Match Preview: Arsenal v QPR; Premier League Match Day 31

In the US the saying is ‘Roll Tide’ in deference to the great Alabama teams from the Bear Bryant era. The same could be said for this current iteration of Arsenal as they look to be first team since Chelsea in 2010 to win 8 straight. Manchester United are the last team to do it in the same season.

It’s good then that they are playing a team in QPR that have only captured 4 points from their last 21. Its also good that they are facing a defence that has more holes then the Titanic and its also good that they are the in form team of the entire Premier League.

But in the end its all for nought if Arsenal don’t come out and play with the focus and determination they’ve shown since this run began. And let’s not kid ourselves shall we? We may be three points ahead of Tottenham and 8 above Chelsea, but this season and our run has shown that the fortunes of teams are on a knife’s edge. One slight slip, and you’re back behind teams you don’t want to be.

Now we shouldn’t expect that Arsenal are going to go undefeated for the remainder of the season. As delightful as that may sound and be, it isn’t really likely given the way teams are. But this team is so good to watch right now. They are playing some dynamic, entertaining football and taking it to their opponents. But more importantly they are playing sound defensively. Should they manage to keep QPR off the score sheet they would gain their 3rd consecutive clean sheet – a first for this season.

All around the team and fans are buzzing. From the looks of it, a team that was devoid of any semblance to its heritage as risen from the ashes. Comparisons to teams of the past are coming up. And while I will not get into such speculation, they do seem unlike any recent Arsenal team, in that they possess heart and desire not seen around this club for some time. That’s why if they should drop points along the way- and they will – that I have no doubt they will just pick up where they left off.

We’ve always talked about how sports is a confidence thing. The more you have it the better you will do. And Arsenal have confidence in abundance. They simply are going out and beating teams. And in some cases – early. They are wearing teams down with high speed, width and an intense pressing game that our opponents don’t seem to be able to keep pace with.  It is why I believe that if a match is drawn even in the closing minutes, it is Arsenal who are better poised to walk away with the points. Watch the most recent matches as the game wears on, Arsenal still have their legs about them while the opposition do not.

In the past the longer a match went on, you always wondered when Arsenal were going to succumb to a last second equalizer or winner. Right now with this team, you wonder when will they get the last minute goal. And all of that comes down to confidence and ability – something our lads have in abundance these days.

Pundits are starting to ask if Arsenal could overhaul Manchester City for second. Wenger and the team answered the right way and their only focus is beating the opponent in front of them. Its an attitude I like. It basically is one of – don’t worry about anyone else – all that we can control is what we do. That mentality has served them well and before any one knew it Arsenal were sitting in the driver’s seat for Champion’s League qualification. Forget about Manchester City. Anyone focusing on them and overtaking them, is taking things too lightly and doesn’t understand how this league is this season. Focus on the here and now and just get it done – one. game. at. a. time.

How the Match Should Play Out.
Joey Barton is not one I am prone to agree with on anything, but this one time I could be forgiven my indulgence. The league’s socratic prognosticator called this match important for both teams for two different reasons. Boy is he right. The modus operandi for Arsenal is to come out quick and set the the tempo early. As I said earlier – wearing opponents down as the game goes along serves them well at the end. The QPR defence leaks in goals – regularly. I think the Gunners will put QPR to the sword early. But don’t look for a miraculous come back from the home side like they did against Liverpool, the Arsenal defence is much better than that and will lock down for the 8th straight win.

Players to Watch:
Arsenal. Alex Song. Slowly surely he is become a multi-purpose back. His teammates love him and the fan base that once questioned him now sings his praises. I don’t know what kind of midfielder you classify him as. Right now, though, I don’t care.

QPR. Bobby Zamora.  If any one player can give us fits on the QPR its recently signed Zamora who has been a handful for Arsenal at Fulham and West Ham.

Projected Lineups:

Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Coquelin (hamstring) Frimpong (knee) Mertesacker (ankle) Wilshere (ankle)

QPR: Campbell (hamstring) Hall (hamstring), Dyer (foot), Faurlin (knee) Hill (back) Macheda (ankle).

Leading Scorers:
Arsenal:  Van Persie 26

QPR: Helguson 8

Last Meeting (EPL):

Arsenal: 1

QPR: 0

Goals For:
Arsenal (away): 1.8

QPR (home): 1.1

Goals Against:
Arsenal (away): 1.8

QPR: (home): 1.6

Last Five:
Arsenal: WWWWW

QPR: LWLDL

Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 22

QPR: -22

Match Official:
Referee: Mike Dean (Matches 23, R3 Y83)

Broadcast Information:
US: FoxSoccer.Tv 1000 AM EST

UK: ????? 1500 GMT

GAMEDAY CHAT: It’s Open!!!!!!

www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2

QPR: 0

The Final Word

Just wanted to say that we’re glad to see pictures of Fabrice Muamba in the hospital recovering. He only had 12 senior team appearances for the Gunners but from all indications he left a mark on those whom he came in contact with. He never made it at Arsenal because of those in front of him in the roster. But his personality and work effort remain the focus of his person when ever he is mentioned. More than anything there is that infectious smile of his and I was glad to see it smiling again on twitter.

Get better soon Fabrice.

It is incidents like Fabrice’s and Eric Abidal’s liver transplant that let us know that in the end this is just a sport played by some very talented individuals. And is sad today to once again be reminded of that as word came out that Aston Villa’s Stylian Petrov was diagnosed with Leukemia. Leukemia is treatable if gotten to early enough and I hope that is case here. But out thoughts and prayers are with Petrov as he goes through his treatment for his illness.

But is just that brings me to my close today. When Arsenal take the field on 31 March, all Gooners should say a silent prayer in remembrance for one of our own. 11 years ago, on 31 March just a month after he told everyone he had non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, David ‘Rocky’ Rocastle passed away

Oddly enough it was a Saturday morning that one of our own beloved sons left us. He is now remembered as his name adorns the Arsenal indoor youth facility and is one of 32 Arsenal legends that surround the club.

Rocky is a legend there are no doubts about but like Fabrice, Abidal and Petrov a stark reminder that this is just a game. We should take joy in it. All the time. Bitterness based on differing opinions or clubs allegiances mean nothing when you look at the heroic efforts of these individuals as they fight to overcome very human hardships. Some times I look at these players and wonder how I could ever get pissed off at a player when they miss a sitter or let in a bad goal. David Carlyle Roscastle, Fabrice Muamba , Eric Abidal, and now Stylian Petrov remind me how petty that really is.

Rocky here’s to you mate. We love you and miss you.