EPL Match Day 15: Arsenal v Aston Villa; Match Preview
Will Arsenal show up?
You’ll pardon me if I quote from the BBC’s preview of this match:
Villa manager Gerard Houllier once said of friend and Gunners counterpart Arsene Wenger that he “can eat, talk, sleep and drink football, and then come back for more.” It is a passion Wenger would dearly love to instil in his players.
And that is what it comes down today – where is the heart and focus of this team. With heartbreaking (to fans and players alike) losses to Spurs and Braga, this has not been a kind week to anyone associated with the club. What it now requires is herculian focus on what sport is about – winning. Arsenal are a team built in a respective way for many reasons – to be financially sound, to devleop young talent, to play the game the right among them. But it is also a team that has to win. Everything else is great and Arsenal fans are thankful their club is built this way, but winning is an end result that must happen for this club to realize its full potential.
To me this a club chock full of talent. Sure there are some players that we all would deem not suitable to wear the red and white but overall there is enough talent here for this club to be successful. It is hard for fans who have been spoilt by the success under Wenger to understand those that say that this club is about to realize its promise. Seems like all talk. But I agree, this club is about to realize its promise. I suspect that hadn’t Vermaelen gone down some of the concerns we have wouldn’t be there and we could very well be top of the league right now. But we aren’t and what is needed more than anything else in this squad is a leader. A bona fide call teammates on the carpet leader.
More than someone who can display skills on the field, the team needs somoene who rallies the troops when they are up and gets them to focus. When they let in a goal they need someone to challenge them in the moment to step it up. Maybe it’s not the Captain. Maybe it is just someone with the nerve and steel to challenge the players. There are different types of leaders and right now the “hard assed” type is what we lack the most. I will say that the person I think best exemplifies this on the squad is Vermaelen. He came in and challenged the club right away. He was always a stalwart and ready to give the extra necessary. Right now we have a lot of talented players who “quietly” go about their business. However, when their business lets them down they don’t seem to have the necessary gumption to rally themselves.
My case in point is when Ramsey went down. The horrific look on the players faces, an incident in the past that caused the team to crumble. But who was on the field that day – Sol Campbell. In the now hallmark picture of the team in the huddle it is clear that Sol is holding that group together. That to me was the biggest reason we went on to beat Stoke that day. Because someone got the team to focus when something went wrong.
Sure, the manager is to get them to focus on the game play. But it is up to the players themselves to do something when things aren’t going well. Above all this is the biggest signing we need. It is why I wouldn’t have been upset had Wenger signed Pires as a fill in. It is why I didn’t want Sol to go. It is why I watch Jack Wilshere and see that he can grow in to this role.
As for tomorrow. We are against the wall. Odd to say for a squad that only sits 2 points off first, that still controls its Champion’s League Destiny, is in the thick of it for the Carling Cup and still has the FA Cup to play for. But we are. The sharks are circling. With critics everywhere talking once again about Arsenal’s soft underbelly. Now is a good chance to refocus the team.
Villa is always the start of something special. Look at last year. We had come off a 3 -0 loss to Chelsea and were still being looked at as down and out. Then following an improbable run, we beat Villa 3-0 at the Emirates and were top of the league with a game in hand. Well, we don’t have the fortune of a game in hand. But we do have the ability to go top of the league – even if it is only for a bit. A win cures all.
I am also one of the few peo0ple, who thinks this squad does better when Fabregas isn’t in it. As he will be out with a lingering hamstring injury for up to two weeks. Sure we play good with him and everything happens with him. But we have had sustained runs the last two seasons without him in the squad. Mainly I think because the over reliance of letting him control the game isn’t there. Without a doubt we are better squad when he is healthy and on his game. But we have also proved to be a good squad when he is not avilable. Arsenal will need to be at that level for at least the next fortnight.
