EPL Match Day 6: Arsenal v West Brom; Match Preview
Meanwhile, back at home. . .
Well that trip to Sunderland was fun wasn’t it? Not. But why dwell on the past when we drowned our misery in a heartwarming win at White Heart Lane against Fat ‘Arry Redknapp’s Spurs. And now with the Carling Cup out of the way (for now) we can turn our attention to things that matter more – mainly, continuing our pursuit of the title against West Bromwich Albion.
You may remember West Brom – they are the perennial yo-yo squad – one year in the EPL the next in the Championship. You know, wash, rinse and repeat ad nauseum. But this season at least for them has started better than the last few. Sure, they’ve been drubbed by Chelsea 6-0 and even lost to listless Liverpool 1-0. But they’ve also drawn Spurs and the beating they put on Birmingham last week was sound. Throw in a 2-1 win over City and you can see while Robert Di Matteo’s side have some sense of optimism about them.
However, they are paying a visit to the Emirates and it has proven very hard for clubs to come here and win. But they will be bouyed by the fact that since 2003-2004, the Gunners have dropped points in one game against a promoted side. Remember now, the beating we placed on Blackpool. And Newcastle haven’t visited yet.
Anyway, as is always the case with Arsenal they are limping into another match. Diaby, Eboue and Rosicky all face fitness challenges before the match. Fabregas, Vermaelen and Gibbs are out with their sights on returning for next week’s fixture against Chelsea at the Bridge. Additionally, Walcott has been working on Cryotherapy (better than the placenta stuff of last year) and also looks set for a return against the Blues. But right now the focus is WBA.
Even after the draw last week, the Gunners come into this Saturday having won the first of the North London Derbies. They also come in off the fine play of one Jack Wilshere – he of the hopes and prayers of English football. With more time and play, Jack is surely lining up to be every thing we thought (more like hoped and prayed) he’d be. Even with Cesc out of the lineup, he is showing an unusual flair for creativity for someone his age. When Cesc gets his wish to go back to Barcelona, right now it seems the Arsenal midfield may have his replacement already in it.
Coming back to the fold this weekend is Alexander Song who was shown a dubious red card (okay the card wasn’t dubious but the first yellow was). This should lend strength to the midfield. Especially in light that Denilson likely deputizes to start in place of the injured Diaby. It is disconcerting seeing so many injured this early in the season. We can only hope that all the reports are right and the majority will be back for next weekend.
How the Match Should Play Out:
We’re at home – how do you think it is going to play out? Frankly, I expect a 1-0 draw going into the half. The play will be enough to make the gunners faithful but the quality of the talent will will out and the duo of Arshavin and Wilshere will shine. Leading to two more goals in the 2nd.
Players to Watch:
Arsenal: With Captain Cesc Fabregas sidelined for this weekend, Jack Wilshere will be calling the plays from the centre of the Arsenal attack. It’s a weighty task for even the most senior players but Jack has shown he is amply ready for the task.
West Brom: Odemwingie. Because I don’t know anyone else and he is their leading score (hey at least I am honest)
Probable Starting XI:
Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Fabregas (thigh) Diaby (ankle – Q) Vermaelen (achilles) Gibbs (foot) Walcott (ankle) Van Persie (ankle) Ramsey (ankle) Bendtner (groin) Frimpong (knee)
West Brom: Morrison (suspended – 1) Cech (foot), Mattock (ankle), Miller (thigh)
Last Meeting (Carling Cup):
Arsenal: 2
West Brom: 0
Current Form:
Arsenal: DWWWD
West Brom: LWLDW
Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Walcott 4 (4 league) Arshavin 4 (2 League)
West Brom: Odemwingie 2 (2 league)
Match Officials:
Referee: Michael Oliver
Assistant Referees: Andy Halliday & Mick McDonough
Fourth Official: Peter Walton
Broadcast Information:
US: FSC 10:00AM EST
UK: ??? 1500 BST
Feeds:
www.atdhe.net
GAMEDAY CHAT: It’s Open!!!!!! www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 3
West Brom: 0
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Once upon a time, it was called the Eboue Experiment. But that was a smokescreen. The real experiment has always been leaving Wenger in charge of the whole circus. Anyone ever see Fellini’s film 8 1/2? The director in the film has to hide from the media because he creates a film set/project that even he does not know what to do with. I think that description fits Wenger’s situation perfectly, in that he has created a mess of his own accord.
So instead of Daniel Day Lewis playing the character lead from 8 1/2 in Nine, someone should just have followed Wenger around with a camera as it would have achieved the same effect of showcasing a man’s self inflicted problems — having players who are incompetent, not signing competent players, taking competent players and putting them in positions where they become incompetent, taking players with signs of incomptence and putting them in positions where they excelled in the art of incompetence. But this documentary wouldn’t sell as like Nine, there are no beautiful women chasing Wenger around :) Maybe Sven would fit that bill more appropriately.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/jonathanstevenson/2010/09/young_partizan_coach_targets_a.html
I read that Arsenal have never won a CL game in any of the countries they are visiting this time in the group stages.
