FA Cup: Round 3 Arsenal v Leeds United; Match Preview
It is affectionately known as the oldest association competition in the world. It was first played in 1871 and it is now upon us now. That’s right that grandaddy of them all, the Football Association Cup or FA Cup if you would rather is back at the Emirates. It is also the last piece of silverware that was held aloft by Arsenal.
Coming into the Emirates are last season’s darlings of the tournament – Leeds United. They went on a prolonged glorious run last season claiming no less than the scalp of one of their older rivals, Manchester United. And while the potential for an upset likely exists with this match up it may not be the focal point for the visitors.
Manager Simon Grayson comes in with an inury depleted side, and a side fighting for the Championship title. This last point is important to know about what we can expect for Saturday. Last season Grayson and Leeds Chairman Ken Bates felt the prolonged run in the FA Cup hurt their Championship run. It is fairly likely with that in mind, plus the injury situation means that a “weaker” side may be on the pitch for Leeds.
Arsenal fans though should relax in the thought that Leeds will come in and park a gold trimmed bus on the pitch, ala, Man City. It is not how this team plays and a team noone expects to do well will likely come in to the Emirates without the pressure heeped on say a side like Arsenal of whom expectations are aplenty.
Is this a Cup Wenger can hold aloft this year?
For the Gunners, we all should expect that their will be major changes form the side that has been so successful of late. The likes of Fabregas, Wilshere, Song, Djourour and Van Persie are likely to be key players getting a rest. Chamakh, Arshavin, Rosicky and Szczesny will be asked to lead the charge for the Gunners as they take the pitch on Saturday morning.
The most interesting part of this match is the fact that Arsene Wenger has given permission for Sanchez Watt, currently on loan to Leeds, to play against his primary club. Wenger has always been a proponent of allowing loanees to play against their club. The great thing about this is Wenger will get a chance to evaluate Watt against more senior talent and Arsenal fans will get a chance to see what is likely to be one of the stars of the near future in action. All in all a win win I say.
The big story line for the Gunners it the return to the lineup of Aaron Ramsey. Injured 10 months ago in a outlandish tackle by Ryan Shawcross, the promising Welshman was recalled from his loan to Nottingham Forrest this week. Due to the bad weather in England, Ramsey didn’t get to play match so his match fitness is still a question but he is healed and Wenger is likely to include him in this squad and the squad for the Carling Cup against Ipswich. Everyone is eager to see how Aaron has healed and if he suffers any lingering affects from his break. Feedback from Forrest on his loan stay was positive and we are that he was an exemplary standard bearer. All in all its good to see the back. Let’s hope he can soon get back to the form he was beginning to show before his injury.
Arsenal haven’t failed to move on from this portion of the FA Cup in the last fourteen years. They’ve won the FA Cup 10 times in their history. They are on an excellent run of form having won 6 of their last 9 with 1 loss. They are the leagues leading scorers and even with their replacements they are likely to be a handful for an under sized Leeds. Look for the Gunners to make their 15th straight trip to the fourth round.
Probable Arsenal Starting XI:
Szczesny, Squillaci, Djourou, Eboue, Gibbs, Denilson, Rosicky, Eastmond, Arshavin, Bendtner, Chamakh
Match Day Officials:
Referee: Chris Foy
Assistant referees: Mike Mullarkey and Adam Watts
Fourth official: Phil Dowd
Broadcast Information:
US: Foxsoccer.TV 0745 EST
UK: BBC Web site 1245 GMT
GAMEDAY CHAT is open!!! Go here
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 3
Leeds: 0
[donate]
71 comments
Leave a reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Funny how the team we ape (Barca) who bring thru the most youth players never fear killing those same youth with the experienced pros they bring in.
They didnt fear killing Pedro, Jeffren and co. when they brought in Henry or Ibra. They didnt fear killing Messi when Giuly and Ronaldinho were starting on the flanks. They didnt fear killing Iniesta, Xavi or Busquets when Deco, Davids, Marquez and a ton of others were starting.
Infact, they had Busquets, the STARTING DM for Spain in their team YET they went out and bought Mascherano … a guy who would start in virtually ANY team.
What did that do. It actually forced Busquets to DOUBLE down and improve. He is now playing twice as good as he was last year. Shocking how that works!
Yet we have a threadbare midfield and defense and we are tip-toeing around. Song has no competition – not in quality or numbers. An 18 year old Wilshere, though good is playing way too many games for a top club.
Ah well.
@ arsession:
Again with the ridiculous logic that no one is “qualified” to criticize Wenger. From this absurd point of view, the ONLY persons who can criticize him are Hiddink, Ferguson, Mourinho and a few other of the top managers. NO ONE ELSE!
But it even gets better. The other managers at lower clubs should also be immune from criticism from fans and club owners as well and hence should be unsackable. After all if you have never coached before how can you criticize one who has.
PS: Denilson lost his man on several occasions, was second to several balls and the Leeds central runners generally had their way with him – without his consent.