The Captain’s absence should make room for some of the regular subs to get some time. I expect Arsene to slot Nasri in the Fabregas slot which will open up the right side for Walcott to come in. There was some speculation that Van Persie could get the nod but I still think Wenger will go with Chamakh and Arshavin on the attack. Arshavin though, will likely have a short leash. Admittedly, I am curious to see a front line of Van Persie, Chamakh and Bendtner. But, I think Bendtner will find it hard pressed to get in the squad as a starter. His display in the midweek shows exactly why he is not the striker he thinks he is. There were some beautiful attempts by Walcott that Bendtner either wasn’t in position or didn’t have the speed to get into position. Sorry Nicky B but I think you are about to find yourself on the way out. But still once I would like to see if there is something for a tall attacking trio.
At this time, I am not sure Clichy will be back or not. Supposedly he has recovered from his back injury but I still think Gibbs gets the start. Again, I think Clichy is a good left back prone to the costly mistake. I personally think though that Gibbs is better in all aspects of the game. Especially in his ability to get back on the play even when he has played too forward. Additionally, I think Djourou has had two games in row where he has played solidly. I think Koscielny will devleop into a nice CB one day. Unfortunately that day is not now and his learning curve is one of the points that is costing us points. The good thing is that the bulk of the squad is healthy and there are options. (Only 2 regular first team starters are out – Vermaelen and Fabregas.)
Regardless of the lineup the squad needs to show its fans and itself that it can bounce back and considering that the middle of Villa’s squad right now is all reserve players, it could be a good day to that.
How It Should Play Out:
Right now this is hard for me to gauge. If they can sustain an effort like they did in the first half against Spurs last week, then this should be a cake walk. Arsenal haven’t lost at Villa in 11 trips. Villa aren’t scoring with any sense of regularity. Even Gabby Agbonlahor who was being touted as the next great thing in English football is not productive. Arsenal are the league’s best away team and I think this is because the squad is feeling the pressure at home to succeed this year. Still if we stay with the attack I think we should see a face paced opening leading to a couple of goals.
Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Samir Nasri. Moves to his natural position on the pitch with the absence of Cesc Fabregas. If he is doing as well on the right wing which is his “unnatural position” then we can only hope that he will be even better in his natural role.
Villa: Robert Pires. I always pick out the Arsenal legend when we play against them. And Bobby is an out right legend. He was signed by Villa because of their depleted midfield and was a sub in their last match. Given how their midfield was over run in the last match, I would not be surprised if he gets a surprise start.
Probable Starting XI
Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Almunia (elbow) Vermaelen (achilles) Frimpong (knee) Diaby (ankle) Fabregas (thigh) Eboue (ankle)
Villa: Beye (ankle -D) Hogg (ankle – D) Albrighton (appendicitis) Cuellar (calf), Delph (knee) Heskey (knee) Petrov (knee) Reo-Coker ( knee) Sidwell (Achilles) Weimann (ankle)
Last Meeting (EPL):
Arsenal: 0
Villa: 0
Last 5:
Arsenal: WWLWL
Villa: DDWDL
Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Chamakh 9 (6 league) Nasri 8 (5 league) Walcott 7 (5 league) Arshavin 5 (2 League)
Villa: Downing: 5 (4 league); A Young: 4 (2 league); Heskey: 4 (1 league)
Goals For:
Arsenal: 1.6 (away)
Villa 1.4 (home)
Goals Against:
Arsenal: .9 (away)
Villa: .7 (home)
Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 13
Villa: -5
Match Officials:
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Assistant Referees: Ron Garfield Adam Watts
Fourth Official: Phil Dowd
Broadcast Information:
US: ESPN 2/ESPN 3 7:45 AM
UK: Sky Sports 2 1245 BST
Feeds:
www.atdhe.net
GAMEDAY CHAT: It’s Open!!!!!!
www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2
Villa : 1
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Barca PLAY and LAUGH Real Madrid off the pitch today!
easy as pie.
4-0 HUMILIATION.
They aren’t going to win anything this year?
That is HILARIOUS.
Sorry Jose.
Better buy some players in January.
Fun times in English football as our “bogey” month comes to a close….I missed the Spurs/Pool match today (skiing) but it sounded like a good one, but for the ending, of course….Not a single clean sheet in all round 15 matches….