Apparently the WBA game is not as bad as first seemed, according to Arsene, now he’s watched it on video.
Operation delusion kicks in right on time.
It’s true, and we’ve got 4 world class keepers.
Maybe if he watches two more times, we win!!
It was not as bad as a 0-3 home defeat.
For those who apparently did not watch the game closely.
Although we started in a 4-3-3, after 15 minutes or thereabouts we switched to 4-4-2 with Nasri playing the AM and Arshavin playing up front with Chamakh.
It looked more 4-2-2 with Diaby and Eboue essentially absent.
At times I wondered if there was an issue with WBA wearing white shorts. I was amazed at the number of times Diaby/Eboue literally passed the ball to an opponent.
On Arshavin – I’ve commented. He is an events player. Look at his goals and assists and his involvement in the money plays. Yes, he looks lazy – yet John Barnes looked lazy. It almost comes with the territory with these moody creative types. You can’t carry too many of these types (ones plenty) – and if you do carry one they need to be top-drawer.
Admittedly, quite a few players, including Diaby and Eboue were absent.
Sagna, one of my favorites, got skinned for the first goal, which is so unusual. Has to be his worst game barring the one when he shed his locks 2 seasons ago.
Clichy as usual displayed his lack of mental stability and defensive nous. I cant remember seeing a player at his age who has regressed so much over a period of 2 years. It’s obviously not physical, as he had a whale of a season 3 years back.
Overall, not one player stood out in the first half although Nasri was showing signs of his second stanza breakout.
I have now witnessed 2 games in a short space of time where AFC has just come out totally flat. Sunderland and WBA. I have seen us get our butts kicked by top opposition, but never have I seen us get whipped by lower level EPL teams.
In the past, we would lose or draw because we did not take our chances while dominating the game. These last 2 performances were as if we were in a cathartic trance influenced by poppy seeds. In other words, they were “POPPYCOCK” :)
It’s rather disturbing.
oh Manny
You came and you gave (goals away) without takin’ (goals away)
But I sent you away, oh Manny…
8-)
Stand by your Manny-AW :poop:
(I knew you couldn’t stay away for long. QPR board can’t possibly be as much fun for you.)
oh, what can one say about the Mighty QPR that hasn’t already been said?
7 wins
0 losses
1 draw
22 goals for
2 goals against
Super Jamie Mackie with 8 goals in 8 games.
I hope Arsenal don’t run into them in a Cup… because it won’t be pretty.
;)
They are Invincible?!?
I highly doubt it.
But they’d be THRILLED to get back into the Prem, and they have an owner with some CA$H, so most of the AKB’s would say its not a “real” accomplishment, if they buy players and get in that way! LOL
Do they have a keeper they could loan us?
Oh, Patrick Kenny is their “No.1″… he’s played at Sheffield United for a long time, and has played a few matches for IRELAND.
I’d probably take him over Almunia or Fabianski from what I’ve seen of that lot!!
But Wenger KNOWS, and he said MANNY is our keeper.
George Graham completely disagrees, and he is quoted as saying Arsenal will NEVER WIN ANYTHING with Almunia as the starter.
I sang that in the Westlife version. Shame on me.
Did you mean to hit ‘submit comment’? You know people can see that, right?
If i always thought like that, my posting percentage would drop by 50% ;)
Ha! You really told Mazza there!!!
Gibbs back for Belgrade.
Arsenal.com says – Door is opened for Flapi to start but that Sneezy is travelling with the team. Don Vito is not on the list of the travelling party.
Diaby also left off the squad. Lansbury in.
Serves him right. The midfield solution is straight-forward; 2 of the following must play in the midfield: Fabregas, Nasri, Rosicky, Wishere other wise we don’t have a passing game.
I think had Nasri played in midfield instead of as a winger things might have been more cohesive. I shudder at Eboue as a winger but he would have caused less damage had he and Nasri switched. Oh and had Song not played center forward….
Hopefully Ramsey will be in that list by the end of the year.
Mooney is “injured” for the Belgrade game.
Fab will start.
Who will be on the bench?
Guys, brave yourself for more SHITTY results in the very near future.
Clichy (one of The Three Jinxes) just came out with an interview on Sky), he says:
The France international insists the North London giants can finally end their long trophy drought this season. “The truth is that it’s now five years since we have won anything. So there is no point talking about the poor results because it has only been a few games. We know we can beat anybody at the Emirates normally but it is our form away that is going to be the key.”
Clichy added: “We know we have the players to do it. The quality is there.”
——————————
Putting aside the incredibly ridiculous statements, the real worry is that any time ONE of the Three (Clichy, Denilson, Almunia) make a statement/interview a few days before a game, we generally have a 50% of a really negative result. All 3 came out with interviews before the West Brom game. And the Wigan, Blackburn game at the end of last season.