If that qualifies as “having a good game” then you clearly have not seen a proper DM in a long while.
We’re going shopping in the morning…
Outside of getting Vermeusli back fit, I could not be happier we are going to buy a new centre back. Please. Make a big nasty leader.
As Banfield said of the 10-1 thrashing by Villa. “What was really disappointing was that it was a lack of character.”
Until Cesc came on against Leeds, we were sorely lacking a motivator.
Barging my way to the front of the queue, sending a volley of expletives Steve’s way… ;)
Without Arshavin we wouldn’t have got into the champions league two years ago so he’s already been a good investment. Even going through a supposed poor spell he’s contributing far more than Deckchair-son so I don’t know how any argument can be made for rubbishing the merits of buying experienced players based on his decline/inconsistency.
Arshavin has been a enigma throughout his career anyway.
By the way, our next batch of superstars, the ‘technically so brilliant they have nothing to learn” crowd, got their arses handed to them by Villa last night, 10-1. So waiting for youngsters to magically sprout wings ability wise as well attitude, is just as idiotic – if not more so – than acquiring established players with a short shelf life.
@Mazza, based on the new 25 man squad rules, many of our more experienced reserve youngsters that would normally be playing in this match – have gone out on loan.
The line up against Villa are mainly ‘new’ 1st year technically brilliant players with the club. Check out Villa’s reserve line up as some I’ve seen play in PL matches.
I’ll buy your assumption that Arshavin helped us two seasons ago and feel there is more he can offer. Factoring in he’s 6 years older, captain of his national team, has different responsibilities for his position – i think the soundness for your comparison with Denilson should sprout some wings.
@Arsession, That is not correct Ars’ we sent a strong team out there, with JET, Aneke, Sunu, Eastmond, Ozyakup etc all playing. Villa’ team was also quite young too, and they probably have players out on loan.
James Shea is not our best reserve keeper but he is the highest up the pecking order with Vito going on loan. It was a disgraceful performance defensively and gives Mazza Monger ;-) good cause to gloat (no new years resolution here.)
Maybe had Bartley, Coquelin/Frimpong been there and Martinez played in goal it wouldn’t have happened but nevertheless our reserves showed they have a weak under belly like the first team
@Mazza, 10 goals let in…Whoa…..
It must be because we’re gonna crush Ipswich town with 20 yr old Sneezy and 18 yr old Ignasi Miquel in the heart of defense who, naturally, did not play…..
Here’s the Young Guns report: http://younggunsblog.co.uk/2011/01/record-defeat-the-perfect-tonic-for-expectations/
Certainly I like the unspellable Pole in Goal….And maybe tomorrow we’ll see about Miquel….and if he’s the answer now that TV5 seems out for the season….
Again, gonna jump the queue….
Watching the West Ham/B’ham CC final….Lordy we need to win at Upton Park on the weekend AND pick up this low hanging fruit (the Carling Cup)….
Both of these clubs should stay up this season, but you never know, and they both seem very fragile in their own ways…B’ham if they get behind have trouble getting out of their negative set-up and West Ham are just leaky and under-convincing under normal circumstances (our earlier match notwithstanding….)
Interesting stuff below on D.A.B. (Denilson, Arshavin, Bendtner) and Arsene wanting to avoid a repeat of the Eboooo-ee situation (getting jeered off by the home fans) and still get the result. You’d have to say he succeeded (somewhat at least) and while the replay is an extra match, it’s also another chance for these players to do something good, easier perhaps for being away from home…..I hate to say it, but it will be a long time before the Emirates/Ashburton Grove becomes a “fortress” when the home support is willing to jump on our own in that manner. I don’t blame them, what with the high ticket prices, etc., but it’s a chicken and egg problem…Home support might help the team and players who are struggling/but the team (and those players) need to earn that support….
And I agree that we’ve got a real problem with players playing out of position. Even a guy like Nasri (our most improved player to date this season) can get lost out on the wings. When a team sets out to defend against us (i.e. with a lead or just because they are ManCity) it gets that much tougher for these formally central players to do their thing. And I guess it’ll be RVP or Chamakh (with Cesc tucked in behind) who get the cat-bird seats, to the detriment of Arshavin, Bendtner, Vela, Walcott and Nasri….To the extent those fellows lack mobility (Arsh, Bendy) they are even more prone to suffer….
Hopefully the re-calibration of confidence in these fellows begins tomorrow…
@highburyterracesteve, Does anyone see our wing players being shackled to the flanks?
Nasri, Rosicky, Arshavin, Bendtner, and Theo – all appear to have the freedom to exploit space inside at any time.
With Bendtner and Chamakh in the side ( for Leeds) it did seem we placed their CB’s under duress for corners and free kicks. Squil, Bendtner, and Chamakh all had free headers AND other chances were cleared at the last moment.
I remember when Ronaldo was at ManU – it seemed like he scored on a high percentage of his free kicks. What a luxury for a team.
Late thoughts.
