Match Preview: Arsenal v Liverpool (Carling Cup)
Who's kids are better
This week’s midweek draw sees the Gunners play host to the much maligned Liverpool squad. Each coming off of results diffeent than what most had thought would happen this past weekend. Both looking to set the record straight on all accounts.
Prior to Liverpool’s win against Manchester United, I thought this match up was going to be a little tastier than it is. Had Liverpool lost, I suspected that Rafa would have no other choice but to field a team that was heavier with first team players. As it is, I think the Carling Cup is still the only silverware the Scousers have a real chance to win but given their troubles, when the likes of Torres and Gerrard aren’t in the squad, it may be too much to ask.
Everyone is aware of the troubles Liverpool have had in the league and in the Champion’s league. While this weekend’s win is an outlet for the pressure that has built up for the Merseysiders, the issues haven’t exactly been addressed. The loss of of Xabi Alonso has exposed the lack of play making creativity in the side and Rafa Benietez’s chosen replacement, Alberto Aquilani will only feature as a sub.
There is plenty of history between these two clubs and the Carling Cup. Liverpool and Arsenal have met in the cup competiton a total of 10 times. Throw in replays and they have gone head to head 13 times. Liverpoll are the leaders in wins in this competition having won 7 times and Arsenal have won it 2 times. The last time they met Liverpool were soundly drubbed 6-3 behind the blazing foot of Julio Baptista who scored on four occassions.
Liverpool are stuggling as late and their last away win was the 1-0 cup tie at Leeds United and they are going up against a side that has a 100% record at home this season. Additionally, the last 5 times Liverpool have gone up against a London side in the Carling Cup they have lost.
Rafa’s side will be without Gerrard or Torres who even though he hit the first goal in the win over United said he felt pain on the shot. Mascherano is out having seen two yellows at Anfield this weekend. However, Alberto Aquilani could figure in as a sub in the 2nd half. He is yet to be fit for a full 90 minutes. Liverpool are brimming with confidence having won against title contenders United and will be looking to extend that to this match.
Arsenal as we all know typically uses the Carling Cup as its blooding for its youngsters and over the years they have been fairly successful having not missed making at least the quaterfinals in recent memory. This Wednesday’s squad though will feature a little more experience as Arsene Wenger looks to give some of his returning first teamers time to get into shape for the league and Europe.
Both Samir Nasri and Lukasz Fabianski will be starting for the first time this season as they return from injuries. Eduardo who was out the last few weeks with a thigh injury will also be back. Throw in Phillipe Senderos and Mikhail Silvestre in the back four and this squad has an unusual amount of experience for an Arsenal Carling Cup Side.
The Gunners are keen to put their last two matches behind them where in each case they firmly controlled the game only to allow their opponents back in it. They will look to put those missteps behind them and get the squad pointed back in the right direction.
Against West Brom in the last round, Sanchez Watt and Carlos Vela showed exactly why the future is bright for Arsenal. The youngsters have continued to show their promise in each chance they get and are why many feel that Arsenal could be set for a golden era of football. (But that’s for another time). Aaron Ramsey will get the nod and according to Arsene Wenger the young Welshman is now pushing players for starts on the first team. The only down side right now is that Jack Wilshere will not play in the match as he is out with an ankle knock.
How It Should Play Out:
Maybe I am a homer but I think this Arsenal squad is heavily weighted with first teamers – more so than typical Carling Cup sides. And while the likes of Nasri and Fabianski haven’t seen full match time, Nasri has already shown he can contribute in the reserve match he has played in. Additionally, if Vela and Eduardo start together, they are as deadly a pair as there is in the EPL. Overall I think they are too strong for the side Rafa will put out and that Arsenal will set the tone early at home.
Injuries:
Arsenal: Walcott, Djourou, Denilson, Rosicky
Liverpool: Gerrard, Riera, Kelly
Probable Starting XI:
Arsenal (4-3-3): Fabianski, Senderos, Silvestre, Gilbert, Gibbs, Merida, Coquelin, Ramsey, Nasri, Eduardo, Bendtner
Liverpool(4-4-2): Cavilieri, Degen, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos, Dossena, Eccleston, Spearing, Plessis, Babel, Voronin, N’Gog
Final Score:
Arsenal: 2
Liverpool: 1
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DAG, where is the Spurs preview?
Appreciate your hard work on the site. Can you please put up a new article? The big game is less than 24 hours away. :)
I will have the write up done in a few hours. Am dealing with an intermittent internet outtage.
Writing as we speak.
The old Arsenal physio is the new full-time England physio. If I recall correctly, I think the new physio and the old are related; perhaps brothers. I’ve griped about the Arsenal phsyios for years. It’s not their competence but, maybe, they clear guys to play a bit too soon.
It’s imperative that when a player pickes up an injury, that the injury is insulated and allowed to heal, completely. It’s the most un-natural thing for an athlete to do because they have such big bravado; this machismo that says his injury is not going to affect his ability to perform. This is where the physio has to manage both the player who is desperate for a return and the manager who is desperate to have his player back. It’s the physio’s job to get that player fit again so he even has to manage his own ambition with a bit of patience. It’s one hell of a predicament.
I’m not saying that this is why our guys keep suffering relapses but I think it’s a descent SWAG. I’ve, personally, suffered an injury that ended my running/soccer playing days in my early thirties. That’s fucking ridiculous! My injury was poorly managed and it breaks my heart to know that I can never play again. So I take physio’s and their patient management very seriously.
I ripped Gary Lewin’s management of Rosicky’s injury. The guy’s injury was diagnosed in need of surgery in October. They played him until February, and didn’t operate until June. October to June? WTF! After my experience, I thought Rosicky’s career was done. I was almost in tears to see him fit again and playing this pre-season. Like I said, I take physio’s patient management very seriously.