We just need to hope and pray that Denilson and Almunia dont come out with any statements in addition to Clichy because that would make an Arsenal beat down a 100% certainty.
What a weekend.
Chelsea lose.
Spurs lose.
ManU draw.
Pool draw.
Only City win.
If only …
“Hippies Gunned Down in the Streets….Others beaten and Dragged Off to Prison”….
Rough Stuff!!!!
I’m traveling and watched the match at Doyle’s pub in Tacoma, Washington with Timmy the Tooth (7amkickoff.com)….It was fun and he has a reasonably level head….But, of course, there was also the match….
The club had dispensed with Spurs on Tuesday, announced more profits on Thursday and seen Chelsea drop 3 points in a Serie A yawner….It all looked very promising for the Gunners to trot out and do their business while one of their admirers (the Baggies look to Arsene’s Arsenal as a model of how to play the open, offensive game….) allowed them a nice run-out in the sun….
I thought 4-0…
And that’s what it should have been but for GPS Mooney (Great Penalty Stopper….) Before that, and after, we saw some of the lesser parts of his game…And yet few, I would guess, are calling out for his direct back-up. Hmmmm….
And Nasri, after snapping at his volleys and too eager to shoot in the first half, finally managed to settle himself once the pressure was removed (At 3-nil YOU WILL BE LOSING….) As much as Nasri wants to keep the ball and score, Vela wants to pass it, and then Man-Child Wilshere & Permacrock, bottler Rosicky are expected to change the match?….Again, Hmmm….
But at least they made an effort….relative to the shocking, standing around, can’t possibly be bothered ones, put in by Arshavin, Diaby and Eboue (who seems happy with his few minutes here and there and being the team clown….) Song and Sagna put in more reasonable efforts but then got painfully beaten for the opening goal. Clichy, as always gave nothing going forward, and the usual mistakes on defense. And the remainder, the new signings? Well, should we really expect them to carry the load? They did just fine and maybe even over-performed relative to the rest.
Callow, shocking, spiritless, weak…Call it what you will. The team, on paper, maybe, has enough quality and depth to compete–adequately, at least–on several fronts. But really it only works if players are fit and fringe players show the DESIRE to actually push the first teamer’s. We should be culling our team from the bottom, having players who can’t be arsed unable to get match-time and eventually getting shipped out. Instead with (the usual?) injuries and (not that unusual) inept performances, complacency and mishaps from the regulars, we’re seeing a jaded quality emerge UP AND DOWN the squad. Collective Leadership? Of a sort, maybe….
Bolton manage a draw with United so nobody (excepting Man City) picked up more than a point on us….So, no big deal….Get a few players back from injury (maybe a hair fitter than say Diaby looked yesterday) and all will be fine. A restorative trip to Serbia in mid-week to regain our feet and then onto the Bridge, where the crowd will likely be about as welcoming as at the Grove. After all, there is no home-field advantage when your supporters have just been subjected to prison-sex…
At least I’m on vacation….
Enjoy your vacation. Some damn fine coffee that neck of the woods…but, really, stay out of the woods!
(Hi Mazza!)
And some great cherry pie!
Ah, Tacoma. I love that place. Lived there for about five years and plan to retire there. I don’t drink too much so I’ve never been to Doyles. However, I do reccomend Alaskan Amber. The summers are more pleasant than the fall but you got there before October and all the rain. Enjoy your time there.
Very legit points about player complacency. The boss has got to let the players know it’s unacceptable or we can expect that behavior to continue. Adams, Vieira, and other senior players were good about ensuring slackness was stamped out. But since Wenger’s jetissoned all those senior players at the same time, he’s the one that must assume that responsibility.
Also, a legit point about new players expected to carry the load. We just look void of leadership and creativity with Cesc out of the side. Not everyone can lead but if we’re going to challenge, someone has to ensure we don’t drop points in these types of games. We can’t rely exclusively on talent to win trophies.
Even managers get it wrong and our manager had one of those days. Maybe he was trying to utilize role players to save others for the CL match on Tuesday and Chelsea next Sunday – only he knows, but those that he selected did not perform to his (or the fans) expectations. Responsibility, win or lose is the managers.
Also:
Many here have selective memory. A tendency to judge players you favor on a different plane v. those you dis-like.
After watching the match, there is no way any Arsenal fan could omit Arshavin from the poor performance list. Had Bendtner or Denilson made the errors of Arshavin yesterday, this blog sight would be overloaded with negative commentary about the “poor finishing”, give aways, and lack of desire.
Arshavin is 29 yrs old – five to six years senior to Bendtner, Denilson, and Diaby. For me, I expect to see MORE leadership, someone setting the right example for the younger players.
Last point:
RvP and Rosicky though they are frequently injured, at least give 100% on the pitch. When was the last time Arshavin even gave 50%. If a player can’t show up for matches like yesterday, how can a club rely on him to show up for the big ones.
