In the Aftermath: Arsenal 4 – Wolves 1 Post Match Review
Good fortunate smiles on the fortunate doesn’t it?
Arsene Wenger’s boys continued their impressive march winning emphatically at the Molineux. The 4-1 mauling placed the Gunners in 2nd in the table and next the Chelsea they are showing the most consistent form always looking like a threat to win their matches.
Pointing the way to the top!
It’s hard to say that matches this early in the season are must wins but the top of the table is very congested with a loss or a draw having the ability to drop as many as three places down. So even with all the impressive wins, the Gunners needed to come out and contine their current form.
This match had collossal let down written all over it and Mick McCarthy’s side certainly started out as if they had it in them. Within 10 minutes Nenad Milijas delivered a probbing corner as Sylvan Ebanks-Blake eluding his markeronly to wind up driving the shot wide of the post. And then again at the 18th minute Milijas again found Chirstophe Berra on a free kick. Berra however, wasn’t in position and the ball was pushed away from danager.
Arsenal would go in front on the 28th minute from a corner kick from Fabregas. But it was the play that resulted in the corner that really set the Gunners up. Eduardo featuring in his second start with Bendtner on the bench, raced down the wing to block Ronald Zubar from the ball resulting in a cross check that led to an Arsenal free kick. Fab’s shot was deflected wide of the post but it was the hustle and cunning of the Crozillian striker that got them to this point.
From the resulting corner the ball was swung in and on the far post, Zubar who was under pressure from Eduardo, deflected the ball past his keeper. It was quite evident the goal was an OG as Eduardo refused to celebrate – though his workman effort at the post was surely the reason Zubar was where he was.
Like last week’s win against Spurs, the suddeness of the first goal, after a good effort by Wolves, changed the momentum of the game. From that point on it wasn’t a concern of IF Arsenal would win but by how much. Feeling they were finally in control of the match, the Gunners exerted further pressure and with Wolves pressing up, a break away 2 on 1 with Ramsey and Eduardo versus Craddock resulted in another own goal. This time however, Eduardo was more direct in his influence, lobbing a shot that went off of Craddock’s head and rattled the post in. It did look like Eduardo wasn’t going for goal but rather a lob pass to an open Ramsey.
In stoppage time, Captain Cesc Fabregas would reassure the Gunner faithful witha beautifully slotted shot past Wayne Hennessey. Coming off a pass from the continually improving Robin Van Persie, the goal was a rocket that continued to show that this new 4-3-3 or 4-3-2-1 (depending on who ask) is giving Fabregas the freedom to be more in control and more of threat. He has shown that last week against Spurs and against AZ Alkmaar.
A final tally from Andrei Arshavin would put the icing on the cake and mean that the 1 goal allowed in the 89th minute would not threaten the game at all.
Arsenal fans have to come to understand that because an opponent is coming at them like Wolves did does not mean we have resorted to old ways. I would be surprised if lower teams didn’t get up for playing one of the big boys. Win or not. The key will be for Arsenal not to look down and let them in the game for the entire 90 minutes. This team is more clinically threatening in my opinion than any Arsenal squad of recent memories.
Even with the injuries we have, we are not lacking in our ability to create and get results from the chances we are creating. Even with two own goals in this match, they came as a result of a steady Arsenal attack and pressure of some great scoring talent. Abou Diaby went down early on and we were able to replace him with Song who was sitting on the bench to get a rest.
MOTM Ramsey
The best part of the game – besides the win – was to watch the continued emergence of Aaron Ramsey. While there were some mistakes – he is showing a Fabregas like ability to see plays develop and control play. He started out in defencive role but with Dibay going off and replaced by Song, Ramsey was freed up to more of an attacking role. His interlinking play with Eduardo set up the second goal and he was in on more than enough of his fair share of chances. Depending on how long Diaby is out, Ramsey is now going to get a chance to show a little more of himself and I expect that performances like yesterdays are only a view of things to come.
With Gael Clichy on the bench Kieran Gibbs also got a chance to show the boss why he should play more. His pace and crossing in my opinion are superior to Clichy’s and frankly his size and tackling skills give him a tremendous upside. He burned more than one opponent yesterday and one ill advised cross he would’ve been better suited to take the shot himself but overall his was a very steady and solid performance.
Defensively we looked solid yet again. Vermaelen and Gallas continue to look like an imposing pair in the middle. I rarely saw them get caught out of position. Vermaelen did seem to be the culprit on the Craddock goal in the 89th but overall, he controls his space very well and looks so far to be the best signing of the summer for ANY team.
We now head into the interlull in 2nd – waiting to see what happens between United and Chelsea. A draw puts us in 3rd 1 point behind United and 3 points behind Chelsea. A Chelsea win leaves us in 2nd on GD and 5 points behind Chelsea. A United win puts us 2 points behind Chelsea and 3 points behind United. In each scenario we are in a good position with a game in hand.
The good news as I see it for the Interlull is that I believe that most of the teams our players are playing for have already qualified so hears hoping some of them get some rest. The exception I believe is Arshavin with Russia who has a playoff to star in. Also the return from the interlull will see the return of Denilson, Vela, Walcott, Wilshere and possibly Fabianski. If noone gains any serious knocks away on the break, the only people to be out would be Bendtner and Djourou. Here’s to hoping.
Editor’s Note: I blame myself for the lack of a cleansheet. 1 minute prior to the goal, I said in Game Day Chat: “I am slightly impressed with Mooney. 3 matches back and 2 cleansheets.” Then craddock scored. So my fault.
Player Ratings:
Almunia: 6
Sagna: 7
Gallas: 7
Vermaelen: 7
Gibbs: 7.5
Diaby: 5
Ramsey: 9
Fabregas: 9
Arshavin: 9
Van Persie: 7.5
Eduardo: 8
Subs:
Song: 7
Rosicky: 6
Nasri: 6
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Re: Chelski
I would not build my hopes for any of their players missing the fixture with Arsenal. As we know,
many clubs practice giving out returning target dates (for injuries) with a cushion.
As Arsenal fans, we need to cross our fingers that Arsenal have its key players available.
We know Boswinga is OUT.
Very likely Cole is out… and now it seems Lampard is likely out.
At the very least Lamps and Ash won’t be close to 100%.
We have to WIN that match… if they come to the new Highbury, and beat us with injuries, it will be a key blow to our hopes.
“many clubs practice giving out returning target dates (for injuries) with a cushion.”
Certainly not Arsenal. We are quite the opposite. :(
Lampard is out for 6 weeks.
So Lampard, Bosingwa, and Cole are all out for the clash with Arsenal.
Ummm, who do you know?
It’s not on Soccernet, or BBC or anywhere else I can find!
If he is out, ManU and Arsenal will be licking their chops, hoping for Chelsea dropping points.
They have depth, but he is a key cog in their machine.
It is all over the papers.
Seems he and the rest of the England team were sent to Doha on a small plan. Maybe caused his legs to cramp up – got on the field for a training session and suffered a thigh injury.
Duration is unknown. It looks like it could be till Christmas or the New Year.