Chelsea continue to struggle (Essien more important to them than Cesc is to us?) amid rumors of management changes and an obvious need to buy some healthy defenders….
So I guess the momentum switches to United who are looking healthier and maybe are now running on more than the fumes of the little pea (Chicharito) who seems to have motivated his mates, most notably Berbatov…..
We really need to consolidate a good victory at Villa (closer than it should have been, but at least we held our nerve) with some better home performances (and convincing victories, of course) against Wigan, Fulham and Partizan before the showdown at OT….(And it would be good to get our home form in order before we play Chelsea just after Xmas and Leeds that first Saturday of the New Year….)
I’ve got family visiting for Thanksgiving and my mom and aunt were telling me about my Grandfather’s cousin Gottfried….Five goals Berbs?….Ha, try doubling that….
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gottfried_Fuchs
MOTD highlights for download in the forums:
https://youaremyarsenal.mystagingwebsite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=37
So I slag Arshavin alot but I was reading his post match interview on his official site. I love this part:
arshavin.eu Samir struck the gate, after you fed the ball from the corner. Did you practice this at training?
AA No. I just noticed that my teammate was standing lonely in the corner obviously bored. I decided to cheer him up.:)
The full interview is here: http://www.arshavin.com/en/news.php?id=617
Or this comment:
arshavin.eu: What would have happened to the team if you had lost today?
AA: What would have happened? We would have been sitting on the bus to London looking at each other like frightened bunnies:)
classic, lol
I absolutely love his rather dry sense of humor. His site is on my favorites.
While 3 points on the road is always a good thing…
I was not very impressed with how we played defensively.
We had 2-0 and 3-1 leads, and still gave Villa every chance
to steal a point.
You have to put games away, and be able to DEFEND a lead.
We don’t seem to be able to defend a lead at all, so thats why most of
us probably freaked out when we took off 2 of our better players on the day… who go forward (which is what we do best), for Denilson and Gibbs?!
I’d say that the Clichy haters see a goal scored against and say: WHERE IS CLICHY… pretty much every time.
I don’t see how the goal was his fault at all. Sorry.
Great Shot. Carew interfering with Fabianski, and last I checked, there were 3 other defenders on the team…
The defense was shaky all match… you simply can’t win big games against the better teams playing defense like that.
How the hell is it that Vermaelen has been out so long. I don’t even remember the injury.
And frankly, we didn’t miss Cesc very much offensively yesterday.
He’s FRAGILE… and hasn’t been close to his best this season.
When Cesc is not at his best(physical peak), and the likes of Arshavin, Nasri, Rosicky are available, then we’re better off without him. He’s still capable of picking a good pass, but he carries an air of frustration around him that depresses the whole side it seems.
Althought I am reminded of that period at the back end of last season when we were without him and we were absolute garbage. Nasri has improved since then and Wilshere has come in but I’m skeptical of how much has changed in the squad, both abiity wise and maturity wise, since that period of poor results and pitiful performances.
“I am reminded of that period at the back end of last season when we were without him and we were absolute garbage.”
If my memory serves me right, at the same time Cesc was out, so was Song, Vermaelen, Gallas, Arshavin, RvP, and Bendtner…..
Experienced depth has been our achilles heel for the past 4 seasons AND IS AN ISSUE FOR EVERY TEAM in the PL. (except Man City)
LOL, stag, my fact free friend … if a defender is standing next to an opponent and moves AWAY as the ball reaches the aforementioned opponent and the guy strikes and scores … the defender WILL be slated.
There is actually video evidence … that even the AKBs agree on.
yes. every goal is his fault, even if he’s not on the pitch.
He was on the post for the 2nd goal, HAD to be his fault as well.
LOOOOL! Fact-free Staggy-boy:
Everyone on here is talking about the first goal … and after hilariously trying to defend him on that you are resigned to twisting yourself in circles talking about “every goal”.
If you cant back your claims with the video evidence, then shut your pie-hole or continue to embarrass yourself. Both work the same.
Re: Villa’s 1st goal
From my perspective, I have to wonder about the responsibilities of our CB’s.
