Match Preview: Arsenal v Stoke: Premier League Match Day 36
Arsenal head on up to the Rugby pitch known as the Britannia Stadium to take on Toni “the pugilist’ Pulis’ Stoke City. Why should this concern Arsenal fans? In our last 4 visits to the home of the Rory Delap long-throw, Arsenal have come away with 3 defeats.
A win is imperative. There is ample enough motivation to go into this match with all guns blazing, none more so that even a fourth place finish may not guarantee Arsenal much of anything this season. As we discussed yesterday, Chelsea are on an unprobable run in the Champion’s League. Should they finish 6th and win the Champion’s League whomever finishes fourth will be on the outside looking in.
What it all means can best be summed up in the immortal words of former Raiders owner Al Davis – just win baby! Win and there is no need to worry about what Chelsea does or what any other teams do. Win, and you control your own destiny. Win and end the season on a high note. Lose, well I’d rather not talk about that right now, but you can imagine what I’d have to say about it.
Team selection is obviously a little bit of a concern right now with the ever important Mikel Arteta missing his second game in a row due to an ankle injury that will keep him out of the rest of the season. Theo Walcott is out after suffering a hamstring injury last week versus Chelsea. Likely replacements are the oft injured Diaby, the youngster Chamberlain or Yossi Benayoun. I figure Benayoun is going to get a start. I’ve projected Chamberlain but won’t be surprised if Diaby gets in.
Aaron Ramsey will get the start of that I’m pretty confident. Where? That remains to be seen and how will he perform is also a big question mark. Ramsey will desperately want to silence his critics and what a better place to do it than the site of his horrific injury. For those that don’t remember it was on this exact pitch that Ryan ‘I’m that kind of guy’ Shawcross decided to fracture young Master Ramsey’s ankle in two places. Given the vile comments from Stoke fans regarding said injury as well as a lot of Gooner’s own doubts about his ability right now, Ramsey may be perfectly primed to play a big role in this match.
But it goes beyond any one player right now. For Arsenal to succeed they have to continue with the team first ethos that has carried them from the bottom of the back to third. It was a solid commitment to team and an outstanding work rate that got them where they are. When they do this, as they’ve shown to Spurs, Chelsea, City, Liverpool and Newcastle, they can beat the best. Conversely they’ve shown that when they don’t they completely lack any kind of resemblance to a successful team.
It is going to take everyone playing together for the full 90 minutes in the last 3 games to secure the Champion’s League they secure. I am sure there are some mathematical computations that would show how many points Arsenal need to take, Newcastle or Spurs to lose. But why risk it? Why depend on the results of others. The team needs to completely take the chance it has been presented and for the last 3 games be as good as they were on the 7 game winning streak. Do that and there is no need to worry about Chelsea, Newcastle or Spurs.
How the Match Should Play Out:
If you expect Arsenal to approach this game any different, even with the opponent, then you are mistaken. Arsenal will as they always do look to control the ball and thus the tempo and style of game. Arsenal need to get the early goal. It will make sure that Stoke can’t stay behind the ball too long. Additionally, I’ve been really impressed that when all things are ticking how well Arsenal have employed pressing into their game. Even more impressive is how it has worked. When they’ve done it and committed it, they have absolutely overwhelmed their opponents and it has resulted in wins. Stoke have played the second most games of any team in the league save Chelsea. Their inconsistency has been part and parcel with this. If Arsenal press and keep the ball moving quickly, Stoke will tire and the end can put a dagger in their collective hearts. Arsenal have shown that when they win at the end they are simply more conditioned than their opponent. They need to use this to their advantage.
Players to Watch:
Arsenal. Robin Van Persie. Rightly awarded the PFA and Writer’s player of the year award Robin has been a little off but he is still capable of many things. Arsenal need him to find his sweet stroke and bury the opponents.
Stoke. Peter Crouch. Mr. Daddy Long-Legs will be the object of many a long ball and repeated crossing attempts. How Arsenal do depends on how much they can make him a non-issue.
Projected lineups:
Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Arteta (ankle) Mertesacker (ankle) Wilshere (ankle) Walcott (hamstring)
Stoke: Diao (hamstring) Sidibé (knee) Wilkinson (groin)
Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Van Persie 27
Stoke: Crouch 9
Last Meeting (EPL):
Arsenal:3
Stoke: 1
Goals For:
Arsenal (away): 1.8
Stoke (home): 1.3
Goals Against:
Arsenal (away): 1.7
Stoke: (home): 1
Last Five:
Arsenal: DLWWL
Stoke: LDWLD
Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 24
Stoke: -16
Match Official:
Referee: Chris Foy (Matches 19, R4 Y56)
Broadcast Information:
US: ESPN2/ESPN3 1000 AM EST
UK: ????? 1500 GMT
GAMEDAY CHAT: It’s Open!!!!!!
www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2
Stoke: 1
The Final Word:
If you haven’t heard, Pep Guardiola is stepping down at the end of the La Liga season from his managerial duties at Barcelona. The weight of the world and the task he has sustained clearly has taken its toll on him.
We’re mentioning this because he was a managerial adversary to admire for what he brought out of Barcelona. While the players were the seeds that were planted long ago in their academy it was Guardiola who became the final ingredient and propelled that club on to their greatness.
Who knows what is in store for Barca under Tito Vilanova. It could be the start of a new era of Real Madrid dominance as Barcelona looks to find a new identity under Tito. But suffice it to say Pep changed the way people play, watch and appreciate the game. Some of his players may have been asses but Pep was always above the fray.
While we only ever once came out on the winning end against his sides, the matches between the two were a purists dream. Pass and move with lots of possession – mostly by the Cules. But I enjoyed every recent tie.
I have a dream and it is one where after a year off, Wenger decides he too needs a change and moves to the upstairs office that is ready for him. He then in his first act as Director of Football names Pep Guardiola as manager of our club. It is not as far-fetched as it sounds as the two do have a good friendship and the styles and principles they try to employ in operating and managing a club aren’t too disimilar.
Och well. Good luck to ya Pep.
Until tomorrow – Stay Goonerish!!
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