You’re right he is their “little engine that could.” Everything that happens at Chelsea on the pitch comes through him. HE is also on of the few players when they are on the Free Kick in or around the Penalty Box make me worried.
He is honestly the only Chelsea player I can stand or respect.
I don’t like him, but we all have our opinions. Joe Cole is the Chelsea player I like most… if I had to pick one.
I should change that to “is the player I dislike least.”
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_5692004,00.html
3 weeks it seems!
Because they flew economy?!
Madness. All for a friendly in a far away place. Something is wrong with that. Its about money.
I’ll take it.
It just means its even MORE important that we take down Chelsea.
If they have those 3 out injured, and we lose, we’re in trouble.
SAF given a 4-game touchline ban and a fine of 20,000 GBP for his referee remarks.
2 Match touchline ban in reality, because 2 are “suspended”.
What do you mean “suspended”? Are they not happening or what?
No, he has a 2 match ban only.
(BBC)
What I believe it means by suspended is: if he goes out of line again (which he will), then they will enforce the 2 match ban (which they probably won’t). Basically they are suspending part of the punishment to a later date when he.. I dunno… deserves it more??
Whole thing doesn’t make sense to me. If they deem his “crime” to be punishable by 4 games then it should be 4 games straight up. Another infringement should have its own damn punishment.
Whatever, with communication the way it is these days I’m not sure how much of an effect this stuff really has other than psychological. Though I guess the 4th official doesn’t have to be blinded by a big purple nose in his face for 2 full games so he’ll be thankful.
So the Big Teams don’t want to change. Shocking.
Two Tier system of the Premier League being discussed, which would elimate relegation below the 2nd tier?!
That is the element that makes Football (Soccer) so different, so much more exciting…
I’d love to see how they figure out which teams are IN, and which ones are OUT of the “two-tiers”… think their might be a bit of politics, bribery and a whole lot of dirty dealings in that mess?
I think it would be a big mistake. Would you even continue with the FA Cup and League Cup? The teams outside the two-tiers would be screwed. Fans in areas of those teams would be absolutely LIVID. They might as well make the teams outside… minor league affiliates. How else would they keep good players, when all the players would be in the Two-Tier EPL, where the money is?
Personally, I’d bring in Celtic and Rangers as well… why not? They would add passionate supporters… and interesting match-ups. They’d be middle of the road, and would have a LOT of money to spend on players… it would be interesting.
But alas, its about the BIG teams, and what they want. They usually want the status quo. They want no challenge to their dominance, and no equal distribution of all that TV money.
The actual EPL TV revenue was 13.9m per team last year
From the BBC:
Last season, champions Manchester United earned £52.3m in Premier League television money, compared to £31.6m for bottom club West Bromwich Albion.
The fact that the four clubs in the Champions League also earned between £20m and £33m from European TV and prize money – and benefit from huge ticket and merchandise revenue – has led a number of chairmen of mid and lower-ranking clubs to ponder a possible review.
—————-
This is a huge disparity, and why the “have-nots” can’t catch the “haves”… with equal distribution, and maybe a sort of luxury tax on spending, it could be a version of a CAP, without really capping spending.
Hey guys – I will have a new article out tonight. Something less Arsenal focused and more footie in general and hopefully goo enough to sustain debate for a bit.
Thanks to ChiGooner for the initial write up and the idea.
I am off to NYC for an interview so will get it put up tonight.
Good stuff so far let me just add for the Chelsea game it is getting more interesting:
1. Cashley Gold – out
2. Bosingwa – out
3. Lampard – could be out – sent home from England friendly for an injury.
As much as I would hate to win against any less then their absolute best squad – if they are a weakened side against us we absolutely need to take advantage of them.
But I agree let us now look past Sunderland – who despite their loss this weekend has really impressed me. Personally, I think Steve Bruce is the likely successor to SAF. He is doing well with his side and I have no doubt that they will be ready to play.
Best of luck on the interview!
Good luck with the interview.
Is that for NY Red Bull coaching position? :)
The more I think of it, the more I feel that ManU result will bite us later on. If we had won that game (and we should have), we would have been SIX POINTS AHEAD of ManU with a GAME IN HAND!!!
If at the end of the season, we trail ManU by less than 6 points (in 07-08, it was 4 points), we know which game made the difference. :(
Nipuna,
With a 38 game schedule, one match should not influence the final point standing.
In the United match we were without: Cesc, Rosicky, and Nasri – all three are exceptional schemers and fuel our creative attack.
IMO, where we end up this season is more defined by the health of our core players: Arshavin, Cesc, Rosicky, Eduardo, RvP, Song, Nasri and Vermaelen.
The United match, should not be our undoing.
You aren’t expected to win the 6 matches against the other BIG 3 teams.
You have to win at home though, and beating Chelsea will be the remedy.
ManU beat us at home.
Liverpool beat ManU at home.
Chelsea beat ManU at home.
Home is where the heart is! (and the title)
So Ashley Cole AND now Boswinga are out!
Boswinga for 3 months…
It will be very interesting to see how much this effects the
best defense in the league.
Most teams can manage a few matches without a player, with a decent back up … but over a longer period, it often takes its toll.
Belleti and Ivanovic are nice luxuries to have…
Ivanovic has been covering very well for Bosingwa. In fact, from a defensive standpoint i think he is even better.
Belleti I don’t think is as good a backup as Cole but still decent. Hopefully the ‘long run’ sees a mistake or 2 that costs them a few points. Esp against us… Would be nice if Terry got a knock too
Everybody feels that since Barca have the greatest attack, their defense need not be good. Hey, they had the best record in La Liga last year and lead it this season too. They keep the ball so well, that they hardly have to defend much.
Well, we keep the ball pretty well too, but we concede most of our goals on set plays, corners, free kicks, the likes. Most of which come down to individual mistakes. If I look back, only the Everton goal and a couple against ManCity came from open play. Almost all others were set plays or high balls. If we can cut that down, we stand a great chance.
Limited goal keeper range has been a big contributor.
Here is the irony. We are on track to scoring the most goals ever in a league season. But at the current rate, we will end up conceding more goals that Arsenal ever has in the last 10 years. That is not a recipe for champions. It is imperative that we improve defensively, especially in games like the Chelsea one, where it is unlikely (not impossible) that we score 3 goals. Only once have we scored less than 3 goals and won the game (Fulham). That needs to change. All this despite signing Vermaelen. :(
Nip…..
We have leaked excessive number of goals, but most would agree that its not from the poor play of our back four.
Goal keeping errors probably account for most – WOULDN’T YOU AGREE?
Yes, I do agree. See my next post. :)
Yes and no.
It’s BOTH, but the keeper is part of the defense, isn’t it?
Unless we are bringing in a true Number One keeper in January, then it will continue to be an issue.
No stag, I think we actually have a very good back 4 right now. Not the best. But it’s up there alright.
Let’s don’t forget one thing. Behind Chelsea’s back 4, they got Cech, arguably one of the best in the world. Now you imagine if we put Almunia behind Chelsea’s back 4, they too would be looking pretty bad.
