Holding In Reserve: Arsenal v West Ham, Match Preview (FA Cup 3rd Round)
The Battle of Who's Reserves Are Better!
So here is some math for you – what do you get when you add two teams riddle by injuries plus, one relegation fight and one championship push? Why you get two teams relying on reserves to propel them into the next round of the FA Cup. You get Arsenal versus West Ham redux.
This fixture is one of three all Premier League ties in the third round and is the only true London derby of the group. This meeting between them in the FA Cup is the ninth time they have drawn each other. West Ham hold the high hand in meetings progressing 5 out of the 8 previous times they have clashed. However the last FA Cup meeting in the 1998 quarter finals saw a replay at Upton Park where the Gunners won 4-3 on penalties. They would go on to beat Newcastle United 2-0 in the final and hoist the trophy.
West Ham are currently in a pitched fight to stay up int eh premier league and have only managed to take 4 points from their last 6 league games. Additionaly Gianfranco Zola will likely be with outhe Mark Noble, Scott Parker, Danny Gabbidon and Herita Illuinga. as they are all dealing with hamstring injures. Guillermo Franco is suspended and Carlton Cole and Kieron Dryer are out for an unknown duration due to injures. With the limited resources he has available, Zola has had to recall Freddie Sears from his loan to Crystal Palace.
West Ham know they can play with the big boys. Prior to the Christmas fixtures West Ham valiantly fought Chelsea to a draw and we can’t forget about the draw with Arsenal at Upton Park in October.
The Gunners are one of the hottest teams in the EPL right now. They have captured 16 of a possible 18 points in all league games. They have won their last 3 matches with an aggregate score of 10-1 all without the services of a certified central forward.
The list of injuries is long and well known by all Gooners. Fabrgas, Denilson, and Walcott are all recent additions (again) toi the training table squad. However, Tomas Rosicky is back and should feature in the squad.
Arsene Wenger is planning on reseting key players. He is in it to win for the EPL and needs to get those essential players some down time for the long haul ahead.
“I will have to rest some players because there were some knowcks against Portsmouth,” Wenger recently said. “Bolton is a very important game for us [the game in hand], so we want to keep our momentum going.”
“I will change some players that is for sure. But while the Carling Cup, is, for us, exclusively for young players, the FA Cup is one to win.”
“A Cup is a Cup and we want to do well. A season is judged on the overall achievement. People look to who has won the trophies but I look as well at how we have done and how consistently we have played.”
Even so the squad that Arsene fields won’t warm the cockles of anyone’s heart (at least those that insist he must field the strongest sides) who want him to win this. It will likely be a squad mostly of reserves, returning injured, and Alexander Song. Song has yet to depart for the Africa Cup and is intent on making an impact for his departure. Fully expect also that in addition to Song and Rosicky, Fabianksi, Silvestre and possibly Senderos will play. Senderos will only play though if he clears a physical. His injuries are unkown (probably – does Arsene have a deal in the works is more like it.) However, even an Arsenal reserve squad are likely to be chock full of more talent than a West Ham reserve squad (which is what Zola will likely field given all the injuries to his squad.)
So let’s get to it shall we?
How the game should play out:
Regardless of the squad Arsene fields it is likely going to be made up of players who are all looking to show something to Le Boss. With the Carling Cup no longer a chance to do so, some of the young players – like Merida, Eastmond, Gilbert, Wilshere and Ramsey will likely be the featured stars of the day. Given their ability I suspect the match will go one of two ways – wide open attacking football with Merida and Ramsey the likely heros of the day or a slow dirge of a match that needs and injection of seniority before the match takes off. I hope for open option.
Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Alexander Song. Song has been a beast this season. Unfortunately this match against West Ham is the last time we could see him in the red and white strip for the next four weeks. I’ve always thought Song to be the low key kind of player but after the Pompey match his enthusiasm was very evident and he was quite vocal about the club and his affinity for it. He desperately wants to make sure that Arsenal is seen off to success in this competition and i am sure the young Cameroonian will do so.
West Ham: Matthew Upson. If he is healthy and plays he will be the centre of attention – not so much for what he could do against Arsenal but because a slew of teams are looking at him as a possible January buy.
Probable Starting XI (ed note: Due to the holiday and graphics won’t return until next Saturday’s match against Bolton. – DAG.)
Arsenal: Fabianski, Gilbert, Senderos, Silvestre, Traore, Merida, Eastmond, Ramsey, Wilshere, Rosicky, Vela.
West Ham: Green, Upson, Spector, Tomkins, Jimenez, Kovac, Faubert, Behrami, Collison, Franco, Diamanti
Injuries:
Arsenal: Walcott (chest), Denilson (back), Fabregas (hamstring), Gibbs (foot), Van Persie (ankle), Clichy (back), Bendtner (groin), Djourou (knee)
West Ham: Ilunga (hamstring), Parker (hamstring), Noble (hamstring), Gabbidon (hamstring), Dyer (hamstring), Hines (knee), Cole (knee), Davenport (hip), Boa Morte (ACL)
Recent Form:
Arsenal: WWWDW
West Ham: LWDLL
Match Officials:
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Assistant referees: Stephen Child & Shaun Procter-Green
Fourth Offical: Peter Walton
Television Broadcasts:
US: Setanta Sports 11:15 AM EST
UK: ITV 1615 BST
Possible Video Streams:
Please note, YouAreMyArsenal.com is not responsible for the content contained on any of these links – DAG
GAMEDAY CHAT will be open. www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal – 2
West Ham – 0
170 comments
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GDC folks, Bolton game is not on TV. :( So I won’t be around.
Online streams mate…
Not at 1:15 am.
If it’s true, Merida should have talked for Diarra first, who could have been a first-team regular within six months.
Just wait and you’ll get your chance, amigo. Rosicky or someone else will get crocked for six months, then you’ll be in and shine. That said, he hasn’t been much cop so far, has he?
Meanwhile, apparently Carlton Cole tops our shopping list if Bendtner fails the medical on Friday.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2796193/Wengers-9m-swoop-for-Cole.html
Not the worst idea by a long shot. Half the price of Berbatov and three times the work rate!
OK, while I would like to see Carlton Cole at Arsenal, for the life of me, I can not possibly understand WHY West Ham would even consider selling their best player, when they are in a battle to survive in the league.
They are already paper thin with all their injury problems, as shown in the FA Cup match against us… selling your best player at this point, would be outright surrender! Zola said he hopes to get his injured players back… and thinks they can stay up if they do so… knowing they won’t likely be buying much during January.
Makes no sense to sell Cole. If they want to sell him … why not wait until the season ends?
So, having said that, it will probably happen!
Diarra starts most games for Real Madrid.
And he has won more trophies than Arsenal since he has left.
I seriously doubt he regrets leaving the club.
Diarra is overrated I would rather have Song anyday.
Does Diarra really start for Real every game!? They have not got anyone better than that to hold in the MF, maybe that’s why they are underachieving.
Woah! You are NOW a Song fan. I thought you were all about Sweet Brazilian ankles!
No I’ve always been a Song fan from the first time I saw him play for us although I questioned his mentality at the time.
In fact I am a fan of all our player and some of our ex-players too.
As for those sweet Brazilian ankles, Denilson has a lot of improving to do but I will give him credit for what he does well and I wish him all the best. I hope he can prove you wrong as Diaby is doing to me at the moment. If he does will be man enough to admit it or will ignore his brilliance and place credit elsewhere as some do to Song?
It will be interesting to see.
Apparently a 27 year old keeper, Jan Mucha or something is on trial at the moment.. No idea about who he is (classic wenger), but more importantly, it implies that Wenger is looking for a goalkeeper :O Good news…
Ján Mucha is the Slovakia national team goalie. He subsequently replaced on Lukasz Fabianski at Legia Warszawa
in the immortal words of Charlie Brown: “good grief”
If we have the replacement, why are we after the guy that was replaced?