– one of them was likely assigned to mark Carew.
As Carew is on the ground (behind both our CB’s) and the ball played out…..their first priority is to push the line up and mark any free opponent in a central position.
So as the ball is cleared to Clark, neither CB has a man…….they have not pushed out as quickly as needed…….finding themselves “only marking space”.
Secondly, where were either of the DM’s (Song / Wilshere)? as Clark was an advanced central mid-fielder. We certainly have talked about defensive discipline at this position.
Clichy should have never found himself in a quandary of leaving his man & his own spacial responsibility to pursue Clark.
We wouldn’t even be talking about Clichy if Clattenburg understood the off-sides law.
If Carew is not blocking Fabianski’s view……its an easy save for Fabianski.
Clichy is not perfect, but he is not a liability for the club. He had a terrific match against Villa. Compare his steals, intercepted passes, and tackles won vs. Sagna.
All year long, the issue is closing out the other team after we take the lead…….we create the goal scoring chances but are unable to convert. ULTIMATELY, THIS PLACES MORE PRESSURE ON THE DEFENSE.
Watch other clubs (and other league play). How did Maicon handle Bale? Is Alex a bad defender, yet he gifted Newcastle (Carroll) a goal. Skrtl’s own goal. Luccio contributed to 2 goals to opponent in a match last week. I can remember Vidic having howlers for United.
Before the match, did any one care how we took the 3 points.
The team’s overall performance exceeded my expectations considering we were w/o Cesc, RvP, Vermaelen.
Everybody makes howlers, but Clichy is a repeat offender that is why everyone gets pissed off with his gaffes. Even at that nobody would have given it a second mention if Stag hadnt gotten his panties in a bunch.
As for us needing more support from DMs and midfield, that goes without saying.
I dont agree that our offense has to score a lot of goals to relieve pressure. Winning games 3-0 and over is completely unrealistic in the long-run and needless to say impossible.
The defense needs to LEARN how to shut up shop. There is no too ways about and no running from it.
Defending is HARD WORK. And our players dont like the pain of learning the hard stuff.
Arseblog gets to the bottom of a long unsolved mystery:
As the ball is headed out he sees the danger, moves towards Clark and then something switches off in his brain. It’s almost as if he’s been implanted with a device opposition managers can activate from the sideline. ‘Defensive Clichy off, hapless spacker Clichy on’.
I would say that Clichy is not the only player who has this device implanted in their brain. Other Arsenal players have such devices and at key moments in the season, these devices are activated causing Arsenal damage. My guess is that Arsenal players have these devices implanted during their long spells on the injury table. So there must be a saboteur in the medical staff. And given the medical staff’s track record, no one would question why a player is undergoing brain surgery for treating a common cold.
And there is an underground gathering where opposing managers take turns activating these devices and betting on whose activation will cause the most damage thereby earning them more money. Guardiola stays away from such nonsense but he does not know that Xavi’s hobby is activating this device every week. Xavi does not do it for money but he does it out of love.
So, are we back on track? It was a nail biter, but given that we were in a more comfortable setting (away from home) we were able to overcome the bad officiating and prevail. The defensive subs came late (showing even the manager’s lack of faith in us holding a one goal lead) but the team did it.
Now home matches with Wigan (CC) and Fulham and we need to run a tally and keep a clean sheet or two (ha!). We’ve got good options in attack and Rosicky may have showed enough to fill in for Cesc over the next bit. Also, I think it’s very good that Young Jack got his goal as that is the one part of the game (nervousness in front of goal) that has betrayed his age.
I’m curious what people thought about Song’s performance yesterday. He made some very nice passes I thought and had a good balance between forward moves and hanging back. Unfortunately he was rooted to the ground on Villa’s second goal. He’s not quick when it comes to getting up and into the air. Koscielny, however, is (IMO) pretty strong on that account, as well as getting a foot to dangerous balls. Obviously he’s prone to getting beaten on the run when he’s covering for fullbacks out wider. As such, and given that (with Vermaelen and Eboue out) we’re down to 6 defenders for 4 spots, defensive discipline and correct positioning will be at a premium, esp. when we get to the big matches later in December. And that goes for the likes of Song and Wilshere, and whoever else, Denilson, I guess (given that Diaby and Ramsey are gone) who are assigned to track opposition runs….