Over the years I have viewed many medical series on TV, yet it doesn’t make me qualified to exam patients, prescribe medications, or perform operations.
Part of what sets our manager apart from most of his peers, is his commitment to his players. If he see’s commitment, then they are rewarded with his patience. (We are dealing with human beings and not some auto part that is not performing.)
Our manager, hate him if you’re compelled, made great managerial decisions (Leeds). For our team to taste success (silverware) this season, Arsenal need maximum contribution; this requires players like Denilson and Arshavin to play with confidence and it’s essential that they feel they have their manager’s faith.
Arsene’s choice not to sub Denilson or Arshavin will be viewed by the players (themselves) that the manager still has confidence in their ability and contribution. Subbing them would have only chipped away at their belief. Denilson, apart from his poor tackle, played very well. He turns 23 a month after Bendtner.
As for Bendtner, well you either respect his talent or hate him.
He turns 23 on Sunday. His haters expect him to execute like he’s 3-4 years older. I read most of the posts below – not anyone mentioned is beautifully weighted through ball to Theo that created our penalty.
Playing time builds confidence, improves timing and execution. Bendtner’s intelligence with and without the ball is on par with Cesc, vP, Rosicky, and Denilson.
It’s also my opinion that both Leeds CB’s played a great match. As did their keeper, Smeagol or is it Schmeichel?
Fair play to them.
@Arsession,
“Over the years I have viewed many medical series on TV, yet it doesn’t make me qualified to exam patients, prescribe medications, or perform operations.”
Right. When all else fails, AKB.
It’s funny how no one is qualified to criticize the Manager, but the same lack of qualifications doesn’t retard endless support for him.
@Name,
Damn it. Edit button gone again. Plus this new sign-in thing is still confusing me.
@vibe4arsenal, refresh the page after you post and the edit button will appear.
@ArfaSheds, I take that back NO edit feature.
@ArfaSheds,
Thanks for the thought. It comes and goes right now. YAMA growing pains.
@Name, “It’s funny how no one is qualified to criticize the Manager, but the same lack of qualifications doesn’t retard endless support for him.”
maybe you haven’t followed all the posts? No one posting here blindly agrees with all our manager’s decisions.
I think the club is headed in the right direction. That is my opinion – you don’t have to agree. The difference for many of us is our level of expectation.
Join in the dialogue, be a contributor for your perspective – not just someone re-spinning the same complaints over and over at other’s commentary.
Football is all about entertainment. If you find no entertainment with Arsenal, there are other clubs.
@Arsession, I think that is unfair Arse, to tell him to goand support another club because he pulled you up on that comment:
““Over the years I have viewed many medical series on TV, yet it doesn’t make me qualified to exam patients, prescribe medications, or perform operations.”
Isn’t that an example of you “re-spinning the same complaints over and over at other’s commentary”
I think you leave yourself open to valid criticism when posters (not just you) say something like that over and over again it invalidates every opinion that is not in line with the manager’s, and it does sound AKBish.
@ArfaSheds,
Thank you. Saved me a lot of typing.
@vibe4arsenal,
But, okay, I’ll add…
I have been saying, for years, that the team is *not* heading in the right direction. I have been saying, for years, we needed replacement players at the same, specific positions that a number of us have been begging for. I have been saying, for years, that we would not win anything under the ‘Youth Policy’.
By the evidence of results over the last five years, those complaints are entirely valid. Much more so than some pie in the sky fantasy that this year…this year will be the one!! Or, if not, next year!! As Afra so correctly points out, it takes no special insight to keep repeating *that* year after year, contrary to all results. Yet you others feel absolutely no shame in doing so.
So, yeah, I’ll keep repeating what I actually see-on the pitch, on the table, in the trophy case-until there is something new to say. I’ll keep posting on reality, you keep posting the fantasy. Kid yourself you see something more, but don’t ask me to subscribe.
And, unlike you, I’ll continue to find YAMA entertaining enough that I don’t need to visit other team’s message boards in hopes of soaking up the schadenfreude from those who have won more recently than us, currently fallen on harder times. Because, frankly, it’s only their losing that gives us a glimmer of hope that we might win something this year. Albeit the trophy that Wenger has demonstrated for years, he has absolutely no regard for.
After scrolling up down and all over the place (I don’t undersand why you like it this way DAG it is just so impractical) I thought I would comment on Emmanuel Eboue.
I thought he played pretty well against Leeds and now that he has a run of games he is starting to do what he is very good at apart from the dramatic falls that is, he is taking on players.
He has the tecnique and ability to cause havoc to the opposition defence when he is confident enough to have a go. I think he has more ability to get around players with the ball at his feet at pace than any other Arsenal player at present. The problem is he seems afraid to take the chance and mess up, he does not get the slack that Theo does, and you will still hear fans moan everytime he makes a mistake.
I think he needs to follow Songs example and try the adventerous regardless of the haters reaction, thay are going to hate anyway as I see it, as long as the manager respects what he does he should not be too concerned.