Hey guys –
I was travelling today. I will get the match preview out tonight.
DAG
I feel for Wenger and the abuse he gets because I’ve been there. I know, love, and appreciate the beauty of this game. For years, I’ve put in countless hours playing, practicing, teaching, learning, mentoring, and developing in this game. About six years ago I started coaching; first a u-19 team, then an adult team, finally a U-15 team. I didn’t coach for money or because my kid played on the team and someone needed a coach. I coached because I love winning, passing on experience, and developing young players and teams.
The hardest part is despite my time, experience, and sacrafice, people will still try and tell me how to coach. It’s especially bad with parents. Most haven’t kicked a ball a day in their life, yet they’re telling me what formation to play. It’s the same if Arsene were to listen to some of you. Surely, he thinks it ridiculous. It’s like, “dude, how many Premier League titles have you won? I don’t come to your job trying to tell you how to flip burgers so don’t try and tell me how to manage my team.”
The funny thing is I don’t ever recall a single coach being critical of what Arsene Wenger is doing; only dumb-ass fans that likely know nothing about managing or developing a football team.
Yep. It sounds like if anyone could relate to the woes of one of the biggest managers in the world, it would have to be an amateur such as yourself.
To quote HTSteve, quoting ‘Seinfeld’, Gold, Jerry. Gold.
(Wenger, of course, DOES coach his kids for the money. But keep ’em coming!)
” “dude, how many Premier League titles have you won? I don’t come to your job trying to tell you how to flip burgers so don’t try and tell me how to manage my team.” LOL! :lol:
The funny thing is I don’t ever recall a single coach being critical of what Arsene Wenger is doing; only dumb-ass fans that likely know nothing about managing or developing a football team.”
So true though don’t you think? Hater :-D
Hate this…
Andez Reply:
January 2nd, 2010 at 6:14 am
one more..
*Fabregas has scored twice as many goals as Adebayor so far this season as a midfielder.
*While Diaby has scored as many goals as Adebayor so far this season as a midfielder.
*And Vermaelen has scored one goal less than Adebayor so far this season as a defender!
Classic Vibe, classic!
Hilarious! :-)
But I notice a pattern, a swift change of subject! nice diversionary tatic to cover your embarrassment LOL
Funny thing JD did not mention any names but you know those who the cap fits can’t help picking it up to wear :-D
Another funny thing is you always revert to Adebayor as if that will offens me. I find it comical that you do so, because although I presume you are more intelligent than Fred this time like him you miss the point. Ade may be offended by your humourous comparisions but I am not in the slightest bit bothered. :-D
How do you know he is offended? Does he communicate his anger to you while whispering sweet-nothings in your ear?
HA HA you sre so childish it is sincerely funny. I am literally laughing right now!
“Keep ’em coming” I like a laugh :lol:
A few things, Art.
First, I made a very specific, very narrow, three-sentence response to Josh regarding his above post. (A post that he himself took a few steps back from and/or clarified on the next thread.)
You chose to insert yourself into that by interpreting Josh’s post for him, and then throwing around your favorite hip-hop slang word ‘Hater’ (because if anyone is down with hip hop, it would obviously be you).
You also love throwing around the word ‘hater’ as a generic response whenever any of us point out the continued deficiencies of your boy Ade. A shitty ex-Gunner who has done sweet fa since leaving, yet who you love to bring up here as a ‘wind up’ (according to you).
So when you inserted yourself into my very specific, very narrow response to Josh, and repeated ‘Hater’ again, it brought to mind that wonderful, 100% FACTUAL (ie. no opinion required) post by Andez, someone I know you would NEVER describe as a ‘hater’.
But it’s clear you like doing the winding, more than you enjoy being wound. On the playground (since you like calling people ‘childish’), this is known as the ability to dish it out, without the requisite ability to take it.
In conclusion, Art. Embarrassed by you? Not yet. Embarrassed for you. Quite. And since I know you like these, here you go :-)
Cheers, bra.
LOL!! I don’t listen to hip hop AT ALL. And don’t listen to that Rock shiat you’re into either Spinal effing Crap and all that nonsense.
You ain’t no “bra” of mine. I probably wouldn’t be able to bear the sight of you much less have you in my family! ;-)
“Hater”, yeah I love the word, it is a simple word used in popular culture that everyone knows the meaning of. A simple term that descibes the malevolence of such as yourself neatly IMO.
Of course I wouldn’t use the word for Andez. Andez can criticize Ade all he likes I will not say a word. I actually like Andez :-), he doesn’t come across as hater anyway.
As for Josh’s I didn’t need to interpret it “dude”, it is plain and simple English and obviously the cap fit you hence your “narrow” response. I didn’t intend to embarrass you, I just thought you did it yourself with your “narrow” reply.
Of course! I like winding more than being wound, don’t you? :-D clown.
Yeah I know I can be provactive. And when offended I can be rude, but hey that is often the lesser of two evils and you have to deserve it IMO. I see nothing childish in that, actually.
Anyway cheers to you too dude ;-)
Josh, seriously?
You are comparing your love of coaching kids, to Arsene Wenger at Arsenal? and you think there is a comparison?
Not to belittle your coaching, but it is like apples and firetrucks. Different world… not much similar.
Wenger gets paid handsomely, and his players make MILLIONS in most cases… there JOB is to WIN TROPHIES… the support of the FANS is what partially pays all their salaries.
We all agree Wenger is a fantastic manager, but great managers have been sacked before… and he is NOT bigger than the club… I only know that because I hear so many of the people on this site CUE UP that slogan every time we sell one of our star players for a big profit.
If he’s not going to adapt and change his philosophy, and we continue to NOT WIN trophies, sorry… but he’s going to get sacked.
If he continues to NOT win, and doesn’t get fired, then we know as fans, that the club is ONLY interested in making a profit, and not winning.
“The funny thing is I don’t ever recall a single coach being critical of what Arsene Wenger is doing; only dumb-ass fans that likely know nothing about managing or developing a football team.”
Hilarious NONSENSE! The skewed logic that only a manager can dare criticize another manager – forgetting that soccer is a game that displays its wares in public.
The funniest part is that the same folks who use this silly logic are the same ones who openly criticize other managers.
PS: No, your coaching gig aint relatable to the whole premier league manager gig.
PSS: Why dont you break down the whole using only 2 CBs thing for me?
Missing the point again Fred of just plain stupid aye? which one.
Nobody said it takes a manager to criticise another manager. the point is other coaches can relate emphasise and understand decision burger flippers and dumb-asses can’t. Which one of those are you Fred?
Are “Burger-flippers” and “Dumb-asses” experiences you get when you are with Dade Blue??? :-D
If so that is a bit TMI for this site.
Hilarious :lol:
If the story is true about Merida, it’s a shame that Arsenal have lost such a fabulous young talent. It’s hard to blame the kid for quitting the BPL. It’s a tough old league and Arsenal is a very tough team to get into. It takes a special toughness to adapt to this league at such a young age. It helps you to appreciate how special players like Fabregas and Cristiano Ronaldo really are. You also realize that, regardless of talent, not everyone is cut from the same cloth. I suppose West Ham made a decisive enough impression on him to hasten his decision. If this is true, I think he may have played his last game for Arsenal. We’ll wait and see.
Match in doubt for US viewers for another reason. Looks like Setanta may have lost the Prem….fluid situation, lots of moving parts. Hope we don’t take a big step back. Good news is, FSC is supposed to offer HD soon. Gol’s picture sucks.
http://www.epltalk.com/breaking-fox-sports-international-in-talks-to-acquire-setanta-sports/14489
SOME MORE NEWS:
Keep watching the blogs or official site – the match for tomorrow and this weekend is in doubt because of the huge amounts of snow.
Supposedly Arsene mentioned the situaton with Merida during today’s press conference. Waiting for press to do write ups.