Yes, the problem nailed at the end. Our appalling inabiity to back track robustly and contest second balls, and also tracking runs. All fall under the category of ‘defensive awareness’.
It’s what I always used to go on about every single week in the 08/09 season and even before that when I noticed how Wenger was preparing these clowns to take over the mantle in central midfield, while our present options were running down contracts(Flamini) and being strangely snubbed(Diarra). The ‘clowns’ of course, being messers Diaby, Denilson and Song. Those on AA will remember I’ve consistently stated ad nauseum that they are not good enough, both in the area your referring to, and in every other area, so much so that I’ve stopped going on about it in the last year or so. Three years on, it’s becoming patently clear to even the Wengerites that they are not what is needed.
Alongside the intangible reasons such as team attitude/mentality, our ineptness at shoring up the central area will once again be the most tangible reason we win f-all again(alongside Calamity Clichy). It’s galling and irritating, especially considering that Wenger sits on the bench every week, every season, and still doesn’t seem to have become any the wiser on the issue. On the contrary, he seems to be in complete denial over that area of the pitch and the options available to him.
If Ramsay can get fit then we may still have hope, because he possesses the necessary intelligence and physical spring to hose down those fires that appear around the edges of our box, but with our current options then we’re going to continue to see the same soft goals given away.
Song was OK. BUT he kept on RUSHING forward at 3-2 when we needed stability at the back – leaving an 5ft 7in, 18 yr old AM to do the defensive work.
Utterly and thoroughly idiotic.
Our yo-yo pattern of results continues. This season mirrors the previous, perhaps another incredible opportunity to sneak a title whilst our competitors struggle to be efficient.
But let’s not lose sight that a 4-2 away win against Villa is a good result and even the flow of the game would have been quite acceptable if it didn’t mirror aspects of the Spurs game-script and remind us of our oft-terminal weaknesses.
On to the good, Arshavin’s commanding performance demonstrated what I’ve been saying about him. No one else in this team drives on goal and shoots with the same belief and determination. Take away Arshavin and we flatter to deceive around and in front of the box. His variety is critical to balance this sides reluctance to be direct.
Nasri really is improving this season. His goal, taken on the volley, showed real technical skill. His level of involvement is higher and he is more effective. Does he like Fabregas being away?
Chamakh is such a good alround package, today he almost scored with another great header, he did score with a run and toe-poke on a great Rosicky throughball, and he delicately created the goal for Wilshere. Refresheningly for Arsenal he’s not afraid to be in the box – no surprise he has 10 goals already.
Shame about the first AV goal, it should have been disallowed, their no.10 was loitering offside and provided them with an unfair advantage for the goal. Nice to come back to 3-1 and then 4-2.
So that’s the good. The bad, for me, is our failure to be more lethal and clinical in converting our dominance. Our possession merited a third goal which would have killed the game. I’ll watch with interest over the next few Fabregas-less games to see whether the team actually shows sharper teeth in the absence of the great little maestro. I’d like to see a razor sharp goalscoring option in this lineup…. Chamakh/Arshavin/Nasri plus another.
On defence…. no point discoursing. It is what it is. Wenger thinks the CBs are “Great”. As of course are the keepers. So I hope within the context of Wenger-world – so we need the ability to go 3-0 up.
I realize he’s not your favorite, but given the huge amounts of space that Villa were giving us (luring us in order to counter?) I think Walcott could’ve been very effective yesterday. Of course, he would have needed his “footballing brain” switched on, which hasn’t been the case lately….
But who would we drop to get him in? It would have to be one of Nasri, Arshavin or Rosicky and they all did the job yesterday. I’m sure Theo will get a chance in at least one of the next couple of matches and if he could just make a few possession oriented touches in addition to the forward moves, I predict good things. If Nasri keeps his good play going and Andrey is revived and getting back on the scoresheet, It’ll be that much tougher for Theo, although “resting” Arsha every few games might be just the ticket for a healthy competition among the attackers…..
