Arsenal v Liverpool; Premier League Match Preview
There are likely 3 matches left this season that will affect Arsenal’s placement in the table this season – United away, Spurs away and this visit by Liverpool. So there you have it, the real test on what we are begins in earnest as we look to extend our gap over the Merseysiders to 6 points.
The question as it has been recently is – which Arsenal team will show up? Is it first half Arsenal, a team devoid of any life or verve for the game in which they are participating in? Or will it be 2nd half Arsenal which looks like they could pretty much destroy – at will any opponent.
Sure, the result last week against West Ham is viewed at through the lens of who the opposition was. But upon closer examination 4 goals in 10 minutes is a feat that says the talent is there.
That’s the team that needs to take the pitch against Liverpool. Liverpool like Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs are a team that goes up and down. For a while it looked like Liverpool were once again finding a groove and gaining an edge (sound familiar) but then you see them turn in performances like they did against Oldham and you scratch your head (again does it sound familiar?)
They certainly have the talent in attack. Suarez is giving Van Persie a run for the money for Golden Boot and all the other honors this season. Liverpool acted on the first day of the January window and netted little-used Chelsea forward, Daniel Sturridge. Both over speed and a solid scoring touch and will give the CBs a handful.
The question marks for Liverpool are in the midfield and defense. The midfield led by Gerrard and solidified by the return of Lucas Leiva lacks any real creative force. While Leiva and Gerrard are rock solid sitting as a back 2 the lack of a real creative presence hurts Liverpool at times.
Then there is the defense which like ours doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence. It’s a defense that I really like the size of Olivier Giroud against. If Brendan Rodgers decides to put Carragher and Agger out I like the ability to attack the middle. Liverpool has shown throughout this that their defensive middle can get bossed by more physical domineering central forwards. Additionally, they aren’t suited to handling players who do well in the air. And while Giroud is still growing into a Premier League forward, his strength, his movement off the ball, as well as his aerial ability will give the Gunner’s ample enough opportunities.
For Arsenal’s defensive setup people will think I am crazy but I suspect Wenger may go with Koscielny over Mertesacker. Yes, Koscielny has been the basis of quite a few of the Gunner’s boneheaded mistakes this season. And people may not agree with me (or some ex-Arsenal defenders who know better) but I still think Koscielny has all the skills of a top-rated defender. When he is on (not making mistakes) his game, he reads play very well, his positional play and awareness is very good and in the box he is solid in the air. But the real reason I think a selection of is simple – the Liverpool attack is fast. We saw in the opening minutes of the Spurs game how speed took advantage of Per Mertesacker’s lack of pace. We need to be set up for a fast attack. Plus I just think Koscielny is due. (that’s just a personal thing)
So the real battle comes down to two areas – the wings and through the midfield. You expect Leiva and Gerrard to disrupt the rhythm of Wilshere and Cazorla, so the two of them will need to keep constantly moving and creating space for themselves. They need to make smart incisive runs away from the pressure and the passing to them needs to be quick and short to try and release pressure from what I expect to be a tightly packed Liverpool defensive effort.
On the wings Podolski needs to be as dedicated as he was against West Ham. His 3 assists are a testament to his passing ability and the effort he port forth to create chances for his teammate. He’ll likely be tested a little from Wisdom, but Podolski has strength to beat the Premier League debutante. As for Theo vs. Glen Johnson – I’m taking Theo all day long – especially new Theo who seems as focused as ever since signing his new deal.
We need to use the wings to our advantage. Liverpool has shown they are susceptible to defending against counterattacks. In the win against West ham it was the counterattack that made the 4 goals in 10 minutes a reality. While Liverpool are no West Ham they aren’t exactly a solid defensive unit either. Getting Liverpool spread out on the attack through the counter is going to give Arsenal the chances they need.
Putting matchups and analysis aside (it really isn’t my strong suite) Arsenal need to show the hunger and determination they have when they’ve completely outplayed the opposition. As heart wrenching as losses to City and Chelsea where – the performance in the second half of each of those games gives a modicum of cause for hope. Sure the results were not where we want to be but if you’re looking for positives there were ample enough in those matches to make some reasonable conclusions.
I still contend that the starting XI is as good as the teams above us. It’s underachieving in my opinion that has doomed this club. It is the wrong mentality and stupid, silly mistakes that have hurt us the most.