The Merida story seems to be real but no official comment has been made. Supposedly Arsenal are waiting on confirmation of the proposed compensation for Fran. But I would add that the story originated in the Spanish press so there this could all be bunk.
already cancelled the two Carling Cup matches…
madness!
Why don’t they just close the retractable roof?
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/arshavin-and-denilson-fit-for-bolton-clash
Arsh and Deni are back for Bolton, but Cesc is out for longer (not too long, we all hope).
http://youngguns.wordpress.com/2010/01/05/arsenal-wait-on-compensation-for-meridas-exit/
Arthur, Ramsey isn’t left footed, he’s righty. Though I think it would be more accurate to call him 2 footed. I’ve seen him score a corker with his left for Wales as well (better than any goal he has scored for us).
It’s a big advantage to have when the defender you are running at HAS to watch both sides. Remember how easy it was for defenders to show Reyes onto his right? To think players like Ramsey and Cesc even are still developing.
He isn’t? I thought he was a leftie. Arsene likes left footers too it seems he has quite a collection.
Yea, I remember him going on about something about the balance of the team and how left footers help with that. But Ramsey’s a right footer. Pretty sure about that.
Okay, i’ll take your word for it
The trophy vs finances debate can best be summed up as – Winning a trophy and breaking even on the balance sheet is better than wining nothing and making 20M profit.
It is of utmost importance not to break the bank while spending money, but at the same time, if there is money available (which everyone from the chairman to the tea lady have acknowledged there is), then it should be used to strengthen the team.
Arsene said recently – “I have the money, I have the desire, but I do not have the player”. I am sure if he looks hard enough, he will find the player. That is his job and he gets paid handsomely to do it.
Amen.
And people act as if winning something in and of itself isn’t profitable.
How did United become one of the most recognized brands in the world? It wasn’t a series of third place finishes.
exactly. and a couple of 4th’s by a whisker!
;)
BREAKING NEWS:
Fran Merida has reportedly rejected Arsenal’s contract offer and is set to swtich to Atletico Madrid in the summer.
http://footytweets.com/arsenal/news/210939
Maybe Rosicky signing was the final straw. ;)
Good move for the guy.
Top class player.
And giving Rosicky a new contract is the most idiotic decision could possibly have been made.
The guy got injured after having a 7 minute cameo and MISSED the West Ham game yet he is tied to a contract.
So many Arsenal players are undeserving lottery winners.
He probably got a significant paper cut just signing the contract. We should feel lucky he didn’t hit a major artery.
Arsenal have re-signed 15 players since May 2009. How many are deserving? What exactly have they done to deserve it, in many cases?
Yes, but think of all the money we’re saving re-signing guys who haven’t done much. With the profits, we can have our own trophies made. Cheap ones, of course.
don’t be surprised if Wenger revolutionizes again… and he creates trophies for all the players if we don’t win a real one! LOL
He can just claim that we play for our own trophies and play our own style and our own league.
Damn those teams who don’t come to play OUR football… and allow us to pass pass pass pass pass and score.
:)
But seriously, if this season ends up a spectacular dud just because a French f&cker doesnt want to buy backups for CB and DM … the un-named French b&stard should be tarred and feathered! After getting fired ofcourse.
Ok, I understand his perverted love for Denilson and his desire not to “kill” his other midfield babies, but who is he killing in CB??? There is nobody there at all!
It would be interesting to find out what goes on his head when he goes into a season with only 2 CBs.
PS: I can assure you all that Wenger is not going to buy anybody this January.
Thank God you are not on the board you ungreatful….
If this season ends up a dud you couldn’t have done any better, hypocrite.
PS I can asure you that you are not God and he will buy in January too ;-)
What is an “ungreatful”? :-D
Grow up you big baby :-D
And to think you would criticise me for my stance on Adebayor and you have the audacity to call our greatest ever manager a “French f&cker”.
When did you start supporting Arsenal? It’s OK you don’t need to tell me I am sure George Graham had finished his tenure. Your lack of respect shows you ignorance
Here comes the “i am a better fan than thou” rally cry ….
spare us! ;-)
ps: get off ade’s d&%$!
Un-named Fat Italian F&cker spare me ;-)
It’s a form of fantasy football except no one is keeping score
————————————————–
That’s so true Josh.
If we keep score of all the suggestions people made at the past, like bringing in the players they “strongly” “recommended”, we then would know who got it “right” more? The fans? Or the manager?
Remember the calls for make a move for Barry? Miach Richards? Lescott? Reo-Coker? to name just a few.
Who called for Lescott, Reo-Coker and Richards? Apart from Stag, I cant think of any.
Barry would have been good for Arsenal … if he cost less than 10 million. He is better than that nonentity Denilson.
Barry Richards Lescott and Reo-Coker could ALL play a part at Arsenal, right now.
MOSTLY Barry, but the others are not bad players to have in your squad.
Please, tell me… do Arsenal supporters care, or are they proud that the club win the profit league?
Do you actually enjoy it that the club make the most money… and don’t win anything…
or
would you prefer that we WIN trophies every few years… and don’t make a dime?
I guess I don’t understand the thought process that it is somehow important that the club show a profit and what enjoyment the fans
would get out of us making lots of money for the board?
I am not saying we should go crazy and go deep into debt … buying fading stars for exhorbitant prices… and not care what happens.
Conversely, its NOT YOUR MONEY! You aren’t making shit from the clubs profit… but it IS YOUR MONEY they put in their pockets… (if you go to matches, buy their merchandise, etc)…
So… here’s the hypothetical,
Arsenal don’t win anything for another 3 years and continue to make big profits in each of those years…
OR
Arsenal actually win a trophy in the next few years… the league? the FA Cup… but to do so, the club make NOTHING. No profit at all, as they have to spend on players.
Would you be OK with the club actually LOSING MONEY… for a few years in a row… if we could make the Champion’s League Final again?
It’s hypothetical… so don’t take it literally … like I am saying without buying, we can’t win… (though I believe that to be true).
I am going to say I want the club to win trophies but I would be really concerned if the club did not have a sustainable financial model.
I am not saying what happens to Pompey would happen here but Pompey and Leeds are perfect examples of living beyond your means. Again not saying that would happen but it should serve as a reminder as to what can happen.
I would guarantee that the Pompey fans would go for it with a chance to win a trophy. They did, they won the FA Cup.
While Leeds and Pompey are examples of what not to do financially, perhaps…
The alternative… and what many fans of the big 4 want, is that another team NEVER go after greatness. Never TRY to win the league or the Cup … or spend money on a good player or even a great player.
It’s nice to have no competition, then you can just rest on your laurels and not have to win anything…
It is NOT a bad thing to fail. People, businesses, football clubs… fail all the time, but if you don’t TRY to be great, you never will.
When Chelsea was bought how many years ago, I heard on this site… oh just wait until Roman gets tired of the toy, and they are screwed.
Same with Man City.
I enjoy competition. This season has been fantastic to watch because its competitive. I PRAY it forces Arsenal to act, and Arsene to actually do something other than bring in 17 year olds, and sell star players for profit.
Josh,
excellent summary of reality…..
monopoly money – hilariously true.
Things finally starting to happen in the world of transfers….
Our next opponent will have a new manager, which should make them a bit feistier or at least eager to please.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jan/04/owen-coyle-bolton-wanderers-burnley
An Arsenal Legend returns to England (maybe)to reunite with his former boss.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jan/04/patrick-vieira-manchester-city-internazionale
And finally (and most importantly) reports are that we’ll have to wait a bit longer on Cesc’s hamstring and AW is on the warpath over the scheduling of the FA cup match at Stoke—it appears they like us on the telly for Sunday Roast–who cares that Villa gets an easy (home) draw AND and extra day’s rest before they host us in mid-week…
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/arsenal/article6975870.ece
Fun stuff…
yes, fun stuff… I don’t know what would be worse, Vieira to City or Chelsea.