Anyway these run of games will do him a lot of good and I trust he will continue to prove his value to the team.
Squilla out injured long term? and clearly lacking confidence. Does that mean that Wenger will buy a DF in the window? I am not convinced, he may choose to take a chance on Bartley and bring him back this month. But I have already pointed out rumours of Wenger looking at a 25 yr old Geman signing, so maybe Mertasacker is the one (if there is any truth in the story that is), he stated a few years back that he would like to play for Arsenal.
However I would much rather have Cahill or Samba, Cahill I rate highly because he can play football as well as defend, not sure how he would cope defensively within this Arsenal team considering the apparent disregard for defensive solidity.
Samba is probably better than Cahill defensively but I am not sure he has the pace (not saying he is slow, I just haven’t taken note.)
Would love to see either of the two at the club, but I am not sure how things would pan out in the summer if evryone is fit. Djourou does not play like a back up anymore, he looks dependable. Kosch is a monster in the making, Vermaelen became a certified beast in his first season. Would the new addition get a starting place? ahead of who? is the question. I see a temporary signing as the most plausible option but I do not see a Sol type signing on the horizon anywhere.
I’d love to have Cahill and Mertesacker; don’t know much about Samba, but having the extra body always is better than not (except for Manchester City).
The digging form of Ashavin explains why AW does not perfer to buy veteran players.
Cos they only give you a couple of good footballing years of them, before start heading downhill. If he’s 20, you could still hope and pray he will get better. When he’s 30, you know what you see now is what you get.
@AndezII,
Yep younger players have that growth potential but the problem is what is achieved while you wait for these players to grow? possibly nothing. With Arshavin type signings you know they are ready to deliver world class quality NOW.
The mix Arsene is trying to create with Arshavin, Chamakh type signings is to introduce players who he believes are already able to give us what we need as a team and help those “potentials” improve.
Arshavin even when he is not in the greatest form gives us a lot of quality going forward, the probelm is he is a defensive liability when he is either tired or demotivated.
My other criticism of Arshavin is he does not appear to be a leader, he has little belief in what this team can achieve and openly says so. As one of the senior and most talented players in our squad he doesn’t inspire confidence. Instead of taking responsiblity and lifting the other players up, he seems to underrate his team mates and be looking for marquee signings to come in and take the team to the next level, which is what he was bought to do.
Did you know Howard Webb has an MBE – did you further know that his MBE stands for Manchester Bias Everytime?
In his last 6 games that he has presided over at OT he has awarded United a PK 4 times.
Furthermore look at this article from Football365 on Webb’s last ten at OT:
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8750_6648615,00.html
@DaAdminGooner,
Saw that. One of the commenters on that article pointed out that out of the 20 or so refs classified as “elite” by the EPL, Webb has been assigned to OT the most, and that such regular visits there would cause any ref to favor Man U due to constant and pervasive influence of Sir Alex Ferguson. Basically the point was that Webb’s perceived favoritism is only the proximate cause of his pro-Man U calls, and that the ultimate cause is the pressure of SAF. Interesting thought.
I can confirm that Leeds v Arsenal FA Cup replay will be televised on ITV in the UK, kicking off at 8pm on Wednesday 19 January
Thierry Henry.
Training with the Arsenal during the MLS off-season.
Hopefully some of his magic will rub off on our strikers, and he can work with Theo.
@ DAG.
Not sure why most of my posts show twice.twice!
@Stag133,
Not sure why they are coming in twice either.
Gonna jump ahead of my esteemed colleagues here (still can’t quite accept the new format of newest posts on top and direct responses buried….) to embrace Kiwi’s beautiful dream and Fred’s fond remembrances….good stuff….
I got up early and watched the United-‘Pool match and was shocked and horrified and dismayed at the early penalty….It was a stupid foot in by Agger and Berbs played it to perfection, but still it was first minute crap and a laughable and obscene dive. For the “best ref in the world” to give a pen was un-be-freaking-lievable…..
The sending off wasn’t much better either….a dangerous and stupid tackle for sure, but from an angle that was unlikely to really harm and right at mid-field. Extremely harsh….
But still the 2nd Daglish era begins with a flourish….gutsy enough to sub Torres off while only a goal down, and a big “moral victory” to keep it goalless for the final 90 minutes. Reina, in fact, was awesome (5 consecutive saves in a single United attack!) and would look good in Arsenal red….A lovely dream, but just that….For the moment I’m happy with our bi-Pole-ar keeping options, especially the very young, tall one, calling it like it is on his twitter page http://www.7amkickoff.com/ …..
And lovely to see Man City flailing away in their efforts at Leicester…..For me at least, there’s at least a little glory in the madness of English Football, nowhere more obvious than in the FA Cup 3rd round action….
Happy New Year….
On Liverpool.
I’d be rather pleased if we procured Torres their striker and Pepe Reina their keeper in the midst of their club troubles.
There is no question in my mnd that a class goalscoring striker ala Torres and a first class custodian like Reina would boost our trophy challenging capacity enormously.
