Arsenal v Reading, Premier League Match Preview
It has been what seems like an eternity since Arsenal managed a much needed win over Swansea to get back into their chase for the top 4 and Champion’s League qualification. That all begins in earnest again on Saturday as Arsenal entertain, Reading.
The last two fixtures between these sides have resulted in 19 goals between them. There was the wacky 7-5 Arsenal win in the Capital One Cup and the emphatic 5-2 Arsenal win at the Madjeski in December. What to expect from this match is anyone’s guess.
For Reading it will be interesting to see how the react to new manager Nigel Adkins. The former Southampton manager, was recently appointed to takeover forReading in hopes he can save them from the drop. Whether Adkins has really had any time to influence the squad in time for this match is the big question. Reading come in to the Emirates losing their last 5 and while they certainly always look up for the fight, eventually they seem to capitulate whether they can mount any sort of concerted effort will be the big question facing the visitors.
For both squads getting maximum points is essential. Reading need to reduce the 7 points they need to get to safety. Arsenal need the 3 points to close the gap on our North London rivals Tottenham and that Champion’s League spot.
Arsenal as are all of the teams, just coming back from the international break and lots of its players were involved. There has to be some worry that the travel, the time away and all the other baggage that comes from international breaks will break up the momentum they seemed to have regained prior to the break. In their matches against both Bayern and Swansea, they looked good in the back shutting down their opponents even stiffling Swansea to no shots on target. The problem will be to get back that mojo right away. Reading haven’t exactly been poor in their attack it’s a defense that is absolutely dreadful that gets them into trouble.
The thing will be for Arsenal to not let the fact they’ve been away from the league for two weeks to affect them. We are notoriously slow starters when we come back from international duty. If that’s the case then the defense needs to be as stout as it was previously. Staying solid at the back will hopefully keep Reading chances down while Arsenal come into the game. If we’re trutful then we all expect that a lack of “legs” is likely. It will be both up to the squad and to the home supporters to be patient. Even as slow as we get in these first matches back, we do typically tend to exert ourselves over time.
Arsenal were successful in both matches against Reading because of our midfield dominance. Rather than press Arsenal, Reading sat back and gave Arsenal the time they needed to create the chances to tear them apart. The hope for Reading is that the time Adkins has been in charge has been solely focused on shoring up the defense. If not you can really see a case for another mauling by Arsenal even if they aren’t hitting on all Cylinders.
What we have to hope for is that Reading don’t merely set up shop to absorb the pressure. Arsenal have shown themselves, especially this season unable to cope with teams that only drop behind the ball. They are easily frustrated and when ideas run out there isn’t the one player who can rise up and carry them over the finish line. Also, when there isn’t any space to manuever, Arsenal spend large chunks of time on the periphery of the box passing around without any pentration.
In the matches against both Bayern and Swansea, Arsenal were successful not only in defense but because their play was direct and decisive. When they had the chances it was from movement forward rather than their maddening side to side or back play. For the most part it was effective and the results speak for themselves. They cannot lose sight of what made them successful in those matches.
The personal focus also has to remain. While Reading can easily be seen as a minnow, a lack of focus and concentration when playing minnows has often made Arsenal the masters of their own demise – Bradford or Blackburn anyone? Additionally, a lack of focus and discipline has led to individual mistakes that has cost Arsenal precious points this season. We can ill-afford to do that again.
Every match matters and not to over do any tired cliches – the last 9 matches are cup finals and need to be approached as such. We cannot drop needless points. Statistically, Arsenal have the easiest run-in of the clubs vying for Champion’s League qualification. They need to fully take advantage of that or face the prospect of fan frustration boiling over to levels the club management may not be used to.
The next few matches are winnable and should be done so at the trot. But it’s never being Arsenal and as we all know even winnable matches often can cause us fits. Still, in the end, I think this one sets up nicely for the Red and White Army.
How the match should play out:
It’s a little hard to guess how Reading may approach this match. As we’ve already discussed, a few days is hardly time for Adkins to assess his players and get them going in any kind of new system. This is why I am worried. It all points to Reading just setting up shop looking to nip a point. Arsenal have to use their attacking superiority against Reading’s frail defense from the fist whistle. If Arsenal can get the game to open up early, ie, getting an early goal, then Reading will be forced to play. Large swatches of time without a goal play into Reading’s hand. Even with tired legs Arsenal must get on the front foot immediately and make sure Reading never get that chance to park the bus.
Players to Watch:
Arsenal. Santi Cazorla. Santi has come on prior to the break. Maybe it’s because Jack is out as some suggest or maybe he’s just that good and full accustomed to the league. I worry for other teams if its the latter.
Reading. Adam LeFondre. Won January’s player of the month award – without starting a game in that entire month.
Projected Lineups:
Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Diaby (knee), Walcott (hip/thigh), Wilshere (ankle), Gibbs (test – virus)
Reading: Federici (ankle), Roberts (hip).
Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Walcott 11, Santi Cazorla 11
Reading: Le Fondre 10
Assists Leaders:
Arsenal: Podolski 9, Walcott 9
Reading: McAnuff 5
Last Meeting (EPL):
Arsenal: 5
Reading: 2
Goals For:
Arsenal (home): 2.5
Reading (away): 0.8
Goals Against:
Arsenal (home): 1.4
Reading: (away): 1.9
Last Five:
Arsenal: WLWWW
Reading: LLLLLL
Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 23
Reading: -22
Match Official:
Referee: Chris Foy. Matches: 19. R1 Y40. 2Pk
Broadcast Information:
US: FoxSoccer.TV 11:oo AM EST Fox Soccer Channel: 5:30PM (re-broadcast)
UK: Highlights on MOTD 1 BBC
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 3
Reading: 0