Josh,
you’re absolutely right, but wouldn’t you agree that some players are not truthful, even with their physio. My experience is that most good players don’t see a problem in playing with some pain, its part of their mindset.
Maybe the situation with Tomas.
Did you ever own a dog or cat? Take the animal to the vet and wonder how the vet knows what to do when the patient can’t (won’t) reveal symptoms.
Regarding Fabianski…….
my SWAG:
its October & at night: weather is likely to be chilly
– for the GK, he is not in constant movement like field players, where the muscles stay warm. Goal kicks and punts require a sudden exertion of force so even for this simple quick movement, a strain or sprain can occur.
Now there is added suspense for who Arsene will start in goal tomorrow.
Very sorry to hear about your injury JD…Health care is a frightening thing and seems like a roll of the dice. We would like to hope that Arsenal has all the best physios and specialists, etc. at our disposal, but in the end it’s just people and you never know.
Another element that complicates matters is that (I believe) AW uses injuries/illnesses to “protect” his players. As many here have noted AW does not use a “rotation” policy, but instead will bring players in for a run at the expense of injured/ill players. It’s just another tool in his manipulation of the press/fans as he clearly believes that it is absolutely wrong to publicly criticize his players. The bottom line….we as fans really don’t have the faintest idea who is truly injured/ill and just how bad these things really are. And sometimes, of course, there are no injuries and players have been dropped. I don’t like it, but I can see where AW is coming from.
Moving forward, I’m getting pretty excited about the derby tomorrow and the latest rumblings indicate that Almunia will be back in goal. It’s a big game with both teams needing a result after last weekend’s failings. A seasoned veteran SHOULD be able to better handle the pressure of such an occasion, so I’m supportive of getting Manny #1 back between the sticks. Fingers crossed….
Just an FYI
Fabianski is out for three weeks with a thigh injury
Almunia likely to be starting for the Derby
SOmeone needs to fire the damn Arsenal Physio.
Does anyone know if the 6+5 rule would apply separately to each league in the Home Nations?
i.e. would only English count as native in England, only Scottish in Scotland, etc.? Or would Scottish, Welsh, and N. Irish count as native in the EPL as well?
Following on from the comments by ChicagoGooner on the number of British young players in the emerging team. I was impressed with their level of comfort playing Wengerball. In the past, I’d often think the English lads looked a little uncomfortable, and that the foreign players outshone them. Now we’re seeing a new level of comfort.
I think it would be a very healthy thing for Arsenal in coming years to have a strong group of British players at the core. I’m not being prescriptive, and of course talent trumps passport, yet I do believe the benefits of having such a group would be significant.
One likely advantage is the sense of heightened natural loyalty they would feel toward the club. If, to make the point, we compare Fabregas to Ramsey. Whereas Fabregas will always feel a pull toward Spain and Barcelona, Ramsey is more likely to be free from such a distraction. Rooney is a player I think of in this regard. He’s not a ManU youngster yet being English he feels an enormous loyalty to ManU and I can see him play out his career there. In saying this, I agree with Arsene’s approach that by getting the foreign players young you increase the chances of a long-term return.
The other advantage that the British players have, and it is a generalisation, is a willingness to ‘mix it’ to be more aggressive on the pitch. The reality is that the EPL is an aggressive league and that imo Arsenal undoubtedly suffer at times from other sides pushing them around and disrupting their highly-tuned game. Having a greater number of British players would provide a needed deterrent.
One of the reasons that ManU have morphed successully from one winning team to the next is the continuity provided by their core of British players. The Keane’s, Bruces, Pallisters, Ince’s, Scholes, Giggs, Beckham’s, Neville bro’s, Ferdinands and many others – many of these players served ManU for a long time (in modern terms) some a very very long time. It meant Ferguson could/can garnish this core with foreign signings with particular ability. Now I’m not saying we replicate what Ferguson has done, but it does highlight the benefit of stability and attitude that British players can provide.
Now we know we play a certain way and cherry picking established British players would probably not work satisfactorily (due to their lack of technical quality). But, if this current approach of Wenger’s is working and the young British talent is starting to improve and develop to a level where they can supplement the first team squad we will reap a special return.
“I think it would be a very healthy thing for Arsenal in coming years to have a strong group of British players at the core”
Might also be a healthy thing for the England NT, if they get some players who can pass and move and keep possession well. Some finesse to go with what they already have.
“The most important thing is not to suffer a relapse, the boss asked me two or three times during the game how I felt and I had to make a sign if I felt the slightest touch. But everything was all right.”
That was Nasri on Arsene. Interesting to get these little real-time insights. Helps balance the stories that get manufactured and presented as fact by sofabound analysts several thousand miles away. I’ve always had the sense that Wenger takes an almost parental level of concern over his players.
I’ve also been thinking… if FIFA implements 6+5, we should be fine. Look at the formation we could have a few years down the road (this assumes they let Welshmen count as native):
Watt—Simpson—Walcott
Ramsey–Eastmond–Wilshere
Gibbs—-?—–?—-Gilbert
GK: ?
That’s obviously just hypothetical, and who knows how many of them will stick around… but still, we would be able to cope better than supporters of other clubs seem to think.
The point is that other clubs might be looking at strikers b/c that’s where they feel like they need to improve. (Though personally I would say Man U are most in need of a creative MF).
We don’t need any strikers, nay, any attacking players at all. The problem however, is that Arsene will probably not look to buy anyone that could help us out in our problem areas. Hell, he doesn’t even give kids in the team a try to fill those roles half the time, even if we’re extremely short-handed.
Stag……
I agree with DAB. Lets focus on our club and areas that we see a need.
DM, FB, and GK.
If we can bolster those area’s, this team will win trophies soon.
That’s what I said.
For the 3rd time, I don’t think we need Villa or Silva… But UNITED do, as they are missing Ronaldo in attack.
I think we should address OUR outstanding issues.
Yeah I could us going after those two if our attack were the issue. The attack and scoring goals does not seem to be the issue for this team.