He’d probably get more playing time at City… and his goal is to force his way back into the French National side for one last World Cup.
He’d be a good source of depth right here at Arsenal, but I don’t think he’d be interested in playing a bit part.
Can we get him for the month until Song is back?!!
:)
PV’s name has been linked quite a bit since last year. Soccernet had a story today regarding Lyon with Pires and PV. I am still amazed that PV has not moved already.
Everyone
My sincerest apologies for the site issues there was an SQL update my hosting company was doing today. They neglected to inform me. I am sorry for any inconvenience. Please reume your normal discourse and let me know if you continue to have issues
DAG
Hadn’t noticed. Keep up the good work DAG.
The fact remains that Wenger is in a position to know many things that we fans don’t have a clue about. I can gurantee that every decision he makes is what he feels is best for Arsenal. Why give Rosicky a new contract? Why play Vermaelen and Gallas in the FA Cup? Why verbally express a lack of intrest in the trophy? Why pay young players so much money? Why not buy a new keeper? Why not buy cover for Song during AFCON? Why not buy a new forward after selling Adebayor? Why not play Merida ahead of Denilson? Why not buy experienced player until Song develops? Why not sell Clichy to Real Madrid? Why not buy Huuntealaar, Yaya, or Babel?
I’ll tell you why. Because I paid the cost to be the motherfuckin’ boss. That’s why, bitches.
The reality is we come on this www. and talk smack because it’s fun. It gives us someone to talk to about our beloved club as most of us don’t have anyone at work to talk to. We discuss what we think is relevant. We discuss taking risks that we don’t have to seriously contemplate. We talk about spending monopoly money. It’s a form of fantasy football except no one is keeping score. But the reality is for Arsene, it’s real and he has a plan. As much as we love Arsenal, we don’t know 1/4 as much about this club as Arsene Wenger. We don’t know 1/4 as much about each and every one of those players as Arsene Wenger does. But somteimes it’s fun to come on here and pretend we really know something.
I can tell you one thing, Le Boss knows what he’s doing. He’s got his own secrets and techniques which are far from typical but he is far from stupid. Maybe he says things to motivate the players or does things to throw the media off. I’m sure that if we knew half of what Arsene does, his decision to play Gallas and Vermaelen on Sunday would make as much sense as his decision to play a crocked Fabregas against Aston Villa. We can trust him or not. At the end of the day, our livelihood isn’t affected.
Yes, Josh… Arsene knows what he is doing.
Unfortunately for him, what he is doing is… NOT WINNING TROPHIES.
Until he does, his moves are more and more debatable every year that goes by.
Just because he’s been a great manager, doesn’t mean he can’t be questioned by the fans, the board, and the owners.
He’s a brilliant mananger and a very intelligent man, but he still has shit to show for the last 5 years!
;)
Time will tell.
Yup. It’s not 2011, yet. Although if Wenger had asked fans to wait until 2012 before making a judgment, I might have figured he was being funny.
Frankly, I think Arsene’s time is till this season end. Because his contract runs till end of 2011 season and he will want to get it renewed next season. For that, he needs to show something this season. I doubt (and hope) the new board (Stan and Ivan) will give him a free new contract like the previous board (PHW, etc.) used to.
The fact remains that Wenger is in a position to know many things that we fans don’t have a clue about. I can gurantee that every decision he makes is what he feels is best for Arsenal. Why give Rosicky a new contract? Why play Vermaelen and Gallas in the FA Cup? Why verbally express a lack of intrest in the trophy? Why pay young players so much money? Why not buy a new keeper? Why not buy cover for Song during AFCON? Why not buy a new forward after selling Adebayor? Why not play Merida ahead of Denilson? Why not buy experienced player until Song develops? Why not sell Clichy to Real Madrid? Why not buy Huuntealaar, Yaya, or Babel?
I’ll tell you why. Because I paid the cost to be the motherfuckin’ boss. That’s why, bitches.
The reality is we come on this www. and talk smack because it’s fun. It gives us someone to talk to about our beloved club as most of us don’t have anyone at work to talk to. We discuss what we think is relevant. We discuss taking risks that we don’t have to seriously contemplate. We talk about spending monopoly money. It’s a form of fantasy football except no one is keeping score. But the reality is for Arsene, it’s real and he has a plan. As much as we love Arsenal, we don’t know 1/4 as much about this club as Arsene Wenger. We don’t know 1/4 as much about each and every one of those players as Arsene Wenger does. But somteimes it’s fun to come on here and pretend we really know something.
I can tell you one thing, Le Boss knows what he’s doing. He’s got his own secrets and techniques which are far from typical but he is far from stupid. Maybe he says things to motivate the players or does things to throw the media off. I’m sure that if we knew half of what Arsene does, his decision to play Gallas and Vermaelen on Sunday would make as much sense as his decision to play a crocked Fabregas against Aston Villa. We can trust him or not.
You could have just typed
“Araene knows”
and saved yourself a lot of effort.
Agreed, but that’s boring. Also agree that the site’s been funny.
Site’s behaving a little wonky for me today. Not seeing the Edit feature (thus the misspelling of ‘Arsene’ above), and there have been a lot of error messages (relating to database).
Is it just my Firefox, or are other people getting this, too?
(I got the Edit feature back for this post. Maybe it is my Firefox.)
No, I have been having similar issues with the site.
Mine has been fine as well. I get the edit too on Firefox.
spoke too soon. My edit shows up with a slight delay.
OK, I’ve got stuff to do but I’m procrastinating….
Re: the Rosicky contract. Hard to say if that fellow will ever come good/realize his potential, etc. And, even in human years, he’s getting up there. Maybe the two years he’s missed don’t count….
Many on this board have criticized Arsenal for awarding longer term contracts to “unproven” players and/or those who seem to have injury problems. A common argument is that it is a dis-incentive against players “proving” themselves through their play.
This may in fact be true and in the case of certain players who equate signing a contract with “making it” (or “making it big”) this may be the case. I would like to think that AW, having been burnt by a few of these characters (Ade, Bentley, A. Cole, Flamini, Hleb, who else?) takes a gamble that players will repay his faith in their potential with their best efforts, and perhaps with a little loyalty, when the “big” teams and their media start circling. I like to think that our players ALWAYS want to do their best and help our team, mostly to satisy their egos but some just for the joy it brings. Longer term, some of our players might actually “settle” for a little less money, if it’s balanced out by a longer contract, being core members of a successful team and legends in the eyes of passionate and devoted supporters.
Longer term contracts also make Arsenal a more attractive place to land for promising youngsters AND the journeyman stars who we might need to make that final push over the hump. For that reason alone the “insane” two-year deal that we gave Sylvestre, might actually end up being a good thing and not another example of why AW belongs on the funny farm.
This strategy will backfire on occasion but, generally,as fans, we don’t even know the terms of the deals (though, naturally, we get incensed to hear that a lazy or crocked player makes more in a week than we do in a year). On this account, Arsenal are swimming against the tide at the moment, but, eventually, tides tend to turn….
Of course he’s playing both sides of the fence, but aren’t we all….
Yesterday’s match was more enjoyable because we could’ve spun any result any way we wanted to….The win was great and will buoy the confidence of some of our more fringe players, but had we lost we might not have moaned too badly about being able to focus on the bigger prizes, esp. given our injury woes. I was even spinning a potential replay as more opportunities for our younger guys in a more supportive (maybe) environment….The biggest downside (entirely unpredictable) is that for winning yesterday we got a tough away draw at Stoke’s skinny pitch.
I definitely think the playing of Gallas and Vermaelen has something to do with an impending move to ship Senderos out and replace him with a different option back there, but, as I like to say…what do I know?…
For the moment, despite the injuries and ACN departures, I feel that we’re looking stronger than ManU. Losing at home is NEVER good. Vidic seems unsettled (a “mystery” ailment made him a last minute scratch yesterday) and Ferdinand’s got a “Rosicky” (strange injury that he might never recover from). Yes they’ve got the “Ronaldo” money, but they’ve got some serious holes to plug at the moment and “American Sugar Daddy” debts that we don’t. They’ve also got a much tougher draw in the CL octo-finals, not to mention the double-derby matches in the CC starting this week.