If Arsenal can cut that out, get right into a high tempo rhythm of offensive ball control and tight pressing when they don’t have it, the can dominate Liverpool. Anything reminiscent of some of the lackluster performances of this season and well it could be a very long night.
Players to watch:
Arsenal: Olivier Giroud. He may not be lighting it up with the proficiency of Robin Van Persie but he is steadily coming into his own. He continues to shine and create chances for himself and for his teammates. Arsenal need him to continue the upward trend he has been exhibiting.
Liverpool: Luis Suarez. As divisive a figure as there is in the league. Love him or hate him – he has turned it on this season and is one of the leagues in form players of the moment.
Projected Lineups:
Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Fabianski (back), Gervinho (international duty) Arteta (calf) Coquelin (hamstring)
Liverpool: Kelly (MCL)
Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Walcott 10
Liverpool: Suarez 16
Assists Leaders:
Arsenal: Podolski 9
Liverpool: Gerard 8
Last Meeting (EPL):
Arsenal: 2
Liverpool: 0
Goals For:
Arsenal (home): 2.7
Liverpool (away): 01.6
Goals Against:
Arsenal (home): 1.5
Liverpool: (away): 1.6
Last Five:
Arsenal: WLLDW
Liverpool: WLWWL
Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 19
Liverpool: 12
Match Official:
Referee: Kevin Friend. Matches 14, R1 Y46
Broadcast Information:
US: FoxSoccer Channel 2:30 PM EST
UK: Sky Sports 2 17.45 GMT
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2
Liverpool: 2
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So, the doctor says I need to just stay pain free for a bit and then listen to my body and work to improve it—flexibility and core strength being the keys. The parallel to short term pain, long term demise and possible ways forward, brings to mind my football team…. (Blog sized post coming, bear with me. if you can…..)
I feel you CK, and you’re dead right about the PR scam the manager laid down during this mid-season window. Personally, I think he makes some valid points about the January window being a chance for the bigger clubs to tweak things. In that regard we should be bossing the Totts and the Evertons and the rest of the clubs at the level to which we’ve sunk. As it is, by only getting the one (emergency) signing in, he’s cutting it razor thin. Is one order of Nacho(s) enough? Depends…..
Headlines today indicate that Gibbs will be out 2 months and the new guy will start vs Stoke. At least we had the ability to do the late deal, while teams like Spurs missed out on their pressing need for a striker. Spurs play at West Brom and it could be a chance to pick up points. Maybe the new guy will counteract the big effort from Wednesday. As the run-in continues we’ll need some luck. If we can avoid humiliation at home in matches like Bayern and United (or in the pesky FA Cup), along with the attendant existential questions from the fan base, we may be able to eke out enough points from here to the barn.
Like I say, the margin is tight AND it leaves nothing for the long-termer, the intelligent football fan, who we (mostly) aspire to be, and to whom Arsene hopes to appeal, hence the need for all the moonlighting (or shining—I like it….) punditry. Are we really supposed to buy into this whole British Core (the New Wave?) propped up by aging Continental (bargain) players? To borrow the greatest of all metaphors: the former group may have its Joshua in Wilshere but I wonder if Arteta, Poldoski, Giroud and Santi can combine to form a Moses figure. That guy, after all, had a direct line to God, a brother with a magic staff AND he parted the freaking Red Sea. I wonder….
I’m banking on the Spanish contingent to lay down some plagues during the run in or at least do a job in the middle of the park. We need Arteta back inmediatamente and we need Santi and Nacho to strike up a partnership even sooner. Santi, for all the glory of his long balls and his close control, does not have great acceleration, which is why he rarely gets off his dangerous shots nor gets deep into the box with ample usuable space. If you were to compare him to the Barca MF maestros he is (far) more Xavi than Iniesta. As such, the sooner he moves back and allows Jack to play further forward, the better. Also, I think he’s used up his diving capital, while the “future of England” has a few Stevie Starfish (Gerrard) penalty shouts left to play. Given the way Arsenal use their FBs as MF outlets I think the two Spaniards in the middle, one on the left (plus Sagna on the right, while we still have him….) might be enough to avoid those turnovers which cause our defense to soil itself…. Other options (Ramsey, Diaby, Le Coq) make me equally nervous. Of course, injury and (much needed) rotation put a bunch of wrinkles into even the best laid (of my) plans…..Like I say, Depends….