Now if Valencia want to sell us a stud DM or FB I would agree we need to be in the market.
Liverpool ain’t buying anyone, they have the worst financial issues of any of the “in debt” clubs out there. They would have to seel either Torres or Stevie G to have the funds to get either of those players. Valencia are going to want a huge payout for those players because of their financial condition. I would believe that United or Real would be in play but not Liverpool.
And just because United buys another striker or winger doesn’t address the issues they have at the back – namely slow and aging.
Didn’t say WE should go for either player… but the other big 4 WILL go for improving in January.
If we get another “Arshavin” type buy, as in… someone with a bit of experience and not a “project” for 2014, then we might have a chance to win the league.
We can watch or we can act…
The Arshavin buy shows that it can be a positive.
oh didn’t see your comment here. I guess I hit the same 5 year reference as you above.
Yeah right sure. We got Eduardo up front hardly get a game right now. Sure we need a Villa. Then it’s goodbye Vela, cos he will never get to play.
David Silva? Last time I heard he’s a winger. Now who should be making way? Rosicky? Nasri? Arshavin? Walcott? Not to mention Wilshere, Merida the likes.
Liverpool are chasing shadow. As if they could afford a Villa or Silva. Where their money coming from? To sell Torres in January?
and guess WHY Valencia are forced to let go of Villa and David Silva now? They are in danger of going out of business altogether.
Ever wonder why they are in such a mess at the first place?
Andez – so right.
Valencia are in big financial woes. Courters for Villa & Silva will circulate wildly in the media. Speculation fuels readership. However, interest won’t come from Arsenal.
I don’t want Villa or Silva for Arsenal…
The point is… the other teams fighting for the title WILL IMPROVE THEMSELVES in January.
Will we?
If we don’t we won’t win, again…
What is the proof that they will actually buy these big names??
You were crowing ALL summer about this same thing yet it never happened.
Ummm, if they CAN improve in Janaury, THEY WILL.
You aren’t possibly thick enough to think ManU / Chelsea / ManCity… are going to be in a position to win the EPL, and have the ability to address issues in their team, and just stand pat?
When has that happened in recent memory?
Where one of the other big 4 doesn’t address perceived issues?
“if they CAN improve in Janaury, THEY WILL.”
Again, you said this ALL summer yet they didnt. You were informing us how they will use their Ronaldo money.
Now you are telling us of RUMORS about Silva and Villa as if it is of any concern to an Arsenal fan.
PS: Real Madrid have “IMPROVED” with their Ronaldo, Kaka and Alonso!
LOL :D
Rumors talking up United and Liverpool on chasing
David Villa and David Silva in January.
And Arsenal?
Wenger is hot on the trail of a 16 year old Mexican.
:)
yipeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
There is no space at Arsenal for an AM or striker.
We need DMs, CBs and GKs.
Get off the rumor mill.
that’s great news about the 16 year old Mexican. It means that Arsenal are looking to challenge for trophies in another 5 years :)
Fabianski out for three weeks!!
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/30260/injury-news
There is no mention of Vela being injured.
Maybe Vela is quarantined again given the recent H1N1 cases cropping up. This will be confirmed if Vela starts on sat and is seen coughing and spitting near from Spurs players :) (yeah I know the flu is no laughing matter but I need a positive take on this whole thing).
Or the real reason Vela is not given his due because he may kill the development of Arsenal’s new forward, Eboue :)
Wenger has repeatedly said that buying experienced players would “have killed” the development of Diaby, Denilson and Song. Yet, Wenger is himself killing the development of other players just to maintain a status quo.
Anyway, I can’t complain. Still 1.5 years for Wenger’s deadline on when he should be judged. So I should keep patient.
You maybe on to something about Vela being a threat to Eboue.
There is something mesmerizing with Eboue’s celebration dance, that places him on a pedestal (above Vela).
I agree with your timeline, but the patient fan is a rarity. For our key players and their agents, tomorrow never coming becomes fuel to look for greener grass.
Yes the greener grass patch on the other side :) I just keep hoping that the more ex-Arsenal players who come out and say they made a mistake in leaving the club, then eventually that other grass will start to look like the burned out patch that it is.
Or Arsenal could just win every trophy and that will ensure the players are too happy to look elsewhere :)
Couple things – Merida has come out said he has no desire to leave Arsenal.
Secondly, Vela while very talented is also injury prone – he was left out of yesterday’s squad because of an injury from international duty that is still not 100% – from what I’ve been told.
Another interesting tidbit – Wenger has come out and claimed he thinks Gibbs is ready for duty on the England National Team. I wonder does that mean that he is also ready for more time on the Arsenal first team?
Isn’t it hard to assign credibility to player statements in the media?
I’d love to see Merida in more 1st team matches, just can’t see who he’s
going to leap over in Arsene’s pecking order. “I” can list players I’d rather see sitting on the bench, but that’s my opinion.
Vela returned from loan, available to start for all of the 08/09 season, a season impacted with injuries to Theo, Eduardo, Rosicky, & RvP (sporadically) – Vela still couldn’t get playing time – even b4 WC qualifiers. We didn’t even pick up Arshavin until February of the 08/09 season.
Wouldn’t you think its something else?
I am sorry but Arsene does spew a lot of garbage (covered as PR spin). I still remember him talking about Justin Hoyte as an England right back.
Actions speak louder than words. Who are on the pitch speaks a lot more than anything else about how Arsene feels about his players and his pecking order.
ah the injury card again.
DAG you were spot on with your score-line :) Congrats.
Regarding Merida and Vela, it would be a real shame if they were gone next summer but I wouldn’t be surprized, especially considering that there were reports at the start of season that Merida was being loaned to Levante. I just hope that Arsene does not send one of them off on loan in January because who knows how many more injuries lay in hiding.
Sachin – totally agree with your observations abt Merida and Vela. THIS IS A FLAW
in Arsene’s academy vision.