Of course they’ve also got players with experience winning trophies, etc. which may be a priceless asset as the matches get bigger. We shall see. And no matter what they’ve got all those recent trophies they can hug if everything goes, as they say, tits up….
Again, still pleased to be a Gooner…..
So, Thomas “glass” Rosicky gets a new contract as well?
Really? REALLY?
With everybody signed, who the hell is worried about losing their
place in the team?! Not sure if that’s good or bad.
and…
my problem with Wenger and the FA Cup is… that he already said he doesn’t fancy the FA Cup, and that he’d play youngsters in it.
OK. I haven’t got any problem with that at all.
But why would you then go out and play Vermaelen and Gallas AGAIN.
Can either one of them get a rest… in any match?
Next, he says… United will benefit from losing, and being out of
the FA Cup. (mostly in the CL because of scheduling)
I AGREE with him on that. With all their injuries, less matches is not
a bad thing, its a good thing. Long term, it will even help them in the
league.
If that’s the case, then either Wenger either needs to REST the RIGHT players… (Vermaelen and Gallas please)… or he needs to shut the hell up and GO FOR THE FA CUP, since we haven’t won shit in 5 years.
I like the FA Cup. It’s interesting, often fun to watch with it being knock-out, and the minnows vs the big fish always adds to the event.
If Arsene isn’t going to take the FA Cup seriously, then I’d prefer he treat it like the CC and NOT play fatigued players or those we simply can not afford to get injured… (Cesc / Song / Gallas / Vermaelen)
He seems to be playing both sides of the fence…?
“But why would you then go out and play Vermaelen and Gallas AGAIN.
Can either one of them get a rest… in any match?”
A huge squad, and somehow still not enough depth at key positions. Second verse, same as the five hundredth. (Despite those who insist on counting the likes Silvestre and Senderos, even though Wenger obviously doesn’t.)
It really is quite staggering how undermanned the centre back position is. Wenger really has been incredibly lucky that Vermaelen has remained injury free.
He does this EVERY single year, it’s freakish. I would love to know what goes through his head when he goes through the squad prior to kick off in August and runs the rule over central defence. How does he give that the A-ok?
I’m guessing it’s the same thought process that saw us undermanned in the wing position in 07/08, central midfield position in 08/09.
When I first started hearing all the hype about Aaron Ramsey, I had to see what it was all about. He didn’t have big pace or power but, at just 16, he was so composed and intelligent even when the tempo of the game was super high. I love players like Pires, Fabregas, Denilson, Ramsey, and more importantly, Bergkamp. Even players abroad like Mostovoi, Beckenbauer, Xavi, Zidane, Deschamps, Rui Costa, and Baggio have always played more with their brains than their physical skills. I know people were disgusted with the idea of paying that much money for yet another young player, but his potential makes that move look like very good business. I’m very excited to see how he develops.
As for Senderos, I think his best days are ahead of him. I didn’t like him when everyone was upping him in the 2006 season. I liked him better in the 07/08 season before his loan move. I stopped dogging him because he was improving but that Champions League game against Fernando Torres buried him. He certainly didn’t do himself any favors with his snide remarks upon his loan move to Milan. He simply lacks the quickness and pace required to play here. He can be a star at FC Bayern. I think he’s better than Demichelis. That move would be good for him and the Bayern.
Ramsey does look good…a definite nose for goal. As impressive as his solo (left footed!) goal was v Pompey his staying on side and calmly finishing the move yesterday (left footed!) might have been even better.
Despite his long stride he also has a low center of gravity which seems to give him an uncanny ability to change directions just a hair faster than you’d expect. He also has gotten a little bigger and stronger (as boys do) and he doesn’t shirk from a challenge while still protecting himself from the more cynical/hard-nosed players who populate our league.
My only concern is that, at this time, I see his focus on the field to be primarily offensive. That’s not to say he doesn’t track back and make tackles, it’s just that he is more of an asset to us when he’s allowed to make forward runs and passes rather than having to be concerned about his positioning or making the simple, possession oriented pass. In this way I see him as more like for like with Diaby or even Arshavin than as a stand in for Cesc or Denilson.
When I first started hearing all the hype about Aaron Ramsey, I had to see what it was all about. He didn’t have big pace or power but, at just 16, he was so composed and intelligent even when the tempo of the game was super high. I love players like Pires, Fabregas, Denilson, Ramsey, and more importantly, Bergkamp. Even players abroad like Mostovoi, Beckenbauer, Xavi, Zidane, Deschamps, Rui Costa, and Baggio have always played more with their brains than their physical skills. I know people were disgusted with the idea of paying that much money for yet another young player, but his potential makes that move look like very good business. I’m very excited to see how he develops.
As for Senderos, I think his best days are ahead of him. I didn’t like him when everyone was upping him in the 2006 season. I liked him better in the 07/08 season before his loan move. I stopped dogging him because he was improving but that Champions League game against Fernando Torres buried him. He certainly didn’t do himself any favors with his snide remarks upon his loan move to Milan. He simply lacks the quickness and pace required to play here. He can be a star at FC Bayern. I think he’s better than Demichelis. That move would be good for him and the club.
What seperates Ramsay from Denilson is his aggression and pro activeness.
Denilson is naturally passive and instinctively drops off. Ramsay was still pressing high up the pitch even when we were winning. That’s what the Chelsea and United midfielders have been doing for years against poor opposition. Not letting them get their tails back up again.
One of the biggest reasons why we throw away lead after lead is that our midfield drops off too much and stops playing. Ramsay could see an end to that. His aggression has also proved infectious in the last couple of games as well. Everyone has been following him and closing down.
Me, being hyper-critical will say that Merida and Wilshire certainly had a bad day last night. In fairness, Eduardo and Vela struggled early on as well, but they improved as the game went on. However Fran and Jack both got worse. The thing I noticed was they both seemed to know they were playing poorly. The difference is Fran seemed to try and play himself out of it while Jack seemed to try and hide and not hurt the team. Interesting how the stress of a tough match can produce two very differing and non-specific responses.
Me being realistic will say that those boys are still so young. I’m not the least bit worried. They both have big talent and are in a great place for youngsters to develop. The challenge is can they learn to develop situations and make smart decisions quickly and consistently in tough games like last nights. It’s required if they’re going to be Arsenal footballers. The talent’s there. Question is do they have the intelligence and mental resolve to match?
I’m starting to think Upton Park is some sort of playmaker-killer arena.
Fabregas was pretty poor there earlier in the season, and in general the tight pitch seems to have a claustophobic effect on our players. I knew as soon as I saw Fran moving around early on he would struggle. Just zero space to be had and West Ham pressing and pressing.
Hmm. Once upon a time Arsenal players enjoyed the tight confines of Highbury and struggled in open spaces of Wembley where other European teams benefited :) Yes those were different teams in a different era.
While Senderos was a conspicuous absence, Rosicky was inconspicuous in his.
Wenger publicly stated that he would start this game so we safely surmise that he is out injured again. Are we seriously offering him a new contract?
Spoke too soon. :) I guess this is why he was missing on Sunday.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/tomas-rosicky-signs-new-contract?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+arsenal-news+%28News+Feed%29
“… Tomas has made significant contributions this season when appearing …”
“Rosicky is now the 15th Arsenal player who has committed his future to the Gunners since May 2009. Rosicky joins Abou Diaby, Henri Lansbury, Carlos Vela, Eduardo, Sanchez Watt, Alex Song, Nicklas Bendtner, Denilson, Robin Van Persie, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Theo Walcott, Lukasz Fabianski, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere, who have all recently signed new contracts with the Club.”
