is a cert as Arsene’s no.1….he was rested today on the basis that he can’t play 3 games a week (note this).
So it’s the third role – probably Bendtner over Eduardo. Although Bendtner continues to look a little ponderous compared to his fleet-footed team mates yet he does have a good footballing brain. And he does give us a bit of size up front which may be important given ManU can be very physical.
Bring it on.
@macmac,
Indeed Bendtner may not have the footwork as good as say Arshavin. But this guy is 6 foot 3 or 4. If a six foot four footballer has as good as a touch as a 5 foot 8 footballer, and could take on players with ease, he would have worth 100 mil and been snapped up by either Real Madrid or Man City!
But if we line up all the players who’s 6 foot 4 in the league, I bet no one has a better footwork than Bendtner.
Personally, I think it’s nice to have different type of players in the team. Our squad at the moment have too many similiar type of small, skillful, attacking midfielders/forwards. From a distance, you can’t really tell who’s who if Arshavin, Rosicky, Eduardo, Cesc, Denilson, Whilshere, Ramsey, Nasri, Vela lining up together on the pitch.
That makes a fast player like Walcott, a tall player like Bendtner, or a powerful player like Eboue / Diaby a good alternative to have in our squad.
Yeah, Denilson has picked up a notch this season so far and Song has been outstanding. I think it has much to do with the team dynamics improving. Each player seems to have more support from his teammates. They are working so much better collectively allowing each other to shine.
I think Bendtner has looked bright every time I have seen him this season. Like with the West Brom game last season he looks confident and more adventureous, trying to run a people and make things happen. Alright he may not always be successful but his attitude looks right and I think if given the chance his endeavours will bear fruit.
Nice goal and performance from Eboue :-D
Okay so my impressions of today’s match –
Gifted penalty aside, I never thought Celtic looked to threaten. It just looked like the were going through the motions, understanding the task before them. Some nice stuff once and in a while but handled aptly by the back four.
Speaking of which – Vermaelen showed why again we don’t manage or coach a team. Prior to the season, there were a lot of questions about this signing the three games prior aside – he was in on every major cross Celtic played into the center of the box. Quality positioning, good heading and smart play. Even so much as the ability to push forward. Him and Gallas (who had another great game himself) are turning into quite the defencive pairing. I really think we are so much better back there than we have been in the past two seasons.
Midfield even without Fabregas looked tight. Not much to say there I agree with Andez on his sentiments.
I absolutely loved the dynamic change to the squad with Arshavin and Wilshere coming on. It was almost as if Arsene wanted to step on the throats of the hoops which is something we haven’t done very well late.
By all account 4 games in we are different squad than last season. There is more of an effort to close down on the ball than there ever has been since the glory days. The play all across the pitch is crisp and doesn’t seem worried or hap hazzard. Every play and pass seems to be done with purpose.
I don’t know what that equates to come May of 2010. Right now it looks good.
Saturday will be the truest measure of where this squad is.
Yes, the work rate this season has been mighty impressive so far.
When we were 3-0 up in the 2nd half, our players, Bendtner and EBoue the likes, were still closing down their players from the front.
And at one occassion, Bendtner tracked back to our left back position to make a clearance. (remind me what Rooney had done against us).
That’s a great thing to see.
Both of our central midfielders, Denilson and Song, are looking like coming out of age this season.
Last season Denilson’s game was a bit cagey. This season he has played with a new found composure and flexibility, getting forward, right, left, central more often. His passing and touch is as assured as anyone else in the team.
Song has improved his reading of the game immeasurably. Added with his power and strength, IMO, he’s not far away from Gilberto at his best. And his passing, while not being outstanding, has already been far more assured than the “any pass beyond 5 yards would fall to opposition” Gilberto.
Best of all, both players are only 21! Central midfielders normally won’t reach their prime until their mid 20s.
Strong performance by the back 4 & Song/Denilson.
Diaby looked out of sync, but given this is only his 2nd match, its good to see him healthy.
Trying to figure out what is Almunia’s strength; he certainly has poor judgment for high balls across the box.