Other than the tendency to be offsides, Arshavin is Ade’s mini me.
We need the Arshavin that played at Anfield 2 seasons ago, that player that showed some desire.
“Many here have selective memory.”
Ha.
Yeah, some have managed to forget the last 5 years. And they start each season making the same arguments they made the previous 5 seasons, despite having seen them proven wrong 5X in a row.
“Responsibility, win or lose is the managers.”
Going on year 6 now. Good you’ve noticed.
________________
If you don’t think you’ve seen frequent critique of Arshavin in here, then your point about selective memory is more than a little ironic. He’s been slated numerous times for his lazy, seeming disinterest.
In terms of yesterday, the biggest, most obvious gaffes were made by defensive players, so that was the point of emphasis for most of us (and the Manager).
More irony in your complaining about us not criticizing MORE players, tho. Where’s all the sunshine and optimism?
Arsenal have no agreement with any fans for guaranteeing silverware. What sports are you following that have that agreement? Look at the history of this club and how many periods of 5 years or more, over the 100 + years did the club go without winning anything.
Majority of Arsenal fans approve of the way Arsene is managing. Emirates is close to being full every home match.
I’m sure the board is well aware of our team’s drought for trophy’s. If they thought the manager was not doing his job, they would not have renewed his contract with a raise.
Sorry Vibe, but Arshavin is rarely criticized at this sight. Oh yes, on “rare” occasion, but most fans have just accepted his lazy attitude, while Ade was trashed regularly for the same performances.
MY POINT WAS THAT WHEN OTHER YOUNGER PLAYERS GIVE POOR PERFORMANCES AS YESTERDAY – THEY ARE RAKED OVER THE COALS, WHILE THIS MORE EXPERIENCED PLAYER GETS NO MENTION.
re; the defense
defenders and keeper can be placed under added pressure when the teammates in front of them, make careless passes, lose tackles, or fail to support OR they can look organized under control when those up front keep the pressure on the opponent.
Yet, most fans only notice the end result. Watch the match again and notice how many times the midfield and attackers lost possession.
Give WBA credit…..they deserved the 3 points. There is parity in the league and upsets will occur every weekend.
A-K-B sighting!!!
In case you dont know we are not complaining about not winning … we are complaining about the WHACK players that FILL the team.
Keep on trying to distort the issue though.
Our “youth” project has been an absolute FAILURE. An 18 year old Wilshere being hurried on to the pitch to “save” a result is proof of that.
Defend them all you want, that wont stop the Wenger Babes from sending you AKBs another loving “f&ck you” very soon.
What part of my comments are distorted?
Last I remember, those injured and not able to play: RvP, Bendtner, Cesc, Vermaelen, Frimpong, Ramsey, and Theo. Just returning from injury Diaby. Playing the full 120 minutes on Tuesday – Eboue and maybe one of our CBs.
I’m not sure what other options our manager had for changes. Denilson?
One minute you give Arsene credit for his subs, now you criticize the selection of Wilshere.
Part of blooding a youngster is placing him in an unlikely situation to succeed and watch how he handles the situation.
At this moment for the club, I ‘will’ defend the manager and players and have no regrets to speak my piece.
Go Gunners!
You really want to argue how about how many times Arshavin has been criticized on here? Unless DAG keeps stats, I’m just going to chalk that up to your selective memory.
As you are generally one who insists on seeing rainbows flying out the crap, it still strikes me as funny that you’d even want to make a case that hinges on insufficiently criticizing ANY player. Aren’t you usually one who thinks it’s being a ‘bad fan’ to criticize? Now you want to debate who doesn’t get criticized enough?
I didn’t mention winning anything above, but I’ll bite. When you charge among to top prices for attendance, have among the highest of wage bills, and win nothing, you have an over-priced, under-performing product. You’re running out of arguments when you say that no AGREEMENT FOR GUARANTEEING SILVERWARE (sic) exists. West Ham, among other perennial losers, can make the same statement.
Wenger still has a job, a new contract and a raise? So the board is happy? More great insight there. Businessmen with no greater goal than PROFITS would naturally feel that way. Fans want to win something.
So you go right ahead and root for the Annual Report. We definitely have different interests as fans.
My point was about being a hypocrite. Two standards to judge and criticize Arsenal players – same performance and light years difference in the levels of criticism.
Please re- read my 1st input about the match loss. Team win – team loss – everyone gets credit.
What do prices charged have to do with this argument? London one of the top 10 expensive cities in the World…..cost of real estate is not like that of other English cities…..as expenses for the club.
re: winning
“going on 6 years”
If fans were disgruntled, they wouldn’t spend the bucks to attend; buy the gear; blah, blah, blah.
We lost flamini and Hleb due to a salary mentality that was archaic. (repeating from a previous post of mine); don’t disagree about the high wage bill for nothing produced…. but then again I wouldn’t see myself spending the money for Ade or Toure that theyare making at City. Would you?