Andez, you are MAKING MY POINT.
We have average keepers.
That is part and parcel of the defense of a team.
We are better than last year, mostly because of Vermaelen, but we are not a very good defensive team. It is not what the team is about.
It will be exciting to watch what is by far the league’s best offense take on what is by far the league’s best defense.
CG – some would say the combination of Anelka / Drogba is quite formidable!
I realize that, but if you look at goals scored we are by far the most potent offense in the league, and they are by far the most potent defense if you look at goals allowed.
Besides, some would say the combination of Vermaelen/Gallas is quite formidable.
Vermaelen/Gallas, part of a mediocre defense!
Better than last year, but not among the league’s best defense.
Defense wins titles. It can shut down most offenses… wins in every sport.
Defense is better to have than offense in some sports, such as American football, hockey (i.e. goaltending), and baseball (i.e. pitching). But in other sports offense is on an equal footing… sports like basketball, and yes, football.
How do you think Barca became Copa Del Rey winners, La Liga table toppers, and the Champions of Europe all in one season? It wasn’t because of defense, I’ll tell you that much. It was because of over 100 total goals from Messi, Eto’o, and Henry, with Iniesta being the orchestrator of it all.
Defense can win you championships in football, but so can offense. Obviously being the best at both helps, but so long as the strengths of one compensate for the deficiencies of the other, you can pull it off, just as Barca did.
Besides, I’m not claiming that Verma/Gallas are the best defense in the league. My orignial point was that IT WILL BE FUN TO WATCH ARSENAL’S ATTACK VERSUS CHELSEA’S DEFENSE.
And then suddenly I’m being called out for understating the effectiveness of Chelsea’s strike partnership and the weaknesses of our defense.
I’m so far off that original point now, but I’ll finish off my rebuttal anyways: Sure, our defense isn’t as good as theirs, but their attack isn’t as good as ours.
We’ll see which one prevails. (And again, I AM NOT SAYIING THAT I THINK ARSENAL WILL WIN FOR SURE. As I stated, my original point was that IT WILL BE FUN TO WATCH OUR ATTACK VERSUS CHELSEA’S DEFENSE!!)
I remember pointing out some stats relating to defence and final league position a few threads back. Seeing as your point is about the entertainment factor I won’t dwell too much into it, but Barca, surprisingly, had the meanest defence in La Liga last year. And they are following it up with the meanest defence this year so far.
But I think it may be acase of attacking being the best form of defence for them. The other team can’t score if they don’t have the ball or if they’re too scared to put too many bodies forward when they do because of fear of the counter.
Back to your original point, yes it is going to be fun. I really, really hope we play to our potential and mentally scar that defence for the rest of the season. Little triangular passes through their midfield over and over again so they wake up having nightmares about how helpless we can make them feel.
We’re capable of that right?
In Basketball, the best defense usually WINS. You do need offensive players, but without good “D”, you don’t win.
The Lakers had to improve their defense to win last season.
Before that the Celtics won with “D”… led by Garnett.
Barcelona, had the best DEFENSE in La Liga, as noted above.
It was NOT their offensive juggernaut alone. You don’t win with average defense. Doesn’t happen.
Hey Stag, check out the league offensive stats……
Chelsea are close to our goal total, with extra match.
they have 28 or 29?
Plus to add to CG’s remark. Italy famously won world cups with their stifling defense and still maintain the reputation.
Yes, we have the best offense. I love that, and we don’t have to have the absolute BEST defense, but you can’t be middle of the pack defensively, and win the league.
Greece won Europe with defense first and second, and occasional goal!
Off topic (again) but still with football.
I found this so hilarious. You can go to dirtytackle.net & scroll down to Berbatov the continental
(nov 9th). there is a great photo that precedes this dialogue:
Well hello there.
I see you’ve finally agreed to come to dinner with me. This pleases me. Granted, I have no idea what chemical imbalance prompted you to finally accept my invitation, but I am glad that my cousin Timitar has been pumping the scent of Berba musk — which is very similar to sodium pentathol — into your bedroom through the heating vents, as I suspect that might have had a tremendous amount to do with your change of heart. Yes, few women can resist the hot garbage-like scent of Berba musk. Ha-HA! It really is quite stinky.
Anyway, I see the waiter has arrived to take our order. … Yes, my good man — the lady will have whatever free bread you will be providing and I will have what the people at the tables around us don’t eat off their plates. Then to drink, all I ask is that you uncork the bottle of homemade mayonnaise wine I’ve brought. Unless there’s a corkage fee at this fine establishment, then this water will suffice. Unless it’s not free, then we’ll sip the discolored liquid the flowers are in. … What do you mean no part of that will work and that we’ll have to order something off the menu? I thought this was a place of fine dining and relaxed morals? … Now you’re embarrassing me in front of my beautiful, yet mildly conscious ladyfriend. Do you know who I am? I am The Berba. I have an enviable receding widow’s peak and I make millions for being a footballer who sometimes exhibits an adequate level of effort, yet I obviously cannot afford cuff links. Now, go fill our order before I ask the elderly couple next to us if they would like to paint me in the nude.
For some reason, the waiter is asking us to leave, my Berba-blossom. I don’t know what it is you did to offend him, but we are very much not welcome to stay here and indulge in their complimentary breads, waters, and assorted table scraps. I think it might be time to retire to my Berba-abode for a dessert of hotel mints and kneecap tickling. What do you say?
Oh-OHHH! The waiter has just poked me in the eye with a breadstick. Oh wow, that really hurts. Oh wow. And to make matters worse I have no idea why he did that. Perhaps it was my effeminate hand gesture and erotic gaze. Or maybe it was the fact that I left him a tip of candle wax and used band-aids the last time I was here.
Oh wonderful. It appears the Berba musk has worn off and now you’re gagging at me. I guess that’s a no to the kneecap tickling, then.
Why we love him
Cesc Fabregas
A ninth goal of the season for Fabregas who has only ever reached double figures once before in his career, while his haul of ten Premier League assists is only one fewer than any player claimed in the whole of last season.
That’s an interesting subject.
I don’t pretend to know much about tactic. But I think one reason Chelsea have to play with the Diamond is because they don’t have naturally pacy wingers.
This current side are still pretty much Mourinho’s side. By that I mean since Jose left, their managers followed never got as much money as Mourinho did to buy themselves a whole new team. Ancelotti as a result could only based on what (players) he got to decide a tactic, instead of having a preset tactic he wanted to employ and buying the players to fit into his game plan accordingly.
Since Chelsea are rich in central midfielders while lack of pacy wingers. Under this circumstance, a diamond mifield makes sense to me.
Another thing is to be able to play the diamond, u need to have an out and out anchor man. And Chelsea just happened to have one in Essien.
Unlike Arsenal, I don’t think we ever played an out and out anchorman under Wenger. Our midfielders are all box to box players. Even the Invsible Wall Gilberto didn’t exactly just sit back and doing nothing but defend. He too would push forward from time to time. In fact, far too often to my liking. Cos I felt at that time he wasn’t particular useful when breaking forward.