Really good talent, regardless of age, is accustomed to playing. Warming a bench is not
in their dna nor seeding their experience. How is Arsene expecting to keep this large
group of 1st team players & reserves together?
We have a cluster of TALENTED attackers and midfielders: Vela, Merida, Theo, Ramsey, Wilshere, who need to be playing every week at a level of competition above reserves!
Then we have a core of attackers and midfielders that I classify as match winners: Arshavin, Rosicky, Cesc, Nasri, RvP, and Eduardo. For me, if they are healthy, there is no way they sit
on the bench. Include defensively: Song, Vermaelen, and Gallas.
As Fred mentioned previously, inserting in 1-2 younger players WILL NOT affect our style and
flow, but Arsene has shown to avoid this idea.
We all understand that identifying talent is ongoing. So while we’re having this discussion,
we need to add to this player mix, new phenoms (16 yr olds) that Arsene is now signing.
In a way, its like going to the store to buy jelly. You see an end-cap of Smucker’s, 24 different
flavors and they ALL have taste appeal, but you only need one jar.
This is a good option for fans and manager, but not for players.
This will be a season to observe how Arsene views Arsenal’s future; especially for the “on field
contribution” of Diaby, Denilson, Sylvestre, Gallas, Eboue, Senderos, and Almunia.
And now for the most amazing piece of coincidence.
08-09 season – Arsenal played Spurs on 28/Oct
09-10 season – Arsenal play Spurs on 31/Oct
08-09 season – league record before Spurs game P9 W6 D1 L2 GF18 GA6
09-10 season – league record before Spurs game P9 W6 D1 L2 GF29 GA13
08-09 season – CL record before Spurs game P5 W4 D1 L0 GF16 GA3
09-10 season – CL record before Spurs game P5 W4 D1 L0 GF11 GA4
In reality, at this point, we are no better (points wise) than we were last season!! Our GF is much better but our GA is also much worse.
Last year, our season fell apart in the 7 games starting with Spurs. This year, we need a thumping win to not only put our season back on track (after the West Ham debacle) but to also put Spurs in their place. Imagine what a big win will do to our confidence. I want nothing less than a 3-0 win. :)
Last year, Spurs’ season picked up after they were gifted a point. So combined with the above stats, could an Arsenal win help in passing that bad run of results from last year to Spurs? :) All the more reason for a convincing win.
No idea Nip on Eastmond. If might be due to recent form. There are a couple of good ‘young Arsenal’ websites that might provide some insight into their respective form if you’re of a mind to folow it up. Coquelin came on at the end. Eastmond looked extremely comfortable.
Yeah, Young Guns and Jeorge Bird’s blog are two sites I know of.
From http://arsenalyouth.wordpress.com/2009/10/28/carling-cup-eastmond-competent-on-debut-and-merida-catches-eye-with-delightful-goal/
“There was intense competition for the holding midfield position this evening and, after some sterling performances for the Reserves of late, Arsene Wenger handed Craig Eastmond his debut. The Wandsworth-born youngster didn’t disappoint, breaking up play effectively by flying into several crunching challenges and also spraying the ball forward usefully.”
Anyone know why Eastmond started ahead of Coquelin in the DM role? Coquelin started the last Carling Cup game and it is unusual for Arsene to change things like this.
Yeah, I wonder too.
Great result!! Didn’t see the game so can’t comment any more.
Historically Carling Cup games haven’t had much influence on league results. Last year, we lost to Hull and Villa right after Carling Cup victories. And we won against Wigan right after losing to Burnley in the Carling Cup. :) So we still need a positive result against Spurs to put away the West Ham debacle.
I have always liked Merida, but I can’t seem him staying. He is too far down the pecking order behind Denilson, Diaby, Ramsey and possibly Wilshere. He would prefer to play in Spain than watch from the sidelines at Arsenal. And who can blame him?
Vela starting on Satruday? No chance, unless Arsene behaves in an un-Arsene like manner. :)
Gibbs starting ahead of Clichy? I would love to see Gibbs start more games (not necessarily all), but again not going to happen (see previous point).
Who starts on Sat? I doubt Nasri will so Diaby is a sure starter. Eboue? I hope not. I am sure everyone remember his antics in last season’s 0-0 away draw. You can’t trust him in any big game.
We really need a thumping 3-0 win on Sat. I hope the team is up for it. I know Spurs will because this is their only big game of the season. ;)
“I think Clichy is a pretty damn good player… and Gibbs has played in… that one match this year?
He isn’t better than Clichy.”
Sorry Stag wrong again. Stop being lazy and check your facts. You’ll look silly less.
This season Gibbs has started 4 games for Arsenal – all wins.
Last season he started 17 games and came on in 4.
oooooooooh. 4 games.
Let’s just sell Clichy now, because Gibbs has played 4 matches.
Brilliant.
And the 17 games from last season???
At least try to make a modicum of sense when arguing.
IF he was better than Clichy, he WOULD BE PLAYING!!!!!!!
It’s pretty fecking simple… even for you!
Just because you love to have a scape goat, and Denilson is out injured, doesn’t make you right.
lol
So Eboue is better as a top 3 player than the others on the bench?
Retard.
On the Gibbs/Clichy debate:
I think Gibbs may have a higher ceiling, but it will be awhile before he reaches it. As for now, I think Clichy is still the better player. Gibbs is certainly good enough though, I think, to warrant the occasional first-team start to rest Clichy (although I think our CB’s are in more desperate need of rest than our FB’s).
Cracking game.. just a little bit before I hop off to work :).
Fabianski – Am I the only one thinking he should have saved it? Why does he need to jump ? Its a great swerver of a strike.. but he stays put and its a two handed(maybe) tip over the bar. That said he was good and his gung ho self as usual , if he can only calm down at times he’s the best at the club rt now.. but I doubt he will so Big Al it is.