The other significant upside to such a move would be the boost it would provide our captain Fabregas. Having two of his Spanish colleagues at the club may make him feel a little more ‘happy’, perhaps even tilt the balance toward staying longer to see if success is truly just around the corner.
So in this unreal world I’d flick Vela and Bendtner for Torres. And I’d flick Flappy and Mooney for Reina. Upgrades no doubt. A fit Torres playing at a good level is a wondrous thing, the guy who would capitalise on our possession, and a class keeper is somethng we’ve lacked for a long time and a sure way to accumulate more EPL points and instill a bit more confidence in the defence. Won’t happen I know.
@Kiwi,
Then what happens to Robin “world-class” Van Persie?? Wenger would rather die than sacrifice him!
That aside, we all know Wenger’s head is too far down in the sand for him to even consider a Torres bid for one second.
The funny part is that the economics of it is not that daunting. Torres will probably cost about 40 million.
Bendtner, Vela, Almunia, Denilson and two or three youth teamers like Armand Traore, Mark Randall, Barazite and co can fetch a combined 25 million at least.
That would mean we would just need to pony up 15 million.
Which really isnt much at all. As you said, will never happen.
@Kiwi,
Why would Liverpool sell Torres to Arsenal?
You know we can’t outbid Chelsea or City or even United.
So, why or how would it happen.
Wenger spending a large sum on a player of that high stature!?
better chance of seeing christ.
On that note, it appears Squill is injured now as well, joining Vermaelen…
The rumors are that we are interested in Cahill (I like it), Mertesacker (spelling?)… and… wait for it…
SOL CAMPBELL coming back for a 3rd time.
Knowing Wenger, what seems more likely to you.
Campbell on a free? yeah, that’s probably most likely, and
then if our other defenders get healthy or at years end, he can
just go away, again.
just so exciting in the transfer window with Arsenal.
@stag133,
Campbell wouldn’t be on the free – he has a contract with Newcastle and I don’t think this is likely.
The targets we are being linked with are younger – early to mid 20’s. Long term projects. The oldest is Cahill.
The target list that I’ve been able to dig up are:
Cahill
Samba
Mertesecker
Campbell isn’t even in the conversation. That is speculation by the Sun.
@DaAdminGooner,
Since he isn’t even a first team player for Newcastle, I can
definitely see them letting him go to Arsenal for a modest sum, or NOTHING. They didn’t pay for him… so they don’t lose anything.
Knowing Wenger’s history, Campbell seems MUCH more likely than Arsenal buying any of the 3 you mentioned, as they’d all cost a hell of a lot more, and what happens to the defenders when they return from injury?
Wenger would never want to BURY these guys with new players.
It’s errie seeing Dalglish back. The guy was iconic as a player and manager….but he seems like a guy from another era. The Liverpool team he put together was perhaps the best I’ve seen. And he did a Mourinho with Blackburn. Can he rise again? I hope he doesn’t flump bigtime.
Reflecting on his Liverpool team, they were probably similar to Wenger’s early Arsenal sides. Unashamedly built to attack yet with real strength in defence and midfield. The centre of defence wasn’t iron-clad, yet the team simply overwhelmed you with possession, attacking play and critically….. goals. (sound a familiar aspiration??).
Aldridge, Beardsley
Barnes, Whelan , McMahon, Houghton
Staunton, Hansen , Gillespie, Nicol
Grobbelaar
@Kiwi,
Yup, back in my middle/high school years, Liverpool was pretty much the gold standard – and am talking across continental Europe and even amongst snobbish Amsterdamers. They struck fear and genuine respect – the only team that combined continental levels of technique with fast-paced traditional “English” football which admittedly was unstoppable.
Liverpool and Celtic were “it” for the British Isles for us continentals. Villa, Forest and Everton were considered dangerous dark horses too. Man U had the profile of contemporary Stoke City. Arsenal was unknown outside England. The likes of Chelsea and Man City were nothing clubs then – were they even in the top flight then??
The ban on English teams probably robbed Liverpool of at least 3 extra CL trophies.
Football has changed so much in the last 20 years. If someone had told me then that the Dutch, Belgian, Portuguese, Scottish, French, Greek, Swiss and the East European leagues would be second or third tier leagues I would have laughed.
Damn you Bosman ruling!! lol
Did anyone see clips of the Utd-Pool game? Everything I’ve read so far has said that the PK was yet another joke penalty given to Man U at OT by Howard Webb.
Honestly it looked a little “soft” Berba barely got touched and went over like a tree in a hurricane.
I was saying after the Gerrard red card – that all Webb needed to do was score himself and he would’ve gotten his own hat-trick.
Also anyone see that Leicester drew with City? 2-2.
Interesting post news match (United v Liverpool). After the match Ryan Babel who is one of the leagues most prolific tweeters took to twitter and tweeted a pic of Howard Webb in a Manc Kit with the following words – “And they call him one of the best referees. That’s a joke.”