Nothing wrong with laying out your cards.
As I’ve said, without independent arbitration, we’ll have to disagree on how much criticism AA has received on here. To my memory, he has seen plenty since last year.
RVP also gets his share. Hell, even Cesc has been kicked about. Meaning, I perceive no favorites.
Our defense is weakest, it’s on ongoing problem, so that takes the most hits right now. But everyone seems to agree there’s plenty of blame to go around.
The major disagreement is just how much blame the Manager should receive for HIS policies, strategies, player selections, etc. THAT’S what I was alluding to in the mention of the last 5, going on 6, years. (Not winning is a subset of that.)
There’s a shite load of football clubs in London. If Arsenal’s not THE most expensive, it’s in the Top Two. Since when does what you pay for something not have something to do with the performance you expect?
Yes, people are extremely loyal to the Arsenal brand. Yes, a lot of rich f*cks who could really give a toss about winning football like to attend Arsenal games as part of how they socialize and spend their free time. But, again, you’re making points based on how money is spent/accumulated. If you’re a stockholder of AFC, then goodonya. You have every reason to be thrilled with the money-making product.
But coming from the perspective of someone who believes a big club with resources should actually, genuinely compete to WIN something, I view Wenger as failing.
Of course I agree with you about City’s spending. But I don’t root for City. Now, ask me if I envy United’s winning…
You’re argument is in a board room, on a spread sheet. Mine is on the pitch, in the trophy case. From each perspective, we’re right. But I don’t know how you take so much comfort from yours. Again, unless you actually have a financial stake in the club.
Nope, nothing wrong with laying out your cards. And, as I have in the past, I do give you credit for being an AKBer who shows up here, win or lose.
Admittedly I didn’t get to see the match – it was photo day and match day for my son’s U7 side.
Very shocked at the result. Not shocked Manny had some hand in it. But as I have heard said – we have £56 million in profits and a 56p Goalkeeper.
I guess if there is anything positive to take from the weekend –
Chelsea lost
Tottenham lost
and
Right now Bolton are up on United 1-0 (probably won’t hold but hey you can hope.)
I will say this – Sunderland away was always going to be a difficult fixture. They had lost a total of 3 times there in 18 tries. I also did mention that West Brom have actually been playing very good football as of late. I didn’t think we’d lose but. . .
Ah well.
Problem with youngsters sometimes is that think they have “arrived” before they actually have. This causes them to get complacent and arrogant
The “arrival” syndrome is somewhat fostered by Arsene due to the high wages paid to the young ones before they have earned it.
I can agree with that but I can also:
On one hand I understand the desire to keep a core of players together to try and create something
On the other hand absolutely agree with you Carib – high salaries shouldn’t be given out until you prove you deserve it. Sure there are exceptions – Cesc as a kid would be an exception – you give the big contracts to the truly special kids.
Finally, people will rag on Arsene for not calling out Almunia. Frankly, I have no problem with him not calling out one player. It’s his job as a manager to publicly protect his players. But I am glad to hear his “disgust” and the fact he did not “recognize” the team on the pitch.
Online Gooner Editor says –
“On which note, it has been confirmed to me that the reason the manager will be taking the domestic cups more seriously this season is that he has been told by the board that he has to. The reason? Trophies? No – the club played five less home games last season due to early cup exits, so overall matchday profits were down! Remember, this isn’t a football club whose priority is the winning of silverware, oh no…”
From http://www.onlinegooner.com/editorial/index.php?id=256.
Very interesting. Money talks. Bullshit walks.
When chasing a game Chamakh is not the answer. He is too light to actually win an aerial duel in the crunch when we inevitably start crossing into the box.
The only player we have who can actually be effective in such a situation is Bendtner. Yup. Thats where Arsenal is at the moment.
PS: Finally, someone needs to tell Song to stop roaming around like a fool. How about instead of wasting energy roaming the pitch, he conserves that energy to allow him to accelerate in short spaces and do his REAL job properly …
A DM is supposed to “see” the oppositions moves a step or two before they happen so he can position himself to negate them accordingly. How on earth can you do that when you are fooling around in the oppo’s box??
The good thing at least is that Wenger knows the crapiest performing players … he accurately subbed those he could afford to.
That at least shows he is not completely and utterly blind.
——————————–
If Wenger has ANY balls whatsoever he would take drastic action for the MEANINGLESS CL group game in midweek.
Drop Eboue, Clichy, Almunia, Diaby completely from the traveling squad – no chance of them on the bench.
Lansbury should be given his chance AHEAD of Diaby and Denilson. We KNOW what Diaby and Denilson can do. Surely Lansbury cant do worse.
Start Sczeczeny and Gibbs as first choice henceforth, with Mannone, Lansbury and JE Thomas on the bench.
Eboue and Diaby should be declared “injured” and out for a few months.