CB – Excellent games for both Sendy n Silvestre although people will moan considering they r both not fan favorites. The end thing was not a penalty. Sendy got turned by a few backflicks etc but that will happen to any CB. Silvestre was fantastic, didnt put a foot wrong today – as long as he sticks to CC and FA Cup its ok.
RB – Gilbert , weird calamitous first half in which all play well sort of broke down each time it went through him but overall improved as the game went on. He’s been here for ages it seems.
LB – Gibbs, good game. But he’s not better than Gael Clichy.. not right now. He actually has the same carbon copy of Clichy’s game. Go forward, attack( a little better in the final third maybe) , come back cover and defend. He also leaves wide spaces open at LB , just like Clichy which is why both CB’s kept getting dragged out.
Ramsey – Good game , a lot went through him. Quite clear that AW is building a team around him and preparing for 3-4 years later when Cesc eventually goes(I just hope he wins something before he goes back).
Eastmond – MOTM for me. What a debut by the kid!! He was everywhere till he got subbed.
Merida – The realists worst fears will be realised. Merida will leave. Cause there’s too much in front of him. Its a reality of the “Too many good players to keep them all” .. Same with Vela as well , though his case is even fuzzier. Cracker today though and he had a great first half – faded a little in the second.
Dudu – Quiet initially.. really grabbed the game by the scruff as it went on and provided that leadership to try and make things happen towards the end. Excellent in the 2nd half.
NickyB – I’d play him over Diaby evry time. The kid does not hide. Whether he has a stinker or nt he is always there and trying again even if he muffs 10 out of 10 .. you know he will be there to have a shot on the 11th.
Nasri – Ditto Dudu… there’s a lot of competition for places. Its an exciting time to be an Arsenal fan.. really :)
OVERALL? – AFC is never going to defend leads well. The system is too attacking and encourages everyone to attack even CB’s so its tough to swithc back to fully defensive mode when you’ve been attacking all game. Hence holes WILL appear and opposition WILL score. Get used to that. Still its just so much ..so much fun to watch them play , that I really dont worry about how many we let in these days ; I just cross my fingers and sit on the couch :). Lets whop Spurs now.
Good points all around LDE, especially your last one: Let’s destroy the Spudz this weekend!
So for you “Non-Rotation” folks… how exactly can you watch a match like today’s… (or at least watch the highlights!)… and not think we should be ROTATING a few of these young players into matches?
I am pretty sure having one or two in a meaningful match, or a match like AZ Alkmaar and / or West Ham… will not be a problem at all.
I think it would be a BIG plus, especially in the long run.
They’ve shown in the last few years, that they merit actual playing time.
I agree, but as Fred has pointed out, Wenger will never do it. Why I don’t know, but he won’t. He doesn’t, he hasn’t, he won’t.
Oh you could Stag. I’m fine with doing it. But no manager will do it – there’s too much resting on the line. If we beat AZ on the return leg , AW will rotate bigtime, hey maybe you’d even get your wish against AZ coz thats at home.
Alex Ferguson does it all the time.
JD, I think Arsene agrees with you and thinks Nasri will be ‘a bit short’ for Spurs ;-) Can’t blame a bloke for hoping. I’m chilled as long as we don’t see Eboue in the front 6.
Stag, on Clichy. All of us have seen Gibbs play more than 1 CC game, so why pretend we’re basing our analysis on just that game? The lad has impressed repeatedly. I don’t expect Arsene to ditch Clichy, after all he’s French :-) But Gibbs impresses as technically superior to Clichy and has more bite defensively. I tend to side with those that see Clichy with a hint of calamity about him. I truly hope he gets over it…..yet he’s not a kid he has quite a bit of experience.
Reality is Clichy will retain the starting spot for the foreseeable future anyway, I just hope Gibbs continues to improve and get opportunity to impress.
I think Clichy is a pretty damn good player… and Gibbs has played in… that one match this year?
He isn’t better than Clichy.
Why do you argue like a clown?
Was yesterday the first time you saw Gibbs?
PS: Name ONE thing Clichy does very well. Go ahead, am waiting for that response.
He does a lot of things well, that’s why he is STARTING Left Back for the Arsenal, and has been since Cole left.
That isn’t down to luck… its because he’s the best we have.
He is a solid left back. He goes forward well, has speed, and most definitely plays well with the attack-mode that Arsenal employ.
I learned the arguing like an ass-clown from the master… YOU.
I am debating on whether or not to do a post game summary since this was only the Carling Cup.
But my initial thoughts are this:
Nicky B -great goal but frankly, he doesn’t know how to pass, he wants to do it all and to me is a blonde haired version of Eboue.
Merida is pure class. That goal was beautiful.
Ramsey had complete control in the midfield
Eduardo, still looks like he is coming back. His speed was slightly off and had it been there – there were one or two occassions he would’ve beat out a defender for the ball and have a clear path to the net.
Eastmond, didn’t know of him before today. COmpletely impressed with him after today.
Gilbert, agree he started off rough but made some brilliant tackles later in the match.
Sendy – not too shabby though almost gave it away on a bad pass in the middle
Silvestre – for his age and lack of playing time not too bad. Made some good tackles that broke up some Scouser rushes.
Gibbs definitely needs to be in playing ahead of or rotated with Clichy. He just sees the game so well. His experience last season filling in was invaluable to the lad and I think he is like everyone says our next Ashley Cole – without the attitude.
Fabianski gives me the whillies because of his aggresiveness. I am not sure that he had a play on the goal and thought it was rather flukie. Still played the set pieces with confidence and was always in the right position.
Gibbs has one CC match and he should be playing ahead of Clichy?
Not going to happen.
and “rotate”? Whoooooa… don’t use that word on this site, there are many “against rotation”!