The FA is now investigating him
Looks like Daglish’s son did the same thing Babel did on twitter. Except his picture had Fergie and Webb arm in arm with Webb in a Manc shirt
If we are fortunate enough to go through to the next round we will play –
Huddersfield Town
United have Southampton
Chelsea have Everton
Spurs have Fulham
ManCity/Leicster will have Notts County
@DaAdminGooner,
Very good draw, (your listing doesn’t indicate home teams, but our match would be in London….) but of course we’ll need to do a bit better in the replay to earn it….
First however, Ipswich town away on Wednesday. It will be hard to match Chelsea’s 7-nil pounding from earlier today, but if we outscored Chelsea 3 to 1 then (by transitive mathmatics) the 20 plus goals we should score against Ipswich should help get some of our 2nd team players back on track….
Somehow, however, I don’t think it works this way, and with even deeper squad rotation (Eastmond?, Ramsey ? this other guy, Miquel?) we’ll probably make it as hard as possible. Hopefully, mi amigo Carlitos Vela gets a start and can do more than just cruise the touchline….
@highburyterracesteve,
I pray to God we dont see clowns like Eastmond or greens like Miquel against Ipswich.
Personally I would go for the FULL first team but with Gibbs, Szczesny and Eboue (no choice).
We should pulverize them and get as many away goals as possible as well as a healthy margin so we can then use our second team in the return leg at home.
Some interesting post match commentary…..
AW says that we did not match the pace of Leeds nor create any with our passing game and that the team was “out of balance”. Interesting. Song seemed the only MF player unfazed by Leeds commitment but his passing was off. Rosicky, with the exception of his early, excellent through ball for Arshavin was a huge disappointment and Denilson, but for his two well saved shots, generates absolutely nothing and, obviously, is a defensive liability….better to let opponents go right by you (as he did all match) than put your foot in and give a Penalty. Cesc’s post match call out says it all…..There’s some discussion that Barca (and Wolfsburg) are interested in Denilson? I’ll believe it when the deal is done and he’s kissing his new badge….
Meanwhile, Theo goes on Oprah and can’t shut up about his first dive ever and how sorry he is….Puh-Leeze….Having just watched Berbatov do the same in the first minute of the BIG 3rd round match-up (and fool Howard Webb, giving United an early lead and likely killing off the match….) one can see the difference between an experienced, honed striker and our own lad and his “rawness”…..On the one hand I appreciate Theo’s honesty and I hope he doesn’t dive to win penalties, but the interview room isn’t a confessional….It’s hard to ascribe any “plan” behind young Theo’s mouthings, but maybe it will help him become the new voice of English honesty and goodness now that the shine has worn off the likes of Gerrard and Rooney….(Gerrard has just been shown a harsh red card for a stupid, dangerous tackle….) Who knows, 10 man Liverpool COULD come back for a replay to save the glory of the Cup….Yeah, right….
So now more matches, maybe not the worst thing if these bench players want to make a (positive) impression. Given the way the home support jumped on our own yesterday, the fact that we’re playing away from the Emirates over the next three matches might be the best medicine of all….
Chamakh being in the top 15 of scorers is not that special. He is a center forward at Arsenal – not Wolves.
As for goals conceded and scored. What matters is how you distribute them. We score a lot of superflous goals against already beaten teams but can hardly come up with them when it really matters. In the same vein, we concede at the worst times – when pressure is applied.
As for depth, we all know the backup quality isnt that great. But the main concern is that we have pretty much a full squad. We will get injuries for sure in the next few months … and that would really expose our depth.
Anyway, as long as we win the CC and secure top four I am all good.
The big problem today was our lack of urgency. We strung our passes together, but it was all too slow and Leeds got to grips with us until they made the foolish mistake of scoring too early and sticking a rocket up our arse.
Without Cesc or Nasri in the middle to get things going and prompt more forward runs into space, we huffed and puffed.
Alas, Rosicky didn’t step up and take control (it makes me appreciate Wilshere’s darting aggression all the more), but then his options included Chamakh in anonymous mode, Bendtner in, er, Bendtner mode — slicing shots wide, first touch of a rapist, occasional glimpses, but no real speed — and Arshavin looking like he’s swallowed a Martin Hayes pill.
Where, oh, where is the beast of Anfield?
I wondered if the Chelsea win would enable this team to blossom, and we still might, but only with the first 11 fully fit. Today just showed that that our so-called deep bench is mostly journeyman who have all hit their glass ceilings;
Does anyone really think Bendtner and Denilson are going to radically improve?
As for Vela, he has yet to score a goal when it matters. He’s the icing on the cake substitute, not a game-saver.
Theo at least gives us speed to open things up and forced the issue by winning the penalty. Goalie was sound. Djourou was solid. Squillaci still has that hapless Senderous thing hovering over him.
And fair play to Leeds. They weren’t dirty. They didn’t try to stifle the game. They even pushed on for the second goal. A cold night in Elland Rd is not going to be much fun.