That should “shock” the system a bit and inject some fresh air into the team.
I dont expect Wenger to take any action.
I thought the midfield might have been Wilshere/Song/Denilson – the minute I saw Diaby and Eboue I honestly cringed. If the former trio lined up I think we would have done the business.
I have stated repeatedly I fear for Chamakh. However you can’t on the one hand preach tolerance for the likes of Robin van Persie and Tomas Rosicky and then call the natural consequences that flow from carrying these players foolishness. One begets the other. Chamakh is tiring because van Persie is a useless asset to AFC like a Ferrari that spends its life in the workshop.
That was very un-good. One could argue that mabye Diaby and Eboue shouldn’t have started today but Arsenal were at home against WBA. It shouldn’t have been a problem.
I know many of you hate the guy but this game as well as the Sunderland game were games that I believe Denilson would have been used to good effect. When your passing game isn’t working, sometimes you need to keep it simple and complete a few passes. This allows you to establish possession and build momentum. It also takes the edge off of the opposition’s pressing. I know everyone wants the SportsCenter play of the day pass but every pass can’t be that one. The expansive game is nice to see but sometimes you’ve got to dumb the game down in order to get expansive play up.
When you’re at home to West Brom, you need to do more than just show up to secure the three points. I hope the boss gives them and earful over this peroformance. They need it. Also, prophetically, Chamakh’s getting jaded. To start the season with only one guy fit enough to lead the line was foolish. We’ll see how the striker situation works out in the end.
The hilarious part of all this is that the two teams that have completely out-played us are PASSING teams who play expansive football. Sunderland and Brom didnt try to kick us … they just put the ball down and embarrassed us.
Surprised at the whaling Koscielny is receiving today on several blogs … I dont get it mostly because I have extremely low expectations from the guy. What do folks expect from a kid playing only his second season in the top-flight? Plus he wasnt overwhelmingly bad – (in comparison to Diaby, Eboue, Almunia, Sagna, Clichy, etc) anyway.
Mazza, werent you amongst those claiming Almunia is not that bad and that you wished a new GK would come in so we could all see that?? ;-)
Well, Almunia respectfully begs to differ!
Alot of fans thought if we had signed a keeper in the summer we were “all set”. Which was what I massively objected to.
Also, I didn’t put him in my dream squad for three years time did I? ;)
Almunia is average, but no worse than our midfield unit when the likes of Song, Diaby and Denilson are playing.
Look at Liverpool. Average outfield team and Jose Reina is hardly saving their behinds. Given couldn’t stop Newcastle being relegated.
All title winning sides need goalies that bail them out from time to time, but we are so WHACK that I can’t even be bothered to slate Manny. If he were playing in the invincibles side then I would be pissed at him. As it stands, he’s just never another averagado.
Almunia saves the second goal like a NORMAL GK should and the game does not run away from us …
Despite the craven performance of the outfield players if he just got the BASICS right we could have gotten all three points.
It would be nice to have a GK who can “save” the team … but all we are asking is a GK who just gets the average stuff right … consistently.
A lot of folks have watched Almunia for so long that that they dont even know what a real keeper.
Remember how Lehmann used to piss us off? Yet our current crop has less than a third the ability!
I leave you with Lehmanns quote from December 2007 when every AKB was crowing about Almunias “good” performances ….
“I am a serious football player and don’t like watching someone playing who has not got my class or ability. A joke really. If nothing changes, I will grow quite angry”
I only have one word for this pathetic display “OUCH”.
After the Spurs win, I fearted a defeat or a draw today as that would have been consistent with the past when big CC wins were followed by awful stuff. The only way I figured Arsenal would have won today was if they had competent players in every position or if they had a different manager. But since the latter is not going to happen anytime soon, the former will never take place either.
After the first half, I figured it was a matter of time before WB took a 1-0 or 2-0 lead. I kept thinking of the Arsenal-Charlton game back in the 2002 season when Arsenal didn’t take their chances only to find themselves 4-1 down. Today, Arsenal didn’t create as many chances as they did back in that Nov 2001 game but I still envisioned Arsenal going 4-0 down.
The only surprizingly thing is why there are headlines saying that Arsenal were stunned today. Today was another routine defeat under Wenger or another routine bland performance under the man formerly known as Le Professor.
Finally some words from the Ministry of Truth:
“Don’t worry Arsenal fans. Today’s performance showed we have tremendous spirit and character. After going 3-0 down, we battled back to 3-2. We would have tied the game up had the referee given us 15 seconds of extra time like he gave Sunderland. Today, the ref only gave us 3 extra seconds, thereby denying us the chance to tie the game up. But I am very proud of this team. 2 years ago we would have lost this game 3-0. Today, we showed we have now turned a new leaf. We are no longer afraid to take the game against strong teams such as West Brom. The league title is only 13 years away. Let’s celebrate in anticipation for our future glory.“
“2 years ago we would have lost this game”
I hear this line every season, and it gets more and more hilarious, and also takes on more and more of a straw-clutching variety.