….nah, more-so against folk making a meal of something that is highly debatable to say the least. ;-)
Kiwi, Nasri has only just come back from injury and has just run 90 minutes on a Wednesday night. There’s no way he starts a Saturday lunchtime kickoff. Also, while I’d like to see Fabianski in the team, he’ll only make the bench if someone is injured. I think Wenger will go back to Almunia and the Spaniard will play well.
Speaking of Saturday, I believe Wenger kept Vela out tonight with the intent of playing him on Saturday. It’s the only logical explanation for his complete omission from the squad tonight. I would not be surpised to see ‘Los in the starting eleven. Bendtner, Eduardo, and Nasri are higher in the pecking order but they’re all just coming back from injury. Vela’s been fit longer, hence the deviation from the preferred order. Either way, it’s a big chance for him and I hope he takes it. Hattrick for ‘Los, anyone?
I hope you are right about Vela.
I am really hoping we dont lose either Vela or Merida soon.
Both have “it”. And I hope Wenger realizes it before it gets too late.
I was first to express concern about our CB’s, but was I off target. Considering neither (Sendy & Sylvestre) has seen any real competition for our club, they were a stabilizing effect for 90 minutes.
I am very unfamiliar with our reserves, but Eastmond impressed. Gilbert had me concerned for the first 20 minutes, then he started to relax, gain confidence, and made some good tackles – HE KEPT BABEL ISOLATED.
Merida, Ramsey, and Nasri looked comfortable and under control.
Prior to the start, I think Bendtner must have consumed a quart of red bull. He must have covered 10,000 mtrs in his 75 minutes. Definitely used his bulk very effectively to maintain possession – but he had too many poor last touches that discounted his positive play. I’m going to cut him some slack, as he has been off for 2 weeks AND Arsenal need some physical presence up front.
I must admit, from the 70 th minute on, in the back of my mind, I had resigned myself that we
would leak another goal.
Great job by this group!
Wenger needs to cut loose one of Denilson and Diaby. One of them can do a job maybe but two of them is just too much. They’re too bland in Denilson’s case, and far too idiosyncratic in Diaby’s case. He can’t pass for shit and is on a different page to the likes of Fabregas and Arshavin most of the time.
Merida is left footed and central type player. We need that variety and his understanding with Fabregas would help carry us through those West Ham type scenarios and as such we would be more likely to apply offensive pressure in the final third.
The more fatigued the likes of Eboue and Diaby get(mentally or physically), the more pronounced the dysfunctional nature of that midfield becomes.
Technical compatibilty and understanding should always be of paramount importance, not quasi-strength and presence, which Diaby offers, or Denilson. That’s a one way road to a half way house.
There is certainly truth in what you’re saying about both Diaby and Denilson.
Their progress has been less than convincing.
Trouble is Wenger has invested a lot of game-time in both players. Once that happens the likelihood of them being jettisoned reduces.
Merida’s quality still needs to be viewed in the heat of first team action and tested in a string of games.
At the risk of stating the blindingly obvious his best chance is to shine whenever given an opportunity and then jump in when an injury occurs to a starter (which is a dead cert to happen).
The notion of our own Spanish midfield duo to rival the Barca pair is mouth watering. Backed up of course by our very version of an African DM – hang-dog gait and all. ;-)
Personally, I would jettison BOTH Denilson and Diaby.
For free.
Infact, I would even support paying them a lump sum to leave.
I do think Diaby will come under pressure. Firstly with Nasri returning, but then also from Ramsey and Merida. I fear a bit for Merida as I mentioned above, due to Arsene’s hands-off approach to player retention and his hierachial world-view. Only time will tell.
I really think we have to involve Merida. Said it for a long while.
We’re a team that often plays it around the box but very few of our players can shoot with minimal backlift – something you need to be able to shoot against a tight defence. Merida has that ability to cut through the ball and get a shot off in no time. This ability would be exponentiated by players like Fabregas and Arshavin teeing him up with a bit more conciseness.
My man of the match?
Mikael Silvestre.
Another observation – nice to see the number of English youngsters who appeared tonight and it didn’t even include Wilshere. What is particularly nice is the fact they now look as if they deserve to be there, they fit, they play the game the Arsenal way. And yet…..they also bring that welcome bit of bite to the game.
Hopefully a number of them will come through and join Ramsey as a British element in the first team squad culture. I think it is needed.
Fab in goal did fine. Probably inspired the most confidence of all 3 of our GKs this season. Only 1 game though.
On to Spurs, I wonder if Arsene will be tempted to go with:
…Arshavin…Perse…Bendtner
….Nasri…..Song….Fabregas
Clichy…Verme…Gallas…Sagna
………….Fab
Now if it was me I’d be tempted to ‘rest’ Clichy for Gibbs as well. But I think that may be a step too far for Arsene with his player hierachy thinking. I think that team can bop Spurs and steady the ship.
Arsenal have a predicament. Apparently, they’ve offered Merida a five year extension but he appears less than interested in signing. That boy is about the business and it would be poor if he were to leave Arseanl next summer. He was our man of the match tonight.
I was really impressed with Gibbs and Eastmond. They, along with Eduardo, were very sharp. Fabianski was at his best tonight. He really is our most talented keeper. Samir looked like his old self and Ramsey was steady as ever. Even our CB’s took turns covering for their screw ups. Bendtner was less than impressive on their goal but made up for it with his own.
The only one who didn’t impress, even though he came on late, was Randall. I just can’t see his future at Arsenal. Time will tell. We were just better than Liverpool.
It’s tricky with Merida. There is a lot of traffic that will increasingly compete for the 2 CM positions (excluding the DM).
We have Fabregas, Diaby & Denilson who are obviously uppermost currently in Arsene’s thinking. I believe Nasri will also compete for one of those spots. Then you have Ramsey as well, who Wenger clearly loves, in a Walcott sort of way.
Now some of those guys can also compete for a wide forward role yet the reality is there will be some rationalisation – and in Wenger-world he seems to let that be player-directed.