I personally believe the reason Joe Cole is on the bench, apart from just coming back from injury, is because his game is too similiar to Deco.
When u play a diamond, you can only allow ONE player to be a luxury man, to create and to enjoy a relatively free role. The one at the tip of the diamond. The other two CMs gotta be good at defending as well.
So it’s almost by default Lampard, Essien and Ballack would occupy 3 of their midfield positions, leaving Deco and Cole to battle out for the role at the tip of the diamond.
As for the width, since Chelsea have two pacy wingbacks, plus the fact they have an out and out anchor as cover. So I think this is probably the formation that suit them best at the moment.
anyway, overally speaking, formation is not really the key IMO. Mazza pointed out one key factor – their physical strength.
Among all the top sides in Europe, Chelsea are the most powerful side. When you have skills, talent to go with a physical power, it’s a deadly combination.
IMO, they are the most difficult team to beat, at least from Arsenal’s point of view. Far more difficult an opponent than Real Madrid, Barcelona.
But I do feel that they have weaknesses as well. I don’t think they have such a great depth in strength. Among all the top sides in England, they are the one at the moment who been enjoying a shortest injury list. It’s unlikely though a team will remain injury-free all season long. Once a few of their key players get injuried, a Drogba or Terry, things would get tougher for them.
Good points Andez. I think Ancelotti also gravitates to one of these central formations naturally. Didn’t he have the same formation in Milan? I can’t remember exactly what they used.
I think Chelsea’s depth is pretty good most areas of the pitch. They have enough central mids to cover for any injuries there. Their backup fullbacks seem decent. Anelka and Kalou wouldn’t be a horrible attacking starting partnership though they would miss Drogba for sure. And they have been getting lucky with injuries but guys like Essien, Drogba, Lampard just have a natural tendency to remain fit. Didn;t Lampard once set the record for consecutive premiership games played?
We can still hope that they get the flu outbreak though. And when the depth question is asked of the attack, it feels god to know that there is no-one better than us.
Andez – good observations abt the diamond & Chelski – to add to your remarks:
Their holding midfielder (usual starter) is Mikel. Also, their outside backs, Boswenga and Cole are both injured and their back ups are just not as talented.
Chelski have size (height), power, speed, and strength at every position – same car model as Inter Milan.
Fletcher type players/ physical play disrupters: Mikel, Ballack, Terry
Deco has finally adjusted to EPL, raised his fitness, and is in terrific form. I was impressed how ManU took Deco out of the game. Also, Anderson did a great job limiting the contribution of Essien. Essien I think is one of their top 3 players.
Drogba is the most menacing attacker in footaball (imo). His partnership with Anelka has to be enchanting for Chelski fans.
IMO, the reason why Chelski have a fortress defense is because of the playing mentality of the EPL teams: opponents tactics: long balls up front & reliance on set pieces (to win 50/50 flighted balls into the box)
{ManU did an excellent job with tactical preparation, but the quality of their midfields (offensive skills) is ordinary. ManU controlled midfield and built of the attack with short /medium length passes. Rooney is excellent at holding the ball and then finding supporting players in the build up.
Against Chelski:
If you noticed the long balls that ManU played were to the opposite side winger – a long diagonal pass to the defenses weak side – creating a 1 v 1 situation.
Chelski have not played any team the calibre of Arsenal.
Arsenal have the player IQ and skill to dismantle any fortress.
The task for our manager is to wait through the Interlull to see which players are available for Sunderland, then Standard Liege, and finally Chelski.
I was going to add that ManU looked the better team, because they were able to control midfield: Carrick, Fletcher, and Anderson – all are blue collar / tireless midfielders, BUT they lack creativity skills.
United did outplay Chelsea for a good portion of the game. That is where they miss Ronaldo, sheer skill and creativity. That WILL be addressed in January, you can count on that.
Giggs has played a major role as their schemer this year, but his age is impacting his effectiveness over 90 minutes.
He was United’s Player of the Year last year…
He still has an big impact on the team, but yes… he can’t play as much as he used to.
But it just illustrates an OLDER player, with experience galore, that is effective and positive on the team.
Can’t play 90? OK, but nothing wrong with having him as an option.
re: giggs
he was really a non-factor against Chelsea, which really surprised me.
you’re right, even 70 minutes is a bonus for ManU.
I haven’t watched Chelsea play all year, but it seems like the four midfielders they use most are Essien, Ballack, Lampard, and Deco (though sometimes Malouda plays instead of Deco). Now all four of those are what I would call central midfielders, which leaves me with a few questions about how they deal with that, that I hope someone can answer. I find football tactics and formations in general really engaging, so this interests me b/c it seems out of the ordinary (but maybe it’s not).
1. I understand they use a diamond. That formation naturally reduces width from the traditional 4-man midfield, and they are using it without any wide players, so how the hell the manage without any wing play? Do they have very attack-minded fullbacks?
2. How do they play without completely clogging up the middle with players who seem to all be good at similar things (passing, decent striking ability, and being physical)?
3. Who is at the point of the diamond? Obviously Essien is the man to be the anchor, and Fat Frank is a good box-to-box guy, but both Deco and Ballack like to get forward, and I know both have spent much of their careers in that role.
4. Is Joe Cole still hurt or is he just losing out b/c the current setup has worked so well without him? He’s one of the (few) Chelsea players I don’t mind, and actually rather like to watch.
5. And fianlly, is Cashley Cole a giant, obnoxious, self-absorbed, money-grubbing, ungrateful prick?
Their fullbacks do go forward a lot. Additionally you usually find one of the strikers or the midfielders move out wider when required. For example, if Essien is driving the ball forward, rather than stand on his way, Ballack or Lampard moves wide or forward (with the striker going wide). The movement is also the reason they don’t clog themselves up when in position (whilst making it tough for the opposition to attack down the centre when not in postn)
Ballack from what I know is a box to box mid as well. And Joe Cole I think has been missing mainly because of the injury but also because Deco’s been in fine form. And agree that he is one of the non-twats they have on their team. Good to watch.
5. No-brainer
So now the second holiest team in England has a diving incident. Hmmm. Pity it wasn’t Gerrard that was involved. Then it would have been interesting to see how the media would have spun that. If Gerrard dove, then the media might still blame Rafa for playing Gerrard and that his injury caused him to duck and tumble :)
Anyone read the comments about Rooney? I remember seeing him walk off the field after the Chelsea game and I couldn’t tell what he said to the camera. Now they are saying he said “12 men”. I am surprized he was composed enough to say just that considering he swears all the time on the field. Since Ferguson keeps bad mouthing refs, it is not surprizing his players would follow suit and Fletcher’s comments about Wenger are just silly.
Sachin, you’re so right abt ‘the media’ influence – based on players stature!
re: Rooney,
I find myself admiring the play of Rooney this year. He and RvP have the same emotional short fuse and there ends the similarity; but I do respect his hustle and determination to win.
Not many players have skill at full speed; he is blessed with balance and coordination / a rarity for his size.