How can we twist today’s result?
“We would have won this game last year”(which we probably would’ve) doesn’t quite have the same comforting ring to it, does it? All in all, it just goes to show how stupid that line of reasoning is, trying to connect and compare seasons with season’s past by comparing results against certain sides. It literally means nothing. Each game is played on its own merits.
The funny thing is when someone tries to compare things with the unbeaten team, immediately there is a retort that comparison is not valid as circumstances were different then. Ok fine. So if that comparison is not valid, then comparisons about fake improvements over the past 2-3 seasons should not be valid either. But instead we are asked to see the positives in poor current results by comparing to poor results in the past.
If one truly had to make a comparison, then everything in the last few years has been a deterioration from the great unbeaten era. Until, we get close to that era in terms of quality (or quantity in terms of titles), then everything is still a failure, keeping debt/profits off the table of comparison.
The manager and the board are still in the denial stage and don’t even believe there is a problem. They bizarrely believe this current team is greater than the 98/2002-2005 squad, and some of the current players believe that as well.
>>Each game is played on its own merits.
This line has been dangerously abused by Wenger and a few of his players who believe that mistakes they make in one game should be forgotten about for the next game. Which is why the same players and even Wenger continue to keep making the same mistake on a weekly/seasonal basis as they are taking each game on its own terms but are using past results to spin the poor present.
And if none of that makes sense, then that’s to be expected :) The inverted universe spun by Wenger does not function on logic or reason.
Wenger is still living on merit of past title success and some of his fav. players are basking in the light of titles that they have never known. Yet, there is nothing attributed to current failures. The players don’t own up to their shortcomings and neither does Wenger. It is a perfect model really. This team and Wenger can fail to win anything for the next 10 years yet they can still use the most meaningless things to point success.
The formula by which Wenger and the ministry operate is to only go as far back as 2006 when talking about the past. In their minds, Highbury does not exist when talking about the past. And since there have been enough failures in the last few seasons, then there is always a chance to talk about any success in the future.
Example. If Cardiff City [insert Championship team of choice] get promoted next season and race to a 2-1 lead at the Emirates only for Arsenal to tie the game up 2-2 in the final minute. Wenger can still use that as a sign of improvement because in the past Arsenal lost to a newly promoted team such as Hull or West Brom at home, that salvaging a point would be a success.
Yikes, that was disappointing.
The moment I saw Diaby and Eboue in midfield my stomach went a little queezy. This is where the depth assertion goes a little wonky. Eboue is depth at FB and perhaps as a bit-part substitute in a more advanced role. He is not a serious midfield option – never. Between him and Diaby they did a wonderful job of rendering our passing game unrecognisable. We didn’t look the same team – where was the invention in the midfield trio? Answer, ow ow “there was none”.
Not much else to say. All you can do is sit and observe. When you give away 5 points in 2 games against dross then you know we still don’t have the goods. WBA was a shoe-in. It was 3 points in the bank. We put out a trash midfield, coasted and got smacked at home by a relegation side. Chelsea dropped 3 points and we missed the opportunity to make the game against them less critical. Instead we flump and get into that ‘must win’ situation that works against us.
Wenger is using his own rope to hang himself. As you said, it’s a case of sitting back and watching it all unfold. I want us to win obviously, but I also like watching Wenger squirm, because he’s brought it in on himself and this whole thing is all about him and ego/reputation. He doesn’t give a shit about anything else imo. Once he leaves he’ll never darken our door again. Guaranteed.
Disappointing performance.
All credit goes to WBA; they were organized, never panicked, pressured our midfield into too many errant passes, AND EXPLOITED our defense at the right moments.
Point the finger at every player for this defeat.
Maybe the manager should make some dramatic changes for Tuesday’s match.
Remember guys, this is still ONLY September … and we have thrown away seven points (almost HALF of those available) against random teams.
We’ve got a LONG way to go … we must now start looking to secure top four. Man U, Chelsea and Man City will secure their top 4 spots … it would be down to us, Spurs and maybe eventually Liverpool to have a shootout for the fourth spot!
—————————————————
Immediately after we smashed the MIGHTY Braga 6-0 and ALL our dross players were crowing I knew we were going to go down fast … I sensed it. It has happened repeatedly for the last four years … yet the AKBs continue to tell us about how the team has “improved” and how the 4-2-3-1 means we are better! LOL!
PS: Last week I noted that every single time Denilson, Almunia or Clichy (The Three Jinxes) have interviews on any of the major papers, Arsenal stumble. So when Denilson was crowing like a fool after the Braga game, I feared for the Sunderland away game.
And when after the Spurs game, Denilson was in the papers about how “Arsenal were the best team in England” and Almunia was saying “Arsenal absolutely deserved to win the league” and Clichy was in the Guardian talking about “the players enjoying their game” I was quite apprehensive. But then I thought, its at the Emirates and its West Brom … we surely cant stumble …
When we went 3 down, the very first thing I thought of was my three jinx theory.
