Arsenal v Liverpool; Match Preview

The transfer window is shut. It was made by the men with money and the money men keep it. The transfer window is shut. And thank god for that. Now we can move on past all the craziness and just concentrate on what matters – football.

Moving into the third week of the season and there are positives along with negatives. While, the competition has been questionable, Arsenal have yet to concede a goal and have the least amount of shots allowed in the the infancy of this new season. That being said, the Gunners have yet to put a ball into the net even though they have had plenty of chances and nearly all of the ball over 70% of both games.

It’s quite clear early on the the influence of Steve Bould is already being felt. Again, it’s too early to know if this is going to hold for the most part of the season but the signs are there that defensively Arsenal are starting to pull it together. Additionally, the Gunners seem to be better at handling set pieces and even thought I had a moment last week that Stoke would nick a late one, the team never gave the impression that there was a frenetic demeanor to it. Again, something else I think has improved but want to see more of going forward.

What Arsenal do need to do is get their new players to gel quickly. Santi Cazorla has hit the ground running and as Martin Keown has said “”He is Liam Brady and Cesc Fabregas rolled into one – he has Brady’s shooting ability and Fabregas’s vision.” What’s not happening is the connection between him and his forwards. There was one lovely pass to Oliver Giroud last week that should’ve been a goal but it was slightly behind the forward.

As for Giroud he has clearly shown a little more gumption than Marouane Chamakh up front but he has to bury the ball. Same for Lukas Podolski. But both are working hard and you can see that they should be fine once they find themselves.  In both cases you just know that the comfort level will increase once that first goal comes.

There is plenty to prove for both clubs coming into this clash. Arsenal are going to want to show that their inactivity in the transfer window was warranted and that the team they have will be fine. Liverpool want to show that they are not a continually declining club they have shown over the last few years. Surely the signing of Sahin on loan should help them but the loss of Lucas Leva is a big one for them. Liverpool’s midfield was constantly overrun last season without him there. Sahin may help in that department but how the will go remains to be seen.

Additionally, the Rodgers revolution has yet to take hold. It’s early yet so there is still time.

The ties between these two teams have been interesting affairs of late. Last season at Anfield a Song chip to Robin Van Persie gave the Gunners a win in a match they were completely outplayed in. With both of those players no longer at the club Arsene’s charges will need someone else to step up.

How the match should play out.

It’s going to be a slug fest. Both of these teams need to come out and make a statement of intent. Liverpool on their home turf will have the added benefit of the home crowd to surge them forward. Arsenal’s improving defence will need to committed and focused. Even though Luis Suarez has missed more shots than made he is still a threat. If Per Mertesacker plays instead of the returning Koscielny, the BFG will need to play his best positional game because his lack of speed could get the best of him against Suarez and new Liverpool darling Sterling.

Arsenal seem pretty set in the midfield right now but possible choices include swapping Diaby for Oxlade-Chamberlain. That might be an interesting combination and add a little more strength to the midfield for Arsenal. With Cazorla leading the way in the middle, Arsenal will have the ball. Liverpool will give the Gunners space as they are going to want to play – especially at home. With space to play I expect Arsenal to finally score. Whether they outscore their opponent is the open to discussion.

Players to Watch:

Arsenal. Theo Walcott. It remains to be seen of Theo will start. But if he does – he is now playing for his livelihood. Whether he leaves Arsenal in the summer his deals are dependent on his performance.

Liverpool. Nuri Sahin. Well, he was supposed to be wearing the other team’s colors. But because Liverpool were willing to pay more of his salary, not barter for an option to buy and pay a reported £5 million loan fee, he is playing for Liverpool. As soon as he is bedded in, I am sure he will be a Premier League hit.

Projected Lineups:

Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal:  Rosicky (achilles) Sagna (leg) Frimpong (knee) Wilshere (foot)

Liverpool: Cole (hamstring) Lucas (thigh)

Leading Scorers:
Arsenal:

Liverpool: Skrtel 1, Suarez 1

Last Meeting (EPL):

Arsenal: 2

Liverpool: 1

Goals For:

Arsenal (away): 0

Liverpool (home): 2.0

Goals Against:
Arsenal (away): 0

Liverpool: (home): 2.0

Last Five (league):
Arsenal: DD

Liverpool: LD

Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 0

Liverpool: -3

Match Official:
Referee: Howard Webb (Matches: 1, Red 0, Yellow 3)

Broadcast Information:
US: Fox Soccer Channel 0830 AM EST

UK: Sky Sports 12 1330 GMT

GAMEDAY CHAT: It’s Open!!!!!!

www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2

Liverpool: 2

Final Words:

There are quite a few unhappy Arsenal fans. many thought – and rightly so that Arsenal should’ve been more active on the deadline day. Sure, getting Bendtner and Young out of the squad were important. But adding depth to the team was equally as important. Overall, I think the first XI are solid. But question marks remain about the squad.

There are talented players throughout but whether collectively the squad has the ability to fill in when the first team is out – which they will be – remains to be seen.  Injuries will happen. They are happening. Additionally, even if Giroud comes good (which I think he will) there does not seem to be suitable support for him in the likes of Chamakh. I don’t know whether Poldi who was more impressive coming in from the left is plan B or whether its Theo but I still think we’re thin up top. Plus a defensive midfield – a lock down type was a necessity in my opinion. But none of that materialized and the squad we have is the squad we have.

I moaned for about five minutes. People have moaned, are moaning and will moan for a lot longer than I have or will. But as I look at it I support my club and this is the team my club is putting out on the field right now and the will get my support. I know – some will immediately latch on this as some sort of AKB rant. Or some sort of blind fool. I am none of the above. I am very well aware of our shortfalls as a team and that many people in charge bare the blame for them. But this is my club and I will support it.

Arsene Wenger if he was the decision make behind our standing pat on Friday now has the weight of this season and its outcome firmly on his shoulders. If the board was the driving force – ditto. In either case if the match against Liverpool goes south and the rough September turns out to be really rough – it could be a mutinous time in North London.

Well, enough of that. It’s time for a game. See you on the flip side. Stay Goonerish!

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