Sir Spoiled Loser is digging himself a hole with ‘all’ officials. When they finish in 3rd or 4th, he will then blame Arsene for ruining his career along with Fletchers.
I think SAF’s career is probably set… 3 titles in a row, and you know they’ll be there are the end with a chance.
Every manager tries to gain an advantage with the refs… most players do as well.
The difference between Chelsea and everyone else this year is
DEFENSE.
Period. Exclamation!
It wins titles.
Only allowed 8 goals all season, nobody else has less than 12 and that’s United and Villa.
At Home: 6 Wins – Zero Losses – Zero Draws
16 GOALS FOR… ONE GOAL AGAINST in the first match of the season.
That’s a defensive FORTRESS.
We need to take care of business at the Emirates. It’s imperative.
i agree. they have scored a lot of goals lately, but somehow it shadowed the fact they only conceded one goal in the past 5 matches.
WHAT?!?! You two never agree on anything! Who are you and what have you done with the real Andez?
Not really. I agree/disagree with POINTS, not person.
I’ve known Stag since 2004, I don’t think we’ve disagreed with everything each other said for 5 years!
Yeah, yeah, I know, I’m just having fun. It did catch me off guard for a second though.
99% chance that Song will not play v. Sunderland.
So everyone needs to re-think their line up!
I think most of the lineups people are proposing are for the Chelsea game, or what they think we should go with in an ideal situation. I too would not mind Song missing the Sunderland game because he is one Yellow away from missing a game.
Good.
Means a better chance he plays versus Chelsea.
Rest Song. Rest.
I’m hoping he doesn’t play. He does like picking up yellows and we need someone to mark Deco or Cole (Joe) or whoever Chelsea use behind their front 2.
Sunderland will be tough though no doubt. In place of Song… I have no idea… And this is why this might be our downfall this season. Not one name springs to my mind that I’d like starting in that position other than Song.
Am I the only one who thought Ramsey looked like he had a few things to learn on Sat. There were some very silly fouls and several missed/wasted passes, including a square ball across the middle that ManU or Chelsea would’ve punished us for. Don’t get me wrong, I think he has tons of potential, thought it was great that he got a game, and thought he put in loads of effort, but MOTM? I didn’t see it.
I thought Ramsey played very well.
Not perfect, but I loved the fact that he was in there.
Rotation.
I cringed at that ball you’re talking about. He had a couple against Pool as well. Yes he does have stuff to learn but he’s going about it with the right attitude, with energy and his talent is in no doubt. So I’m happy if he gets game time against teams like wolves with senior players supporting him.
B’ham 2nd goal was spectacular. Doesn’t seem like the media is going to shy away from calling a dive a dive this time. N’gog isn’t English, he should have known Gerrard’s presence alone won’t be enough to save him.
Good news- Cashley out for ‘weeks’ with a fractured tibia. We won’t be able to wipe the floor with him but on the balance of things I’m happy he’s out.
Am happy, Cole is a top-class LB … the clown that will replace him will be MAULED by Rosicky (assuming Wenger doesnt play Eboue there! :-D )
I really think we can take these guys, as long as Wenger keeps his head.
Unfortunately I sense that Wenger will do something to fuck the entire scenario up.
He always does things like that in really pivotal games.
For example I would not bat an eyelid if for that game he started:
Diaby – RvP – Eboue
Denilson – Fabregas
Song
You know, just to prove the “youngsters” have learnt! ;-)
—————————————————–
That’s a senseless comment. Cos it doesn’t make sense. Because nobody will remember a specific game’s lineup shortly after the match being played. For instance, does anyone remember Arsenal’s lineup when we beat Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge?
So whatever lineup AW putting out, he’s not trying to PROVE anything anyone. Say, if he plays Denilson, Walcott and beat Chelsea. 2 or 3 weeks later nobody will remember the lineup against Chelsea with other following matches being played.
So Wenger would never be that stupid to just play his so-called favourite players just to prove a point. As far as I am concerned, Wenger always play the players he TRUST MOST.
as i said before, no two fans will rate or not rate the same set of players. everyone has his own opinion. The only opinion matters though it’s the manager’s opinion. So just because we don’t think his starting lineup is the strongest doesn’t necessary mean we are right and he’s wrong.
— “That’s a senseless comment. Cos it doesn’t make sense.”
We know what the word senseless means dude.
— “For instance, does anyone remember Arsenal’s lineup when we beat Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge?”
Yup I remember the lineup.
— “So whatever lineup AW putting out, he’s not trying to PROVE anything anyone.”
WRONG! After the last Chelsea game, Wenger himself came out and said he picked the most of the players to prove a point after their Carling Cup loss. He then added that he left Arshavin out because he couldnt play in the CL and he wanted the others to test themselves in such a big game.
We ALL know how that turned out.
I bet if he puts out that moronic lineup with Diaby and Eboue upfront, Rosicky, Arshavin, Eduardo and Nasri on the bench and losses 3-0 at home you will STILL defend the lineup ;-)
Lets ALL hope it doesnt happen, thats all I’m saying. The team is fragile enough as it is, we dont need the manager putting the handbrakes on them again.
Andez, I don’t think anyone doubts he puts out the players he trusts most, but the problem is that he has unbending trust in some, to whom he will grant a limitless amount of second changes; whereas others are not given a chance at all because he doesn’t trust them as much.
Perhaps he didn’t “trust” Arshavin last spring for the FA Cup semi-final, but that doesn’t mean Arshavin was not the best choice. Besides, Wenger even decided to bring him on afterall (although by that time it was too late).
Can you honestly tell me that you were not surprised, did not wonder, did not have difficulty comprehending, why Arshavin did not start that game after scoring 4 goals against Liverpool and being one of the sole bright spots in what was an otherwise dim Arsenal side by that point of the season?
I don’t want Arsene to go, in fact I can’t think of a better man for the Arsenal job. But even I have difficulty grasping some of his decisions on occasion. Can you honestly say that you have never once thought twice about one of Arsene’s selection decisions, even if you weren’t opposed to it outright?
The man is a great manager, but that doesn’t mean he’s infallible, nor should he be absolutely free of all criticism.
Problem is we haven’t even played Chelsea yet?
So how people could criticise Wenger when we haven’t even played the match?
It makes no sense to me to criticze Wenger BEFORE a Chelsea match based on the Chelsea match LAST SEASON.
If you guys wanna do it, be my guests. But…. at least wait until Chelsea really beat us in the up coming match.
What’s the rush? What if we win?
If we win, he’s a genius!
The line-up against Chelsea will be who Wenger trusts most… it will also depend on what happens v. Sunderland… what if someone gets injured? And what if players are available that were not previously.
I have no problem with his team selection usually… its his SQUAD selection, as in not having the depth to allow himself good choices as to who plays.
Okay, well that’s what I was doing. I was criticizing him for not playing Arshavin last year, and saying that I hope he does not do the same thing this year (but you can bet your ass that if he pulls that shit again, and Arsh is on the bench, I will be criticizing and I will not be alone).
And as for my questions, you don’t have to answer them if you don’t want to, but I’d be curious to know the answers.