The odds of West Brom winning today was 22:1 on some sites … so next time ANY of see any interviews from the “three” … RUN as fast as you can to your bookie, online gaming, casino, shady tout and put all your spare cash against Arsenal. You’ll find yourself like a central bank … printing money.
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I fully expect the Wenger babes to be machine-gunned down at the Bridge.
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Arsenal’s roster showing great depth once again. For the first time in years, we have absolutely shit players in every position.
Captain Smirk won’t like this – just a day after championing our profits and giving the old player development “I’m a genius, worship me” routine.
Bit of a hint to you Arsene: Shut your stupid mouth and wait till your team actually wins something before giving your pretentious philosophical crap to the press. These things have a habit of biting you in the ass but you still get carried away season after season.
Dear AKBs (who brag after wins in CL group games and CC games),
F&ck U!
Sincerely,
Wenger Profit FC
(like)
Oh, well !
Just as well that we announced all that massive revenue yesterday. At least, we can win the profit league.
Best not to say anything more.
not a big deal in the grand scheme.
not even really unexpected… well, not completely.
you have to expect Almunia to be … Almunia, and
blow goals… he did not dissapoint in doing so.
and in the long term, the points are meaningless really.
we aren’t going to win the league, so what’s it matter?
if we finish Top 4? Not much.
the financial reports noted in the last thread, FAR FAR more
important in regard to Arsenal Football Club, in the long term.
So, don’t worry, be happy.
It’s exciting when we can lose at home to West Brom, because
then you go into the game knowing that ANYTHING can truly happen!
peace and love
UP the ARSENAL.
have a wonderful weekend.
(QPR won again) :rainbow:
You might actually be on to something …
We are not going to win the league anyway so whats the point winning these sort of home games.
Yesterday, someone was saying there are no “super” players who could improve this team ;-)
Fred.
You know we are not competing to win the league.
100% serious.
So, yes, its a bad loss at home… but as long as we remain in the Top 4, Arsene Wenger is safe.
WTF … came back from mowing the lawn only to find out that we’re down 1 – 3
OK Arse pulled on back … one more please …
100% Poo.
This has been the dopiest home performance in a long time. Diaby is strolling around like he’s Ambien. Big problem not having a natural leader in the middle.
Almunia once again reminds us why we really do need a decent keeper. What a howler.
Double substitution — finally. Let’s see if we salvage something.
I will never understand why Wenger continues to play Eboue upfront … this experiment has failed for THREE years and counting!
Diaby on the other hand is an extremely heavy anchor on this team. He literally kills the zip in the team.
Bring Rosicky and Wilshere in ASAP!
You’ll never understand why Arsene persists with failed experiments? Really?
Mooney, awful. Clichy, awful. Kos, meh. 0-2.
Nice day. Going for a bike ride before the Gunners spoil it.
And yet you still have him in your ‘squads of the future’ Fred.
Absolute shit player and like a few others, has to be fucking jettisoned immediately.
In my last “squad of the future” in the last thread I wanted him sold with Nordveit taking the backup RB spot.
I can tolerate him as a BACKUP RB … but no way that piece of garbage should be playing upfront and I have been saying that for THREE straight years.
I meant Diaby, should have specified. (That’s what happens when there are so many clowns :) )
Yeah, am always pacified by his “strength” and “presence” … I always knew he was as pointless a player as Denilson, but I figured that just maybe he could grow into a player that provides some physicality for the midfield – despite his slow brain.
Today, his performance really jumped out. He was an extremely heavy anchor … short-circuiting the team with every possession.
Not only is he a poor player he is fucking lazy.
Have I got something wrong or is there really no one in GDC ???
City have the sign over Chelsea since last season.
A great start to the weekend.
I’ve only watched the Battle of Oil Firm the last 10mins (around the time when Drog was subs’d)
Oh and Chelsea down 1-0 to Citeh
Starting XI:
Almunia, Clichy, Scquillaci, Koscielny, Sagna, Eboue, Song, Diaby, Nasri, Arshavin, Chamakh
Newcastle away for the Carling Cup.
United get Wolves at home.
I would really like City to get a result against Chelsea today. Even a draw will do. Just to halt their amazing winning run before they face us.
Nip, that would motivate Chels to kick our butts …
All the money in the world can’t buy you a decent gk. :(
4-0 today.
• Arsenal have scored in the last 20 minutes in 17 of their last 18 games at Emirates Stadium.
I don’t see this current incarnation taking until the final minutes to make a breakthrough, but you never know. If Arshavin keeps getting his cutting edge back, we should be 2-0 up by the break. Nasri and Wilshere can both seize the moment to shine in the absence of Fabregas. And hopefully, this time, the CBs (more specifically Clichy) can keep a clean sheet.
I’m going to plump for 3-0 too.