@YouAreMyArsenal
NOTHING! That’s what he did the entire time he was on the pitch.
For those of you wondering what I wanted from Man City when they came to the Emirates – all you need to do is look what Leeds did. And they did it with a lot less money.
@DaAdminGooner,
It’s a false analogy. Leeds and City have nothing in common, just as competing for the FA versus Premier League/Champions League spot are two completely different things. Stakes are completely different. For starters, Leeds had no pressure of expectations and, thus, nothing to lose.
The one thread that *does* run through both matches is that Arsenal couldn’t get it done at home.
@vibe4arsenal,
I disagree Vibe – for players of the Lower tier teams, this is everything to them. They get a chance to play in front of some of the biggest venues they’ve ever played in. To them playing a Premier League team, is everything they may never get to play for. It is Europe and the Premier league title in one fell swoop.
Ask Notts County how they feel tonight after claiming Sunderland’s scalp. Ask Leeds how they felt after they played and beat United last season. It meant everything to them and it still does.
If they want to go on in this tournament, then they have everything to play for.
Simply put, they came to play. City didn’t. City came to get a point and nothing more. They never intended to play for a win and there in lies the problem. Its as close to throwing a game as you can get without doing it.
And therein lies my problem. It has nothing to do with our performance which against City I thought was stellar and crap against Leeds. It has everything to do with being professional and when you are playing for a title actually playing for it and not ripping the system to get there.
Had City come in, played for the match and still wound up with a draw, I would’ve been fine. As it is they didn’t and they deserve every bit of criticism they get for it. They deserved when they did the same thing against United and Spurs. They deserve it again.
@DaAdminGooner,
DAG,
I understand your premise, and I even agree with your first graph up there. I just come to a different conclusion.
Precisely because this is their (to mix sporting metaphors) Super Bowl, Leeds has every reason to play balls out. They’re playing a top tier side, on the road, for a Cup they know means worlds more to them than Arsenal (as demonstrated by the Gunners above-mentioned ‘lack of urgency’). If they lose, who will fault them? If they win, it’s history. A draw, they get to bring that top tier side home. Essentially, nothing to lose by going for it.
For City, as has been addressed on the last thread, a League match at Emirates, when they’ve already been dominated at home by the Gunners…as I said, completely different stakes, completely different strategy.
Feels like a waste of energy to still be pointing fingers backwards because you don’t like the way City decided to coax a point of out a road match against major competition for them. Fact is, we were not able to adjust to what they were doing. I’m not going to blame City for not playing into Arsenal’s hands. That’s just smart. We needed to be smarter. We failed.
Bottom line: we couldn’t beat City at home, with their strategy. We couldn’t beat Leeds at home, with theirs. For me, that says less about either of those sides, and a lot more about Arsenal. Which, as always, is my focus.
Overall, I’m with stagg here. I think the idea that Arsenal has substantially improved is an illusion created by the decline of the competition. By simply treading water while others are drowning, we may have improved our position. But watching the Gunners tread water is about as exciting…as watching City play defense.
As ever, we’re waiting for Wenger’s (long term) game plan to bear fruit. Right now, I find it hard to feel inspired.
@vibe4arsenal,
I will give you this – I believe Arsenal has improved to an extent. I think dead weight needs to be jettisoned. But I also believe we could be doing so much more if we had improved more than we have,
Overall there isn’t a team in the EPL that should be going – We rock. Even United – 2 away wins out of 9 played
@DaAdminGooner,
“But I also believe we could be doing so much more if we had improved more than we have…”
Agree 100%. There was (is?) a real opportunity this season. But a transfer policy that plays not to lose (money)…you can see where I’m going here.
As always, I appreciate both your passion and the way the way in which you express it.
@vibe4arsenal,
It should be there. I will look into it
@vibe4arsenal, Bollocks. You’re trying to complicate something that is simple. It’s football, the aim is to put the ball in the back of the net.
Great comment from the boss:
Wenger: “Schmeichel & Bruce were fantastic…maybe these two names want to make my life difficult forever!”
Ah the predicitability of you lot.
Fred to allay your fears, Vermaelen was in practice this week. He was running with the team to test his ankle. He will be in training next week. They will give him another physical test to determine if he needs further treatment or if he can being to play some.
If not Arsene will be buying a CB. He’s said as much.
As for our “striker situation” funny that Chamakh is so poor that he is still in the top 15 of goal scorers in the EPL.
Our defence is so bad that we are 16th in goales conceded with 22. City is best with 16.
Our attack of which our striker situation is part of is only second to United (43) goals scored – we have 42.
We have 15 different scorers the most of any team in the league.
Our depth is so good that we made 9 changes to our side today. No other team in the league can offer that except maybe City or Spurs.
The problem isn’t out depth is that the 2nd XI have players on it that don’t seem to be able to play together. The problem isn’t the rotation policy – it’s finding the right mix of players so that matches like this and Wigan don’t occur.