The Arshavin incident I believe everyone has his own theory, depends on what he wanna believe.
Personally, I believe AW must have some soft of agreement with Chelsea on bidding Arshavin in January.
If it’s gentleman agreement AW would not have revealed it to the public. So he came out and said something else.
but again, like I said, everyone chooses what he wants to believe.
turth is nobody knows the TRUTH. I may be talking about friction. Or maybe it’s a truth. who knows?
or maybe AW just all a sudden got temporary insane, purposingly not playing his best player just in order to PROVE A POINT like someone else suggested.
again, who knows? maybe it’s true too, or maybe it friction.
as far as i m concerned, it’s unlikely it will happen again in the up coming match. besides the circumstance is different. last season we didn’t have much players available when playing Chelsea. now we have plenty of options.
Just saw the DIVE of the season. Amazing.
i saw Birmingham’s first goal. 3 Birmingham players were allowed to win the headers in Liverpool box successively and scored. Liverpool’s defence have turned into a joke this season.
I think Rafa is a good tactician. But he’s awful when purchasing players. Except from Torres and Alonso, the majority of his purchases over years are pure waste of money. 18 mil for a full back? when Chelsea paid 6 mil for Glenn Johnson I thought they were crazy. OK, Johnson had improved since leaving Chelsea. But his game is still the same – good at attacking, crap at defending. Basically it’s just a Liverpool version of Eboue. only difference is their price tag. And Johnson being English.
Last season, some Gooners might still wish to have a Mascherano as DM. but if you ask me now would I wanna trade Song for Mascherano. NO thanks. I’d keep our Song! Mascherano cost the Reds 18.6 mil. Song cost us how much? 1 mil? 2? nuff said.
Who cares how much he cost? I’d LOVE to have Mascherano in MY team. Would be fantastic to have him AND Song.
Liverpool were awful today. They have been bad for weeks… and their injuries just keep piling up. Benayoun went off injured, he’s been excellent this season.
They are in SERIOUS trouble in the league, and if I were them, I’d throw the CL out the window, and focus solely on the league.
I’d also be buying a few players in January, because not making the CL next year would cost MILLIONS more than any purchases would cost.
They are FECKED.
How they managed to beat United?? A miracle… and it helped everyone else. I thank them for that.
Anyone watching Pool – B’ham ?
Jerome scored and absolute screamer from 30 yards that caught Reina out. Reina is starting to resemble Almunia a lot this season
I would MUCH rather have Reina. The pool defence has been shambolic but I think their keeper is one of the bright spots
I really think Man U need to get a life. Ferguson been moaning about referees basically everytime they didn’t get a result this season. And now Fletcher is blaming Wenger’s comment (after the Man U V Arsenal match, some one or two months ago) that had “influenced” referees to pick on him.
Goodness me. So Man U lost to Chelsea, and it’s Arsene Wenger’s false?! LOL! I thought footballers are dumb whenever they open their mouths, but I never expected they could be that stupid. Did Wenger’s comment helped us to WIN a penalty against Man U? Or indeed to help preventing us from conceding our ROUTINE penalty at Old Trafford?
Coming from a team everybody knows who got the biggest HELP from referees year in year out just made it look even more laughable.
PS: And I hope Walcott does NOT play that game either.
Imagine Walcott starts the game to give us “pace”, and then he scores! … in the first half …. oh dear … then we would all immediately know it is not our day!
One thing I hope Wenger doesn’t do against Chelsea is drop one of Arshavin, Nasri, Rosicky in order to accomodate Bambi and his ‘physical presence’ or any of that nonsense. Just play our best passing side and if we’re gonna go down, go down having stayed true to our principles, not having tried to change our team to somehow combat their physicality. Having deep-lying attackers addresses that issue to an extent anyway.
Barcelona proved you can dominate possession against them with quick passing and movement, so don’t dilute that Arsene. What you gain doesn’t compensate for what you lose.
I agree, Nasri, Fabregas, Arshavin, Fabregas. All four MUST start that game.
Chelsea are robust, not really physical. I do not know them as really dirty tacklers. They are actually better than Man U in that regard.
So there is really no reason for Diaby to play that game.
Unfortunately I sense that Wenger will do something to fuck the entire scenario up.
He always does things like that in really pivotal games.
For example I would not bat an eyelid if for that game he started:
Diaby – RvP – Eboue
Denilson – Fabregas
Song
You know, just to prove the “youngsters” have learnt! ;-)
Yeah, I would not be surprised if he does something like that either, though I hope to God he does not. We all remember the semi last year when he left Andrei ON THE BENCH!! And it was when he was coming off a magnificent performance against Liverpool. Honestly, I will never figure out what was going on in Arsene’s head for that one. To bench a player who just scored 4 GOALS IN ONE GAME! I will take my puzzlement and outrage over that one to the grave.
Arsene does seem to have gone away from those types of odd decisions this year, though I would not be surprised if Diaby starts most of our games so long as he remains healthy. And if Denilson gets back to full fitness, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a midfield trio of Cesc, Denilson, and Diaby become the norm while Nasri, Song, Rosicky, etc. languish on the bench.
I convinced myself that he had some kind of gentlemans agreement with Guus that he would not play Arshavin against Chelsea….maybe some time related to the way the Arshavin trasfer saga played out. Maybe Guus played some part behind the scenes in us getting Arsha…but thats just my way of trying to answer what was going through Wengers head
The Liverpool game was *AFTER* the FA CUP semis. But I can understand your puzzlement and outrage. Many of us felt the same way.
Nasri Fabregas Arshavin and Fabregas?!??!!!
We must start all 4?
I WISH we could clone Fabregas, or we had two of them, but alas, we don’t!
;)
Fred, I totally agree that the players better not be doing what we’re doing, but I too will be talking p the Chelsea game anyways because it is such a juicy prospect to look forward to.
Here is the best line-up we could go with (I guess the technically applies to all games, not just the Chelsea one).
————Almunia
–Sagna–Gallas-Vermaelen–Gibbs
—-Nasri—-Fabreagas—-Song
—Rosicky—van Persie–Arshavin
Maybe some people would disagree about the GK and LB spots, I could see that. I’d be just as happy with someone else, just as long as whoever is picked is picked consistently, so that confidence and communication are at their best.
Also, it is an extremely scary thought that our attack is so deep that EDUARDO can’t even break into the starting XI.
I hope the players are not like us thinking about the Chelsea game just yet. Because Sunderland away is going to be as tricky as it gets.
If we slip up there and Chelsea and Man U win their games, the entire conversation changes. We are suddenly 7-8 points behind and if we lose we go up to 11 behind. Then the media circus would start wailing on the team again. And it would just be November.
So the players better not be reading the blogs … they should FOCUS!
As for me, am joining the bandwagon! :-D
I think we can take Chelsea, if we start with Nasri in the middle, Rosicky up front … I can put money on a win or draw.
Will Gallas be up for it? Hell yeah. Vermalaen? Absolutely. Sagna, Fabregas, Song, RvP? Sure! Arshavin would be a monster in that game, mark my words.