So…..if Merida gets itchy feet, he’ll go. Guaranteed.
Same with the Keeper, we don’t have a Number One, but I hardly want to be promoting a keeper to the Number One slot, based on a Carling Cup match.
Arsene doesn’t do that anyway.
That was exactly the performance the club needed from the emerging team following 2 slippages.
Truly excellent.
Liverpool put out an experienced,if not first choice line-up, that was more than capable of dispatching an Arsenal team if they failed to apply themselves. But we did.
I liked the look of the Arsenal FBs. Gibbs really does look an intelligent player going forward and a snappy defender. On one ocassion he lost possession in defence and immediately retrieved it again with a biting tackle – the kind we need a few more of in the first team. I don’t think we have a more effective FB going forward – he actually reads the game and has the technical capacity to operate in the attacking third of the pitch. He reminds me of Ashley Cole.
I think he must be very close to taking Clichy’s position. On the other flank Gilbert impressed with a similar snappyness in defence.
The goals were excellent. Well taken by Merida and Bendtner. Bendy really looked motivated and on his game today. That’s nice, cause I think we will need him with the glut of injuries to attacking options. He was full of running, actually took on players time and again on the flank – even gave them a go for pace. It was really a quite impressive performance alround.
All the midfielders looked compact and Arsenal-like. Merida and Ramsey and indeed the unknown Eastmond actually looked quite at home too.
The returning Nasri looked very good in his first serious return game. He really did, ditto Eduardo. Both played full games and looked robust enough and stayed the pace.
Quite refreshing to see these emerging players and I can well understand why 60,004 turned out to get a glimpse of good football and an insight into who might be on the cusp of first team action.
We even had Senderos back.
The emerging team has done its part. The malaise has been arrested. Now the first team need to get the bit between the teeth and sock it to Spurs. There should be no excuses. We should have Bendtner, Eduardo and Nasri to pick from to ensure a more balanced team and even have some options on the bench. Most of the team including Fabregas and Arshavin have been rested ;-) Come on boys, do the job.
Glad to see you’re so encouraged by the performance and the result. I am as well, but I wonder about some of your individual assessments. For me Merida looks MOTM (and the finished product) with his wonder strike and setting up the second goal, with both the centering pass and the cheeky backheel (is a backheel ever not cheeky?) that started the counter. Bendtner did take his goal well but some of his play earlier made me think of slower Eboue (i.e. no final ball and some impressive diving for fouls). I’m not sure I want to see him anywhere but smack dab up front in any sort of meaningful match. Dudu and Nasri both looked slow, the latter in a good way (slowing the tempo nicely to bring others in) and the former just a step slow, as if he’s still fighting his niggles.
Mostly, however, I want to get behind Fabianski as our #1 (until AW splashes the cash in January hahaha…) As he grabbed some good high balls and didn’t spill the free kicks or any of that other crap that seems endemic among our keepers. The ball that beat him might’ve got stopped by some keepers but not one of ours I fear.
Finally, AW stuck with the kids and his bold substitutions (Coquelin, Watt and Randall) stand in stark comparison to Rafa bringing on Benayoun and Aquilani. It was dicey at the end and if they had equalized and gone on to win in Extra time or on penalties the doomers/realists would’ve been crowing. As is, well done, brilliant, etc. On to Spuds…
Stevo, I was watching via streaming so there were a few interruptions. So that may have influenced my perceptions.
That said, I haven’t seen Bendtner do as much ever. He actually stormed down the flank on several ocassions!! Now, in fairness, I don’t have high expectations of the lad cause I tend to find him disappointing but today he surpassed what I hoped for.
With Dudu, yeah, I guess I’ve always felt he has never had an opportunity to fully integrate into the team – ever. So we see this talented little striker with a nose for goal who has never been able to mark out his position. What impressed me was that he was still running at the end – some of our strikers can’t claim that!!!
Certainly agree on GK Fab. Quite assured.
I heard the same exact stuff about Clichy, when we let Ashley Cole go. He was as good, etc…
One Carling Cup game is not quite enough to be replacing starters!
But I do think Gilbert could be good cover for Sagna, leaving us free to sell Eboue…
;)
Gibbs is not as good as Clichy. He is better.
Clichy is not Cole by the way.
I don’t think so, and neither does Arsene. Maybe in about 2 years.
Love the way Sendy baby did his best to provide “calamity” at the death ;-)
Loved the way both he and Silvester always moved to the flanks to try to mark an already marked guy leaving yawning gap down the center. LOL.
Anyway, to be fair, they did improve as the game wore on. Silvester going to ground on every single occasion he could LOL.
All in all, Ramsey, Nasri, Merida showed they are top-class players and should definitely be above drivel like Diaby and Eboue.
PS: Where the hell was Vela??
PSS: We can NOT afford to lose out on Merida and Vela by jerking them around.
Since the CC is our most likely source of silverware, its good we are through to the next round. Hopefully we draw Blackburn or Portsmouth.
I really hope we avoid Man City and Chelsea. Those two play their first teamers. Chelsea especially.
Keiran Gibbs SHOULD be our first choice left back. PERIOD.
First half was… as usual with the Carling Cup Darlings… BEAUTIFUL to watch!
The ball movement, style of play, build-up… is just a joy to watch.
And in typical Arsenal fashion, we haven’t finished some chances, and
Liverpool get a goal from a fantastic strike.
Great football to watch, love the kids in this competition every year, sprinkled in are some vets … its all good.
I hope we win, think we probably will based on the first half… but it wouldn’t be a tradegy – like blowing 2 points to West Ham with a 2 goal lead!… if we lose the match.
Sit back, and enjoy… its great viewing.
Bendy incredibly motivated
….route one football from Pool, finished off with a fabulous strike.
Let’s see how the mental thing works….
Beautiful goal by Merida, both in construct and execution.