Three very interesting things of note.
1) For most of the game we played a 4-4-1-1 with Rosicky and Arshavin rotating as the second forward. This brought out the best in them, especially AA, because that’s where they are accustomed to playing. Hence, we created more chances than any other game this year. Unfortunately, when Cesc is in the game everything goes through him and the opposition always knows where he is. In this game, everyone was contributing in terms of creating chances at any given moment. Food for thought.
2) Clichy as usual, had his two brain farts and one cost us the first goal. Instead of closing down Clark since he was the closest defender, he just backed off and allowed the shot. Can’t place al;l the blame on him however, as the Ref botched that call since Carew was clearly interfering with the play. The real irony of this situation with Clichy is that he is extremely gifted, loves the club, plays hard, but has the football brain of a neanderthal. How long does Arsene need to realize that Clichy is a defensive liability.
3) For once, instead of bringing on like for like subs we definitely went defensive with 2 attacking players being replaced by defenders initially and then the intro of DJ to provide aerial support at the back, especially against Dunn. At that point we were playing a 5-3-1-1. The first sub really should have been DJ since we were getting hammered in the air.
Final thoughts are while the offense clicked we once again did not take our chances, and once again, we made stupid mistakes at the back. Same old story which would have been punished by a better team.
Arsene chapter ??? in the making.
In other news, the Yama Fanstasy league has a new leader: Arsenal Red Cloud…
The number of chances created in the match was pretty staggering (perhaps because of Villa’s makeshift central MF?) and the 6 goals (all after almost 40 mins had been played) demonstrates the crazy openness of the match. Even at 3-1 Villa were inviting us forward hoping to get us on the break….
And of course we were taking the bait…
Why can’t we just shut up shop?
In some ways I think it’s because we’re still too much a group of individuals (esp. up front) rather than a true team, focused on results. I think, however, that we looked better trying to do that after the subs were made….
I haven’t been able to change my captain in fantasy for the last couple of weeks for some reason :( Still no excuse, well done Carib!
If it makes you feel any better I always seem to choose the “wrong” one; every week…
I was not even able to log in to make my changes this week.
Thanks Ozi, but you will probably retake the lead after the Chelsea game (lol)
It normally logs me in automatically when I go through this link and it just stopped a few days ago and I have not gotten the chance to fix it because of celebrating Thanksgiving and my birthday. Just recovering from 2 days of cavorting.
Chelsea game in doubt I hear… Ah well. At least we can finish the week ahead of them.
Or maybe they’ll just lose….Down a goal in the 9th minute and not happy in the frozen North…
I’ll sit in the GDC if anyone else is watching….
Another nail biting finish, but 3 points on the road will help boost morale.
Arshavin played well and the mid-week rest (maybe) was the right Rx, as he was involved
‘constructively, in both halves.
Where would Arsenal be this season without Chamakh?
Unbelievable :) Was quite worried when both AA and Nasri were taken off in one go but little Jack ensured there was some attacking threat left on the field and glad to see him get his first league goal. Although Arsenal tried to pass their way for the 4th goal but beautiful lobbed pass from Chamakh to set it up for Jack.
Top of the league.
DAG –
thanks for adding the thumbs up…..and good post.
I would like to see Wilshere pushed forward on either wing – not in midfield.
midfield of:
——–Song———
–Rosicky————-
————-Nasri—-
Startiing XI: Fabianski, Sagna, Koscielny, Rosicky, Nasri, Song, Squillaci, Wilshere, Clichy, Arshavin, Chamakh
Subs: Van Persie, Walcott, Denilson, Djourou, Gibbs, Bendtner, Szczesny.
Rosicky is wearing the Captains armband
I am off to play in a football tournament today. Not sure if I will get back in time to see the game and be in GDC.
I would not be surprised if we win this game comfortably.
Houlier is set to make a game time decision on Gabby Agbonlahor