The fact of the matter is that Arshavin has been awful all season and I am now all for selling, especially if like the Wenger says we will be making a run for Eden Hazard in the summer.
I think Bendtner should be sold or go out on loan. He just isn’t going to get it.
Rosicky isn’t going to come back into form.
I am all for letting Diaby go. But Denilson I have changed my mind on. I have never been a fan. But I have seen a more concerted effort by him this yearto get the ball back when he doesn’t have it. He had a crappy game today. He had some solid moments but overall it wasn’t similar to the last few he has had.
There are no ands, ifs or buts about it this was a poor performance all around. But let’s remember this is a Leeds team that dominated United last season for a 1-0 win at OT. This was never going to be completely easy. Especially when key members of our squad played as poorly as they did.
Finally this – you guys have become to predicitable in your criticisms. The team has a good performance and your comments are muted or missing – but the minute we have a bad run, you are the first to jump on the board and a.) criticize the team and b.) chastise supporters for their continued supports. It’s the same MO every match.
I just wonder if you “don’t have time for this team” or you can’t be bothered to support why in the hell do you even bother to criticize?
No, I am not asking you to not comment. I just really wonder.
@DaAdminGooner,
Re: Vermaelen: I will believe it when I see him. He has been training and relapsing for the last four months now.
What I dont want is a situation where we stand pat, do nothing then come February, he breaks down and we find he needs an operation – ruling him out for the season.
@Fred,
Maybe I am being the eternal optimist Fred but I believe Wenger when he says if Vermaelen can’t be fit by the end of January – he’ll buy.
He’s readily admitted in interviews that he knows he’s thin in the middle right now.
Funny how the commentators kept on wailing on Denilson, saying how he is too slow, doesnt follow his markers and is generally a weak link. Like that was some sort of incredible wisdom they were dishing to us – who have seen him for the last 3 years. Sheesh.
The lack of depth in midfield and at the back is really going to start biting very hard, very soon.
Note: Our ONLY two backups in midfield are the utterly useless Denilson and Rosicky.
—————————————————
I read somewhere, the medical staff thinks Diaby is out till mid-March.
Vermaelen is out till end of February!!!! That is when the medical staff THINK he will START TRAINING! The predictability of this situation kills me.
One injury in midfield, plus 2-3 niggly sprains in midfield and defense and we are struggling to trot out players for games.
So much for our “deep squad”.
We might as well start calling back Landsbury and Coqueline from their loans.
Yawn.
We are making great progress this season.
Aren’t we.
This Arsenal team is no better than previous seasons.
The league’s best aren’t as good.
Simply can’t get interested in this team.
@stag133,
Now just be patient. It’s taking the excuse-makers a little more time with this one, but they’ll come up with something.
@vibe4arsenal, comments from the supercoach
Yawn.
We are making great progress this season.
Aren’t we.
This Arsenal team is no better than previous seasons.
The league’s best aren’t as good.
Simply can’t get interested in this team.
Didn’t see any of the match and have no idea how we played, but it sucks we have to play another match now. Extra matches are not what we need! Oh well. So both goals were PKs then?
@YouAreMyArsenal haha – even the most biased gooner knows that was a pen.
My ratings for the match:
Szczesny 6.5 – couldn’t do anything on the PK.
Eboue – 6 – suprisingly more agile lately
Djourou – 8 rock solid yet again
Squillaci – 6.5 – had a good game as JD’s partner
Gibbs – 6 – quiet return for the LB. Good pace
Song – 7.5 solid yet again
Denilson – 4.5 bad penalty and weak passing
Rosicky – 4.5 really poor passing throughout and no creativity
Bendtner – 4.5 bad, passing, shooting and running – a triple threat
Arshavin – 3.5 If he can’t be arsed I can’t either. Time to go.
Chamakh – 5 – out of our attacking trio he was the least of the problems
Subs:
Fabregas -7.5 started slow but was the catalyst for our late pressure
Walcott – 6.5 he is getting there and offered more than our starting trio
Vela – N/A
@DaAdminGooner, I think you got it basically right with the ratings except that Squill looks pretty poor….almost everything Leeds had going was straight through him…..
Crazy that we couldn’t take hold of the match….As if very few of our guys were keen to match the pace Leeds generated (only Song, I thought). Of course it didn’t help that Arsh and Bendy only got every third touch right….And that Sicky cannot use his left foot….Still, we might’ve won it had Kasper not done so well….
On to Ipswich! (where we have to do better, don’t we?…..)
@DaAdminGooner,
I dont think Chamakh deserves a 5. He was completely and utterly anonymous. At least with the Terrible Trio (Bendy, Andrie and Tomas) they showed their faces.
I would rather the strikers frequently got into the box and on the end of balls. Even if they miss most of the time, by the law of averages they are likely to score … eventually.
Everyone has figured the Morrocan out. Chamakh, like Vela are just complete fruitcakes for central defenders.
Our striking situation stinks.
I will be live blogging the match for those wondering what all those timestamps are about.