Only Gallas and Merida remain.
Veeeerrry Interesting….
So was Rosicky being rested for the league matches or maybe he’d had a bit too much Dom Perignon the night before celebrating the deal, or maybe it’s just a niggle….?
Agree with your thought above that Merida might generate a decent quantity of Pesetas for the club if we were to sell him to a Spanish club. Shame really, as, yesterday’s performance notwistanding, he’s got a good left foot and plenty of upside (to go with his largish backside?)….
And do you think we ought to sign Gallas to a couple more years? For me he’s playing very, very well and (with AW’s excellent “man management”) has come a long way up from his days of cigarettes and nightclubs and losing the captaincy. I feel he’s still got a few result getting late goals in his various body parts…
Speaking of loan moves, Owen Coyle is talking to Bolton which could scupper any move for Wilshere.
Talk to me here…why would Coyle take that job in midseason? Seems better to see if he can keep Burnley up. It must have something to do with money, I’m sure, but isn’t there more to life than that?
I certainly didn’t expect that Coyle’s name would be linked with the Bolton position, that too in mid season after Burnley has had a good record at Turf Moor. Strange thing really if it does happen.
Reflecting on yesterday’s match….I loved how both teams just went for it—neither wanted a replay and neither got it.
West Ham might’ve been better served by trying to protect their one goal lead and perhaps that’s what they did to a certain extent, but our team showed a lot of patience and belief in continuing to come at the Hammers. And the subs, Nasri and Diaby, only strengthened these elements. Once WHU started conceding possession and got into trying to stop us at the 18 yard box we seemed to prick up our ears and sense that chances would come, and wow, the way Ramsey took his was brilliant—an Arsha-like, head down, one-timer with his off-foot. The boy, it seems, has a nose for goal.
And while we salute his recent contributions and those of Diaby and Nasri and Vela (at least towards the end of yesterday’s match) we shouldn’t underestimate just how difficult it is for these guys. Growing up as the most talented player in their little worlds, they have always played up front and centrally and been asked to score goals. And at times (like yesterday) they still are. At other times we need them to take care of less familiar parts of the pitch and do more mundane things, like settle possession with simple touches away from (bigger, stronger, quicker) defenders and make simple passes. It’s not so easy, especially when they’ll get no protection from idiot referees more concerned with how their hair-plugs are coming in. Combined with the need to impress coaches and fans alike, the pressures are huge. The fact that Alex Song wanted to push up and make things happen in his final Arsenal match before departing only made things tougher for the likes of Ramsey, Wilshere, Merida and Vela. I’m not sure what all I’m getting at here, except maybe that my empathy is with these guys and that we as fans (our eyes always on the ball and getting it into the net) might want to cut them a little slack and focus on the positives. We’ve got a mass of young talent and it’s pretty exciting.
That being said, Right Now is the moment at hand, and we must grab it. Something is up with Senderos who was gonna play, then didn’t. Perhaps that move to Everton will finally happen. I’m hoping it’s all about the body that will replace him and I’m feeling it’s gonna be a defensive all-rounder, a younger faster Sylvestre, if you will, with a better shaped skull. And up front it’s all about mobility (for me). I’m pleased to see Dudu scoring goals by hook or by crook or by headed graft (how, exactly did he do that?) but I don’t like seeing him trying to come into our half of the pitch to try and harass or gain possession. I feel better about Vela doing it but we’re seriously missing RVP and the work rate he was showing in this fairly unique position we’re fashioning.
Hopes for the week ahead: 1) Comfortable victory at home vs rudderless Bolton and readiness for the psychological burdens that come with finally winning the “game in hand.” (Question: will Burnley’s Owen Coyle really take the Bolton job? It seems a shame for Burnley…) 2) Good news on injuries (i.e. Denilson and/or Cesc to be available for Bolton or at least Everton) 3) A little clarity on transfers….Maybe the Senderos/replacement situation could get cleared up or maybe something bigger and further forward starts shaping up. Overall, (IMVHO) not the worst time to be a Gooner…
Second the need for a better shaped skull.
HTS I think Rambo is a left footer and he scored with his left. Another fantastic finish by the Welshman, he is so cool infront of goal!
I don’t think it is fair to say Song had any hand in the poor performance of Jack and Fran. I doubt he was trying to impress or leave on a high note thus putting the qualification of the team in jeopardy. Song’s forward runs he does almost every game Arsene likes his MF to go box to box, generally. You may also notice every game probably including yesterday Song is also the last defender at times as he covers for Gallas and Vermaelen.
Our lads Jack and Fran were not in the position to be exposed defensively all game, it was their general passing and mentality that was exposed in this game. I think it will be a good wake up call for them both. Especially Jack Hammer who had boyhood dreams of playing at Upton Park, LOL.
Sorry Steve I couldn’t resist that one. There is something I really hate about our developing players saying that they support another club, reminds me of a certain David Bentley.
Delighted with last night’s result. I desperately wanted to avoid the replay and was glad that the team duly obliged, despite going down a goal.
I think Arsene played a strong defence because it was clear that midfield and attack were not the strongest. At this rate, I wonder when TV5 and WG10 will get any rest. Let us not forget that Gallas is yet to have an injury free season with Arsenal.
Happy for Ramsey, Vela and Dudu. I hope the latter two get a major boost of confidence. They really need it.
Wilshere and Merida clearly need game time. It was their first meaningful start. A loan spell will do them both good.
I don’t think we should be loaning players out … until we get our injured players and ACoN players back.
Unless we can call back loaned players immediately, I wouldn’t do it.
Yes nip, I’m especially glad Dudu started to find the net. Striker needs confidence more than anyone (along with keeper), Eduardo is a proven goalscorer. His ability is never in doubt. Now he started to find net, expect more goals to come from him.
I am with Stag here, if we are going to loan player out, don’t loan them both (Wilshere and Merida). Cos the way our injury problem goes in recent years, you never know.
Perhaps just loan out one of them, perhaps Wilshere. Merida seems to be more ready for first team action than Wilshere.
I don’t think Merida has a future at Arsenal. He is a more forward player than he was played last night. More like Cesc or the Rosicky/Nasri positions. We have simply too many players there for him to get any meaningful action. Last night was his first competitive start (excluding CC and meaningless CL games). So perhaps it is not surprise that he hasn’t signed that “long term” contract which every other kid has.
With Song away, Cesc out. The likely midfield 3 will be Ramsey, Nasri and Diaby. Who knows? Perhaps Merida / or Wilshere will be the one coming off the bench.
Of course, they need to grab their chance and perform though.
Lacking of match fitness shouldn’t be an excuse. As most youngsters when they first get their first team chance they are all lack of games.
Traore for instance, didn’t play much himself when he’s called upon to fill in for Gibbs. The young LB did a solid job though.
Traore played a lot of games at Pompey last season (maybe not all at left back). Merida had loan spells only in Spain. Frankly, you don’t send a premier league player on loan to Spain unless you want to sell him there (it made no sense to me).
When Song, Denilson and Diaby burst into the scene, neither of them set the world on fire. Remember Song vs Fulham? But they got multiple and regular games to prove themselves. Merida and Wilshere or any other young player needs the same.
I am not saying they need to score a goal set up 3. I am saying when they have chances, grab it, do a soild job that’s all.
Like Traore, I didn’t say he did a “great job”. But a “solid” job, not becoming the liability of the team that’s all.
btw, when a player played a lot of game LAST season, and hadn’t played much this season, does it count as “match fitness”?
From the same blog you quoted from –
http://blog.emiratesstadium.info/2010/01/this-was-the-best-thing-that-could-have-happened-to-fran-and-jack/
PS: I did not mention match fitness anywhere. When I said “need more game time”, I meant competitive action.
I would sometimes rather we loan a player to Spain, than the EPL, where the cold, and style of play, lend itself to injuries more than Spain.