The ONLY problem I can see? MANUEL MOTHERFUCKING ALMUNIA!
PS: What are the odds Wenger resting Arshavin for that game? :D :D :D
What is Diaby’s injury situation? If he is fit, I think he will start all games.
I agree that we still need to focus on Sunderland. However, as a fan I am getting excited for the 1 vs. 2 Chelsea vs. Arsenal matchup. I am confident. With Cesc, Arshavin, Rosicky, and RvP on the pitch we can unlock ANY defense. The only questions are: 1) can Gallas and Vermaelen contain Drogba, and 2) can Alumnia not concede a soft goal(s)?
P.S. Glad we have a game with Sunderland in between the interlull and Chelsea.
“With the Gunners once again not playing with a goalkeeper and thus conceding to the only shot on target that Wolves produced during the 90 minutes, one curious background statistic as Arsenal climbed into second place on Saturday night was that an Arsene Wenger side had never previously conceded so many goals in the opening 11 games of a Premier League season.
Put to Wenger’s attention before the journey south, the matter was given short shrift: “You cannot have everything in football, but I believe we have a good balance between offense and defence, and as long as we score as many goals as we do, we can accept that.” In fairness, with the addition of a regular defensive midfielder, Arsenal’s balance between defence and attack is much improved compared to seasons past and their apparent defensive fallibility can almost exclusively be attributed to the absence of a goalkeeper in ten of those 11 games.
Yet a crash is just a matter of time if they continue to only field outfield players, and it is a truism of the Premier League that a parsimonious defence counts as much towards a title as a free-scoring attack. In four of the last six seasons, the league’s top scorers have finished on top just as in four of the last six seasons the champions have boasted the meanest defence. It may not be unprecedented to win the Premier League with only half of the equation successfully completed but Wenger should be aware that history argues convincingly that it is unlikely.”
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8742_5682728,00.html
How well we do defensively in key games will make or break our season.
I meant to say – How well we do defensively in key games will be the difference between being at the top vs near the top.
Defense is important, but what do you mean by “key games”? If you mean games against Chelsea, Man U, City, Spurs, and Liverpool then that is not true.
When it comes to winning the title, it is all about who can slap the bottom half the hardest. Thus it is in games like the West Ham one, where we should have won, but drew instead, that our defense/GK set-up really hurts us.
I was reading an article at F365 last week that said Man U has not dropped a single point against a bottom-half side since like september of last year, and they have not done so at home since nearly two years ago.
The article then concluded by saying something like, “Surely this ability to manhandle bottom-ten opposition has been the bedrock of United’s success over the years, and is the cornerstone of their current run of three successive league titles.”
As fun as these big games are to watch, it is putting games out of reach before there’s any question when you play bottom half teams that is the key.
While it may be a little early to talk about this, by key games, I actually meant pressure games at the fag end of the season. Since 07-08 season, we have failed in most of these key games. In 07-08, it was Chelsea and ManU away in the league, and Liverpool home and away in the CL. In 08-09, it was Chelsea in the FA Cup and ManU home and away in the CL. The only time we have come up trumps was against Milan.
While it is important to beat the bottom teams, victories against top teams actually count for more points. E.g., IF we had beaten ManU, we would be six points ahead of them now rather than level. So each big game can make a 6 point differential. I would rather lose to Sunderland and beat Chelsea than vice versa.
I know that too many people are making big the point that ManU didn’t do well in the top-4 mini league season last year. But I believe that it was an exception rather than the rule. I don’t have the stats, but I think in seasons prior to the last one, the champions have done pretty well in the top-4 mini league. Consistency is the key. Typically, you can’t afford more than 5 losses, so you simply have to do well against almost all teams – big or small.
FYI, ManU topped the top-4 mini league in 07-08. Chelsea topped it in both their title winning seasons. So did Arsenal in 03-04. I don’t have the stats for 06-07.
OK, I stand corrected. I guess consistency overall is the key, no matter who you’re playing. But yeah, I see what you mean with the phrase “key games”, in which Arsenal have done nothing but self-destruct in recent seasons.
I don’t think Nasri made the French squad.
Apart from Gallas and Arshavin, are any of our players involved in the play-offs? Nasri?
We should get enough rest with the “friendlies” so as to not suffer in the Sunderland game.
France has two qualifiers with v. Ireland
called up:
Goalkeepers: Cedric Carrasso (Girondins Bordeaux), Hugo Lloris (Olympique Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Olympique Marseille)
Defenders: Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Aly Cissokho (Olympique Lyon), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Julien Escude (Sevilla), Rod Fanni (Stade Rennes), William Gallas (Arsenal), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Sebastien Squillaci (Sevilla)
Midfielders: Abou Diaby (Arsenal), Alou Diarra (Girondins Bordeaux), Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid), Yoann Gourcuff (Girondins Bordeaux), Moussa Sissoko (Toulouse), Jeremy Toulalan (Olympique Lyon)
Forwards: Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse), Sidney Govou (Olympique Lyon), Thierry Henry (Barcelona), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Loic Remy (Nice).
Well, the first 20 minutes against Wolves was tight… they were simply all over us, every time we touched the ball. They even created a few chances, especially the free header… but once that passed, so did their confidence. Once we scored, the match was over. The rest of the match was “cruise control”… which I love seeing us in!
The Invincibles would regularly put games away by half-time, and pass the ball around in the 2nd half. That is what I was reminded of… Wolves in the 2nd half were DONE.
We have Sunderland before Chelsea, and if we don’t win against Sunderland, what’s the point of worrying about Chelsea. I hope we are focused for the minnow, before the shark!
Yes, we are in a prime spot in the table. With the game in hand, if we win against Chelsea, we could be top of the league!
Luckily… for me… I will be AT THE CHELSEA game!!!!
So I am quite looking forward to an amazing atmosphere… for the biggest match of the year for us.
I think we can beat Chelsea… but it will be about playing with confidence and holding our nerve. No CHOKE… and we can win.
No giveaway goal from a defender or Almunia… and we have a great chance.
I’m with you on this one, Mazza. Chelsea are just too grown-up to make too many more slip-ups this season. Man Utd still have some petulant players who can self-destruct. Chelsea are just so formidable. They don’t flap or panic, and get a lot of last gasp goals. They also know how to sit on a 1-0 lead.
Our game against them will be a real indicator of our chances this season. We have the dynamism to score first. But not necessarily the strength to hold on to a lead. I hope obviously we can rattle them. Work hard for a first goal. Then hang on and poach a breakaway on the counter. That would be the ideal.
But… let’s take this one game at a time.
It’s certainly nice to see our bench coming to fruition. I feel great when our subs are Rosicky etc. This is only mitigated the sightings of Sendy lurking behind Wenger’s shoulder!
Damn interlulls!
I cannot wait for the Chelsea game. That being said, we must be extremely careful not to overlook Sunderland. Right now, our back 4 are set and our front 6 seems to have 4 players who are assured a spot if they’re healthy: Arsha & RVP up front with Cesc & Song in MF.