Initially Bendtner took some time to settle into the play; but he did a lot of chasing and 2nd half gave a good account of himself. Poor decision by the official, on his run to the right side of the 18 / legal shoulder charge.
Agree. Diaby is probably the most inconsistent player of our squad. When he’s good, he’s really good. When he’s poor, he can be really frustrating to watch.
Alright, fine – one back heel.
But everything else he does still lacks that final bit of polish, pace or wit to make it count. I’m being a picky asshole, I know. And anyway, it’s academic at the moment. The rest of the team is working really well together.
All these ideal Wenger players – compact, nimble, quick-witted – buzzing away with a (at last!) more direct sense of goal.
I think it’s been a little more than a back heel today.
But don’t get me wrong, it was one match. I got off the Bendy bandwagon last year, and am not looking to pull a hammy jumping back on. As with everything, it’s very early.
Is it Saturday noon, yet?
2-0 – “Emmanuel Eboue gets the goal he deserves for an outstanding individual performance.”
Things I never thought I would live to see, pt II!
Skipping over the penalty and the sliced shot, Eduardo has been terrific. I love the way he drops back and creates in the build-up. Ditto Song.
I’m still not convinced by Bendtner at all. He looks like he’s trying to catch up and join in half the time. He’s just not nimble enough. I seriously think he should consider switching to CB.
I think Bendy’s actually had a good match. Among other contributions, it was his heel that started the second goal.
And, yes, fair play to Eboue. Very nicely taken.
That second goal is why I love Arsenal. Gorgeous.
Moving on…
Diaby is not the player for me today. He takes a little too long on the ball. I think we would be better served with Ramsey or Merida. Players that can play quicker and help to catch them on counters. But I hope he proves me wrong.
Agree about Diaby; he is not the distributor of the ball we need.
Eboue is very active (positively).
Score line is flattering to Arsenal. We need another goal – no injuries!
Just saw the lineups on Sky.
Sagna Gallas Vermaelen Clichy
Diaby Denilson Song
Eboue Bendtner Eduardo
or perhaps more of 4-4-2 with Eboue in midfield. Either way, Arshavin, Van Persie and Fab (if healthy) get some rest before Man U.
Bien fait, DAG. I hear West Ham need extra hands in their PR dept!
It’ll be interesting to see how positive we are tonight. Hopefully, we come out blazing and wrap it up with an early goal. But part of me still wonders if Arsene’s play it safe side will emerge, or our neurotic side. I know, we’re at home with a nice cushion. But for the past few years, it’s only taken one silly goal (and we’re still giving them away like against Pompey) to make us get jittery or worse, completely unravel.
Even without Cesc, we should wrap this up nicely – 2-0. And goals from Arshavin and Van P would be nice.
Ha. The use of French in a Battle of Britain headline. Very multi-culti of you, DAG. ;-)
Thank you. I wrote it after having watched some video of Le Boss. ;-)
DAG – nice write up!
Good memories & points LDE.
I miss Hleb; we can only dream about his inclusion with Cesc, AA, Eduardo, Rosicky, RvP, & Nasri!
Agree about contact / kicking; called fouls will probably be a factor, slowing down the match – creating numerous free kicks to our advantage. B52’s heading prowess should see his inclusion in the starting lineup and our utilizing his heading strengths’ to impact our attack.
Tonight needs to build on our confidence for league play.
3 points and no injuries.
Celtic’s big chance was at Celtic Park. That didn’t materialize. Today there will be very little kicking in the midfield..if at all. Celtic won 5-2? last week ..so they can score .. that much we know. Today though, as long as we score.. we should get through. As you say DAG.. the early goal will kill the tie just like Rosicky’s early goal killed off Slavia Prague in the second leg after we won 2-0 away..couple of years ago.
Still remember Hleb scoring in the 90th away after Sagna crossed from the left wing after a huge run on the counter. Hleb in this system..along with Cesc and Arshavin right now would be almost dynamite..sadly though…oh well.. we wouldn’t have got either Nasri or AA if he hadnt gone.
We should win this easy..I go for a 5-0 on aggregate..we seem to like that score in the qualifiers.