Merida was almost loaned to a Spanish team earlier this season. It’s only our injuries that have prevented both players going out.
And nice link above Andez/Nipuna which tells the story better than what I was trying to say below….
Sachin,
In fact, English managers had not been doing well even “before” the Premiership. When I started following English game back in mid 80s, the top 2 managers were George Graham and Kenny Dalglish. The Scots have been doing much better than the English in the past 2 decades.
Generally speaking, I think the downfall of English managers are the fact that they are not opening themselves up to new ideas. Roy Hodgson is one of the rare managers who had travelled around Europe managing different teams – Malmo, Inter, Swiss, Finland national teams.. I think that helps him to gain new ideas, and build up a better knowledge of players in different part of the world.
Just like the players, while there are many foreign managers going to England to “steal” their jobs, what’s stopping them going abroad to try broaden their own knowledge of the game? Big Mac seems to be doing pretty well in Holland.
It’s not even just the past 2 decades that Scots have been preeminent in English football. Sir Matt Busby and Bill Shankly were both from north of the border.
Yup that is true. I guess Howard Wilkinson was the exception when he landed the title for Leeds. I was also thinking now that Steve McClaren is educated in the Dutch way, would he be more desirable for when he returns to England? Someone has to hold an umbrella. Cue Rhianna’s song ;)
I think McClaren will be more desirable when he returns, especially if he could lead Twente to league title.
The Dutch league has been dominated by Ajax, PSV, Feyenoord for a long time. Ok AZ has broken the domination last season, still, for an unfashionable club like Twente to win it would be considered a hugh achievement.
But whether they can hold on to the lead though is another issue altogether!
I should add this entire train of thought started with me thinking about Leeds and the old days. So..there is some benefit for the F.A Cup after all, especially when Arsenal does not lose and Man Utd does ;)
Out of 19 Premier League teams (excluding Bolton until they find a new full time manager), I believe there are only 5 English born managers — Big Sam, Roy Hodgson, Phil Brown, Steve Bruce, Mick McCarthy. Considering that the last team to have won the league title under an Englishman was in the final season before the premier league started, is there a connection between the start of the premier league and lack of english title winning managers? Maybe. The flood of money in the premier league brought in more tactical and skillful players thereby changing the english game forever. Wenger’s arrival ensured there would be no turning back either as he took the team known for playing boring football (painfully boring at times) :) and turned them into the most exciting team. More foreign managers followed and then different set of tactics/ideas came in. Whereas, the few English managers tried to make do with the same old tactics, called manly by their countryman who still prided on days when a player could withstand heavy kicks and get up.
Of the few english managers around, no wonder Roy Hodgson’s name is always brought up regarding the England manager job, as his tactical knowledge is not restricted to kicks and fouls. Ofcourse, no one mentions a quota on foreign managers in the premier league but the presence of foreign managers has an impact on the kind of players in the league. If foreign players were restricted, would Hull suddenly have English players in the Cesc, Van Persie, Rosicky mould? Who would coach such players? Phil Brown?
Harry Redknapp should also make that English list.
Duh. Yes, thanks. How can I forget the Arsenal fan, even though he is in charge of that team.
I think McCarthy probably would consider himself as Irish despite being born in England. He did opt for playing for Ireland. And his name does sound like an Irish name!
Yup, everything about him is not english but notice I mentioned English born managers, as he was still born in England. He then opted for Ireland because of his father’s Irish roots as indicated obviously by his name.
Arsenal now have a trip to throw-in Stoke next. I really want an Arsenal win there, especially in a manner which will frustrate Tony Pulis. Ofcourse, since he is a true gentleman I am sure he will still shake Wenger’s hand :)
For two games atleast, Leeds will get a feel of a premier league contest, something which feels like a distant memory. So many things come to mind regarding Leeds, especially how their financial problems are used as an example to warn clubs from spending beyond their means. Ofcourse, it was that painful 3-2 defeat at Highbury against Leeds that nailed the final coffin on Arsenal’s 2003 title. Also, Leeds are still the last team to have won the top English League title when managed by an Englishman. I can’t see any other english manager leading his team to the Premier title any time soon.
It doesn’t have to be because of financial irrepsonsibility… teams go down all the time.
Nottingham Forest?
Did they spend beyond their means and caused them to drop into hell for how many years?
To a certain extend, YES.
So did Sheff Wednesday. What u probably don’t remember is – at the beginning of Premiership, clubs were spending money like crazy. Not just a few clubs, almost all of them.
It’s in fact worse than now. Cos the TV money started to coming in. Clubs were like all a sudden didn’t know what to do with all those money. The whole spending culture spread from the top to the bottom. That’s why when ITV collaspe, gone with many clubs’ (lower leagues) finance with it.
Nottingham had a serious financial trouble in recent years, forced them to sell many of their key players in order to survive. That’s one of the reasons they are staying where they are for so long.
Andez, I am not sure Not Forest spent their way DOWN originally.
Not saying recent years, I am saying WHEN they went down.
You mean to tell me Leeds financial problems had nothing to do with their current league position? Notice I am only talking about Leeds not every single team that has gotten relegated.
Sach, never said that at all. It is not an across the board thing.
Leeds financial problems were a major part in sinking them, however…
A team doesn’t have to screw up financially to go down. Once you get to lower divisions, you lose players, income, gate money, etc… if you don’t bounce right back up, it can take years or never happen.
Ok. Yeah the huge financial gap between the premier league and lower leagues does mean that some teams who spend too much in the EPL won’t be able to continue in the lower leagues without drastic changes and they have to try to come back right away or else…
Excellent game. There is nothing better than coming from behind to win. Except ofcourse you dont go behind in the first place … lol.
Decent performance.
This game should do Ramsey, Vela and Eduardo a lot of good. Wilshere and Merida are showing their severe lack of games. Loan moves beckon for both.
Fabianski was solid and to be honest, should be STARTING in the Premiership over the Spanish clown.
I never thought I would see the day in which Diaby and Nasri are “impact” players. Now, I’ve seen it all.
I wonder who will replace what Song gives the team.
Oh frig the Nancys are out, I’m off :-P
We won’t miss Song in the slightest once the Brazilian Boy Wonder returns to full fitness!
Aaron Ramsay is becoming a very, very special player.
So we have found someone new for you to infatuated with, a new Hleb ;-)
Truth is Ramsey was anonymous first half looked only a sligth bit above the level of the other two youth players, Jack and Fran.
He is always a goal scoring threat though, calm as you like, ice cool.
Still not ready to jump the queue in front the great Denilson, Diaby or Song yet.
Last week was the best game I have seen him play. He kept it simple, only one of his strangely inexplicable errant passes all game from what I can remember but it was Song who deservedly got the man of the match.
I think Ramsey is good when he has experienced and more physical players to compliment him at this stage in his career, he still has a lot more growing up to do in football terms at least. Despite all the hype he is not ready to be a first team player yet, not for Arsenal anyway.
Ha Ha! Arthur in “taking a long time to register the obvious” shocker :)
Did it with Clichy when I said he was overrated and am now being proved correct with Armand’s performances, did it with Adebayor, who is now GONE and proven to be a useless waster, did it with Hleb. When will you ever learn Arthur? ;)
When Denilson gets shoved out of the side, at the expense of Ramsay, remember what I said and bow to my wisdom.
I have already bowed a 1000 times to your wisdom oh wise one now my back hurts!! :-(
Ramsey has more potential then Deni IMO but for this season at least I would rather play Denilson, you can expect reliability from him at this stage in his career I think.
A very entertaining match and one that could have gone either way. Agree with Vibe above about Vela…he showed some real toughness and determination in addition to the usual skills. His second effort set up Ramsey’s goal and the run that beat everybody only to be cleared off the line was spectacular.