The other two spots have been variously filled by Nasri, Eduardo, Walcott, Rosicky, Bendtner, Denilson, Ramsey, Eboue, and Diaby. (Having 9 players to fill those 2 spots is a nice problem… now if only we had it at the back as well.)
In the Chelsea game I am not sure who should be that third MF player, though I think it should be either Nasri or Rosicky. Looking at the big picture, and the matchup between our MF and Chelsea’s, I think we could use another player like Nasri in there. But our attack is so much more creative with Rosicky. I don’t think you can move him to one of the forward wings either… which brings us to the problem of who should play in that spot. It seems to be the case that Eduardo gets it when he’s healthy, and I hope that will in fact be the case for the Chelsea game.
Players who must not play no matter what:
Eboue- the last thing we need is for him to do something very stupid, which he is quite prone to doing. He’s the type who would get us reduced to 10 men for some inconceivably idiotic action.
Diaby- I don’t know why he’s every anywhere near the pitch at all, what with the embarrassment of riches Wenger has at his disposal.
Denilson- we all remember the FA Cup semi-final last year. Enough said.
So yeah, in conclusion, the Chelsea game is still really far away, but we might as well talk it up cause what the hell else are we gonna do during this God-forsaken international break? And that 3rd MF spot… should it be Nasri or Rosicky? And remember, Chelsea are not unbeatable, nor is their attack unstoppable for us: we beat them 1-0 at home 2 years ago and 2-1 at the Bridge last year.
If fit, I would personally like to see Rosicky up front with Nasri partnering Cesc. Or the other way around but I think Arsene sees Rosicky as more of an offensive player than Nasri.
If Eddie is upfront and I had to choose between the two in mid I would say Rosicky. He has more experience, more likely to step it up and not be awed by Chelsea, leads by example and I think he links up better with Cesc (though Nasri is really good at that as well).
When Arsenal play Chelsea, if the game is tied 1-1 going into the 80th minute, I will be most worried in those last 10 minutes. Considering that Drogba has scored twice in the 84th minute and once in the 82nd minute to lead Chelsea to 2-1 wins makes it worse. Ofcourse, it wasn’t Drogba but Bridge who got that 87th minute winner in the European Cup. Even in last year’s awful home loss, Malouda got a goal in the final minutes.
Drogba started that scoring record against Arsenal (I believe it is 8 goals against Arsenal) in that annoying Community Shield game in 2005 when Senderos got the fear of Drogba in him. I still remember thinking that was a one off thing for Sendy as I had high hopes from Senderos at the start of the 2005/06 season. Ha. My Hopes met the drain.
I would realllllly love it if Arsenal could beat those thugs Terry and Lampard. Atleast, it is a home game with Chelsea but before Chelsea, Arsenal have to deal with Mr. Beach Ball himself. The stadium of light won’t be easy but that game has to wait (500) days of dullness.
What I hate about Chelsea is their physical power. The longer the game goes on, the more their powers of strangulation(of our passing game) increase. They also seem to get increasingly dangerous offensively.They are just a horrible side.
It’s a mental thing with them. Every time we play them we run all over them in the first twenty minutes or so, but it’s almost as if they have some sort of mind control over the opposition and sow the seed of doubt in their mind, and of the oncoming pressure they themselves will put on later on in the game. They seem to know they can take us into the deep waters and prevail.
I think we’re better suited to handle them this year, because we’ve got players like Arshavin and Vermaelen who won’t accept that bullshit and they’ll just get on with playing their game. The likes of Toure always gave off that vibe of pure fear when playing against Drogba, and it seemed to spread to the rest of the team. So we no longer have that cowardly streak in the side.
Diaby also has that fear about him as well, which is why it’s imperative he’s no where near the pitch in any big game.
Chelsea have built that reputation and fear. Imagine how many results they get because the opposition has psychologically surrendered before even getting onto the pitch.
Reminds me of back in the day when everyone was afraid of Arsenal, esp our counter attack. To the point the other team was scared of attacking us. Probably helped us get some results easier and I think it is a reputation we need to work hard to re-develop.
We talk about how we seem to have a loser mentality at times but on the other hand it could be a huge weapon if we can get to the stage where the other team has lost before they even get on the pitch.
Loooongg way and a lot of hard work to get that rep though.
another thing about playing Chelsea is – i somehow don’t mind if they score first.
Cos from as far as I can recall, whenever we scored first, our defence would crack under their pressure.
“1-0 up, 1-2 down” has become almost like a routine pattern when we played Chelsea. They would come out playing cautious football. And then we scored and taking the lead. And the moment after we scored, we seemingly lost the direction not knowing whether to keep attacking or dropping back, handing the initative back to Chelsea. They then would come at us, scored, and scored again.
It’s the true mental test against Chelsea. If our boys could hold the nerve, our title hope would become more positive.
I know what you mean about the 1-0 up 2-1 down but for some reason, I just get the feeling that that will not be the case this time around. ie- Not saying Chelsea wouldn’t be able to come back, but I don’t think we will have that lack of direction you mention that has been so prevalent when a goal up against the big teams.
Unfounded feeling? Until solid evidence from a match, probably. But like Mazza mentions below, it might be because of Vermaelen and AA23 and the new found sense of self-belief we have this season.
Chelsea win 1-0. Miracle that there wasn’t a red card in that game. Dropba kept completely silent and anyone who can bother watching that drivel and analyse it can maybe enlighten us as to how Man U did it (other than with the help of Evans Studs on his chest of course, no way we would be able to get away with that).
The way they are going though I don’t think anyone can afford any slip-ups. It’s making me regret that West Ham result a lot more. They have the one solid looking defence in the league and a potent attack and teams are going to have to play blindingly well to get anything from them, especially at Stamford Bridge.
It also makes the next game to Sunderland that much more important. We need to keep the momentum going, going into the Chelsea game. And we need Song to not get booked as I don’t like the matchup of their midfield diamond against our 3 man midfield sans a proper DM.
Maybe I’m over-thinking this seeing as its still 3 weeks away. Damn interlulls!! Think I’ll go hibernate for the next 14 days..
I don’t fear much of their midfield diamond.
When Chelsea play Arsenal, it’s all about DROGBA.
If i had to single out one player that Arsenal fear most the past decade, it’s Drogba.
This guy just loves to score against Arsenal.
It will be Vermaelen’s real test. If he could handle Drogba, he could handle any striker.
Since Drogba arrived at the Premiership, none of our CB could handle him.
Gibbs showed what he can do and Song showed us how much we really need him. On the other side of things, Diaby and Almunia showed us again what they are lacking- unfortunately we only have alternatives (and it is shitload of alternatives) for the former.
The back 4 were solid, though outside of set pieces they really had nothing to do. The attack was clicking after the first 20 minutes.
Fabregas was awesome, and he looks like he’s going to have an awesome season. He’ll need to if Arsenal are going to win the league.
“Ashley cole…you’re a wanker, you’re a wanker.”
Catchy little tune.
Indeed….but he wins the crucial free kick that results in the goal (clean tackle from Fletcher)… “best left back in the world”….