I gotta say the quality of our football makes Liverpool look like a team from 2 divisions lower. That said, the mental thing sometimes plays a role ;-)
http://theoriginalwinger.com/2009-10-20-conversations-in-soccer-danny-karbassiyoon
Nice interview with our one-time American Gooner. Any remember if any other Yanks played for the team?
No predictions today – not with those two CBs. Oy vey.
Arsenal XI: Fabianski, Gilbert, Senderos, Silvestre, Gibbs, Eastmond, Bendtner, Nasri, Ramsey, Merida, Eduardo
Subs: Szczesny, Bartley, Coquelin, Frimpong, Randall, Sunu, Watt
Liverpool XI : Cavalieri, Degen, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos, Insua, Kuyt, Spearing, Plessis, Babel, Voronin, Ngog
Subs: Reina, Aquilani, Benayoun, Darby, Dossena, Eccleston, Ayala
Sorry again if the site was down.
I am looking for a new hosting company
Gameday Chat is open:
http://www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat
Still can’t figure out why Vela is out unless he is going to get first team play. There is no mention of any injury to him any where.
Traore is out with a groin injury.
Almunia was never going to play in this game. He’s the first team keeper and he will play on Saturday.
I saw a link yesterday, but didn’t read the article, saying that Vela, Traore, and Wilshire would not be playing tonight. I know that both Vela and Traore are on Arsenal.com talking about their anticipation for the game tonight but I don’t know why they haven’t been included. Perhaps injuries.
Josh – why are you so positive that Almunia will play on Saturday?
Injuries? For fuck’s sake, from what?! When’s the last time they played a match. More likely Arsene’s just being his usual stubborn self.
Hey there…I’m back from several days in a no internet wilderness (modem went down) so I’ve missed a lot. I’m surprised there’s not a bit more talk about how the sky is falling, etc. from the realists after the West Ham game, maybe they can sense that there’s a little whiff of AKB here….
Certainly I’m hoping that the Mayan Maradona (Carlos Vela) is being held out today so that he might start vs Spurs, but that notion seems a long-shot. It would be the thing to do as it seems to me that given our attempt to have interchangeable parts in this 4-3-3 thing it’s very important for our wide players to get used to playing together. And I’m in agreement about the growing consensus in that I can’t figure out the whole Eboue and Sagna on the right side together, though I will say that the two crosses from Sagna (for the goal and RVP’s well saved late header) were the two best I’ve seen him make. So, personally, in league games, I’d like to see Vela given a chance to work the right wing in front of Sagna with Eboue available as a sub for either.
As for today’s match I’m very curious what we’ll be able to do. I actually think Fabianski, Senderos, and Sylvestre have a pretty good chance to keep a clean sheet as I have pretty decent faith in the first two and all three have a lot to prove. Given their height and experience and Fabianski’s ability to command his box I would be surprised if they let anything in from set pieces and I think if they can snuff out a few of those and otherwise seem dominant over the first 20-25 minutes we could go on nicely, given our relative experience (and tremendous young talent) further forward.
The game is a great opportunity and we shouldn’t be too worried about the result. 3 years ago we all hoped that Arsenal would go on from our double cup wins at Anfield and players like Baptista would use his CC success as a springboard to greater things. Hah! (or I guess now we say LOL!) Instead both teams limped home in the league and ‘Pool went on to the CL finals in Rafa’s greatest moment since Istanbul–sitting cross legged on the pitch as his boys won the penalty shootout to beat Chelsea in the semis after the most boring 3.5 hours of high level football ever seen in Europe.
Vela not being in the squad is just as ominous as Almunia’s obvious absence.
I like that we might not field a single player from the match on Sunday. If we win, great… if we lose, so what.
Carling Cup is a good competition for the kids to get their chance
in something close to prime time. Unfortunately, we play Liverpool, not a lower rung club… but whatever.
These matches are usually entertaining. Looking forward to it.
Off Topic-ish…
2 months before the transfer deadline… and United are being talked
up as potential buyers for David Villa and David Silva, which could again shift the balance of power their way. They are pretty good now, but looking “beatable” in the league. We know they have money to spend from the Ronaldo sale, and these two would be quite an addition.
Will we simply watch our chances from the sideline in January?
Probably.
Wenger describes where he will play Nasri.
“I can play him where he is needed basically,” said the manager. “I would say more in the defensive role now but, because he can dribble, he can play on the flanks too. He has pace and he can play in a role that is half a winger. A dropped winger who will come in sometimes, can go wide. But maybe it has to be balanced with a striker on the other side sometimes.”
If anyone can figure that out, then he/she should be seriously considered for Arsene’s job. ;)
for a bit of trivia: check out this goal by coach Dragon Stojkovic
short clip but what has happened:
injured player, ref stops play, goal keeper (in yellow) punts the ball out of play
to the sidelines……..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rE7eGO_NkBA
I hope this link works.
The full squad is:
Wojciech Szczesny
Lukasz Fabianski
Philippe Senderos
Kyle Bartley
Mikael Silvestre
Kieran Gibbs
Kerrea Gilbert
Fran Merida
Francis Coquelin
Craig Eastmond
Emmanuel Frimpong
Aaron Ramsey
Mark Randall
Samir Nasri
Eduardo
Gilles Sunu
Nicklas Bendtner
Sanchez Watt
And by the way – In my starting XI, I may switch Coquelin with Merida which would give me probably the strongest CC side we’ve had in a while.
Oh and here is an interesting article on Manuel Almunia and the fact that we have a real GK battle: http://bit.ly/2QlSDc
DAG – good points and summary (again).
Anyone care to speculate why Vela is not in the squad?
Fabianski will have his work cut out for him. The two CB’s lack quickness and Sylvestre
is past his prime.
Also, whose going to play the holding MF?
We have strong attacking line up BUT the team’s defensive strength appears soft.
I’m pulling for Senderos to regain fan support with a strong performance.
Go Gunners – 3 points/no injuries