On the down side, however, we really let the Hammers into the match by being unable to keep possession until we made the substitutions. With all our midfielders trying to make decisive runs and killer passes we gave the ball away a lot and left ourselves very vulnerable on the counter. Song, Wilshere, Ramsey and Merida were all guilty of trying to do too much, too quickly and Merida, in particular, looked short for fitness and had very few positives to counter the negatives. The direct threat of Diaby and the calmness of Nasri turned the game for us. We need more of that calmness and we miss Cesc greatly and Denilson quite a bit in this regard.
Finally, I thought our back line was pretty solid (Sylvestre only killed for pace once) and Fabianski had a good match and came very close to making a great save on their goal….I was surprised to see Vermaelen and Gallas play but perhaps we needed them. I guess the Senderos deal is back on….
Merida played like he had just come out of a pie-eating contest.
Oi you! leave fat Fran alone!
Just because he isn’t mousey haired Belorussan (however it’s spelt) with an infatuation for ice cream doesn’t make him worthy of your derision ;-)
Just finished watching and haven’t even looked at the previous comments, such is my excitement. Now THAT was a lot of fun to watch (well, eventually). Felt like a Carling Cup match from a couple of years ago. As if you’re really watching kids come of age. Ramsey’s been pretty thrilling recently. Also saw more of the Vela I first developed a man-crush on two years ago. He helped with both goals, and was only just robbed of one of his own (by a very smart defensive play).
Also, for anyone who watched the commentary at half-time, Pat Dolan = (Arsenal) Hippie Optimist. If you’d heard what he said, and the complete sincerity with which he said it; Andez, you would have cried with joy. ;-)
Wonderful way to start the New Year! (Especially as the NY Giants are my other football team.) :-)
my condolences on the NY Giants. Embarassing how they QUIT two weeks in a row.
It was a fun game to watch, no doubt about it, and the younger players do play with passion. I will give them that, but let’s keep the win in perspective… just a bit.
We needed a few of our real starters to come on and rescue us against an West Ham team with as many injuries as us. But they have no reserves like we do.
Take the win, no injuries, the experience for the kids in a competitive FA Cup match, and be quite happy.
;)
The Giants have been a disgrace most of the second half of the year. Worst defense a NYG has had since I’ve been watching.
No worries on my perspective. I’m not extrapolating anything out of today. Nice match, good result, promising young players, next…
Jay Simpson scored for QPR against Sheffield Utd. today. It was a 1-1 draw.
FOURTH ROUND DRAW, MATCHES TO BE PLAYED 23/24 JANUARY:
Southampton v. Ipswich Town
Reading/Liverpool v. Burnley
Millwall/Derby v. Brentford/Doncaster
Bristol City/Cardiff City v. Leicester City
Stoke City v. Arsenal
Notts County/Forest Green v. Wigan Athletic
Scunthorpe United v. Manchester City
West Bromwich Albion v. Plymouth/Newcastle
Everton v. Nottingham Forest/Birmingham
Accrington/Gillingham v. Fulham
Bolton Wanderers v. Sheffield United/QPR
Portsmouth/Coventry v. Sunderland
Preston North End v. Chelsea
Aston Villa v. Brighton & Hove Albion
Tranmere/Wolves v. Crystal Palace
Tottenham Hotspur v. Leeds United
That’s three in four games for Dudu! And what a ball into the box! Once again, spectacular subs swing the entire game in our favor. The atmosphere at that ground from both sets of fans showed how much supporters care about the FA Cup even if the clubs themselves are increasingly writing it off. As happy as I am for Arsenal, a small part of me feels for the Hammers faithful… probably gutted.
Chicago…
ummm… from what I read, West Ham had to BEG its supporters to show up for this match… pre-match sales were shockingly low.
There were LARGE parts of the stadium empty.
FA reports highest third-round Cup attendance since 1980, despite wintry weather:
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_5831144,00.html
West Ham’s stadium holds 35,600 fans.
Only 25,000 showed up for the FA Cup match with one of the best teams in England.
If it were… Preston North End, how many would have shown up?
10,000 empty seats is a LOT.
You know, I thought that (about the Hammers fans) at first, too. Until I realized it was the Arsenal faithful who were making a lot of the noise. It really is remarkable how our Away supporters make themselves heard in a way the Emirates crowds can’t be bothered too.
The away group are fantastic. I have traveled with them on 2 occasions.
Many sat in the same area of Highbury, and now at the Emirates, as Andez noted, they are spread out around the stadium.
Another phenomenal lefty strike from the righty Ramsey! Can’t believe Vela threaded the ball to him.
a pretty exciting match to watch… up and down the pitch,
but the defensive mis-play at the end cost us… down 1-0.
Oh well, not too worried about it for sure, but the kids up front
suffer the same style as the 1st team at times, too much passing, not
enough finishing.
I’ll watch and enjoy the 2nd half, not too disturbed at the outcome.
I would imagine United won’t care too much about being out of the
FA Cup in a few days time.
Why don’t you join us all on GDC?
Sorry Nip!
I’ll get in there sometime.
While I am happy to see Wenger playing lots of youngsters in the match,
the players I wanted MOST to see rest, are playing.
I guess Gallas and Vermaelen will NEVER get a break.
Senderos will likely never play another match for Arsenal. If not now,
when would this guy play.
McCarthy must be gutted resting his players against Man U.
I still support that decision. Besides, a one-off cup game is different than one league match out of 38, the players’ psyches are very different.
No, he isn’t.
Wolves WON against Burnley, he got exactly what he wanted.
You are mistaken.
He said he’d do it again, as it gives them a better chance of survival.
Not so fast STag. Comes the end of the season we will know.
Andez, he PLANNED it, so that he could win a 6-point match against Burnley.
It’s not debatable. He was happy to sacrifice the 3 points against United… if he could get the 3 against Burnley.
Leeds have dumped ManU from the FA Cup.
Never underestimate your opponents.
one of the greatest giantkilling feats, consider Man U weren’t exactly filling a 2nd string, and Leeds United are currently in League One. At Old Trafford too.
Impossible is nothing.
Excellent for football. But I don’t know how i feel about it from Arsenal’s point of view. On one hand, man utd will hopefully suffer a confidence crisis like ‘pool. But then they may bounce back to prove themselves.
Also, they have one less competition to worry about (though it is a good worry to be in a tournament I admit). More rest for their players and less chances of Shrek getting a well-deserved whack on the head from an opponent.
“consider Man U weren’t exactly filling a 2nd string”
I don’t know, Andez. Darron Gibson, Gabriel Obertan, Fabio da Silva? On the other end of the spectrum, Gary Neville appears well past it. SAF made noises about starting a stronger side than that.
All fair due to Leeds (for the other reasons you mention), but that was closer to second string than First.
then, their 2nd string are not good enough.
No, not good enough to be beat Leeds on that day… that’s for sure.
Although, and I don’t have the lineup cards in front of me, I don’t think it’s all that different from the side that beat Spurs in the earlier round.
Already, of course, Arsene is saying how being bounced may be the best thing for United. (Reading from Card # 3 in his ‘Pat Answers to the Press’ kit.)
GA – Knew I made a mistake – I think Traore will sit – Silvestre will move to left back and Song will slot in at CB.
Mixed feelings for this game.
Wish we had strong enough depth so that we could go for the league, CL and FA Cup and not have to sacrifice / de-prioritize the FA Cup.
At the same time, we can’t risk key players in this game and endanger our league hopes, with two games coming in the next week.
Still, we should have enough to beat West Ham, even though our first team couldn’t manage to win. Agree with the lineup, except Song to start ahead of Eastmond.
From a neutral’s perspective, I’ve liked to watch Diamanti play every time I’ve seen West Ham this season, which is probably 3 times. So I hope he plays tomorrow, b/c I think we can take them anyways. Also excited to see Spector b/c I like to watch any American who can make it in Europe. As for our side, well as always, our attack promises to be very entertaining. These young guns can really play… let’s just hope the gruesome twosome of Old Man Silvestre and Side-Kick Senderos don’t sink us.