I could go on about the need for our forwards to keep firing (and not tiring….) and how maybe Gervinho can come back a winner from Africa this time rather than the exact opposite. What’s the point? It’s all to play for now (as they say) and you’ve at least got to give Arsene credit for choosing to live (or die) by the same creeds (austerity, the collective, etc.) he preaches.
After the Swansea home loss I said that this had to be the manager’s final year. I think plugging in a Pep (or somebody) to the rescue scenario would have been the superior play and would have indicated genuine concern about the future of the club. I also think it would have spurred the current group forward to minimum requirements (or better). As it is, there is no back-up plan and we have to play the hand we’re holding, while hoping that others blink. Come summer it will either be rebuilding (with Bouldy as interim?) or another great escape and a new set of (soon to be broken) promises. You would think it can’t get worse, but that seems like poor planning….
The manner in which he changes his platitudes from presser to presser is ludicrous. He obviously thinks his audience is totally plebeian and should follow his beck and call as they have not managed a team to 15 consecutive CL tournaments (the only achievement on his resume in 8 years).
Notwithstanding, he must have a captive audience in Kroenke, Gazidis and Fox, or else, they are hoping the Big 4 version of FFP will be instituted and they can pull a Denver Nuggets scenario, make tons of money while putting out a mediocre product to a captive audience.
While Tottenham did not get their back up striker, they do have Ade and Defoe and other scorers in Bale , Dempsey, Siguurdson and Lennon. Granted, players like Dempsey need to come to the fore or they will lack scoring. They did secure Holtby and he will allow them to rotate in the DMF with Huddlestone and Parker.
We will have to play up to our full potential, hope that Everton and Liverpool stop over achieving and Spurs implode in order to get our cherished 4th place trophy.
You know AFC fans are truly pissed off and disinterested when Pub attendance drops by 75%.
We all know Arsene lies. TV5 is suddenly hurt. No, he’s been dropped, for whiffing a simple clearance 5 minutes into the last match. He’s simply protecting the player’s ego and (ridiculously) shaky confidence….
As I’ve said before, the lies rankle (infuriate) those who have “dropped” the manager, but they range from clever to mischievous amongst his supporters and are designed to play up the absurdity of the press and their headline hunting. It is torturous for the fan who lives and dies with each result and each statement (where’s Stag, btw?….) In truth, however, they’re not so hard to decipher….
The bigger problem is the BIG lie, that he does what he does in the long term interest of the club. This pose is just another in his long line of contrarian approaches. Normally a manager survives on results, but among the “immortals” or the big name managers, AW is taking this other route. With a complacent board, an absentee owner (immune to the fans and solely focused on the bottom line) the situation is pretty ideal. Wenger lays out the argument that his duty is to serve his “superiors” while simultaneously creating this notion of a future where only the financially responsible will have survived. It makes a certain amount of sense, and it mirrors the strategies many people take in their personal lives. The boss is the boss and you’ve got to save money for a rainy day. In fact, I bet that’s the way a lot of folks who can afford the tickets live their lives! Maybe the less responsible ones are the ones who(‘ve stopped) watch(ing) in the pubs…..
Long term it MIGHT turn out that AW is right, but it certainly keeps him in his job as long as he delivers the minimum (CL survival). Even if he fails and Usmanov rides in to buy the club, Kroenke will make a mint. Either way, AW has been a great employee….
He’s pushed it to the very edge this season and he’s up against an equally ambitious guy in AVB at Spurs. (And neither of them should look past Moyes and Everton, this season, at least.) Personally, I think he can do it (again) and I don’t want to see the opposite (unlike some). Moreover, I don’t buy the whole “he cannot motivate the team thing.” In truth, I think the players are very loyal and actually try too hard, hence the ridiculous nerves on defense and pushing the balance of the team too far forward searching for early goals and big scorelines. It needs to be sorted out (and quick). For me, dropping Vermaelen and not letting Santos close to the pitch (the desperation Nacho signing) are strong moves and I’m feeling a lot better about 3 points tomorrow. Still, his big job will be to convey his confidence to his players rather than his nerves. In other words, he needs to believe in his own vision. More and more it looks like HE’S having trouble buying his own vision (BS?)….
As the volume of my writing attests, I still find it exciting moment to moment as well as fascinating drama, though I can see ALL (or at least most) of the big issues that you guys point out…..
You’ve got to be reasonable to Wenger, only fair if we call him out to then also acknowledge when he gets it right.
1. Not many clubs ‘bought’ more than 1 major signing in the window. So Wenger is not alone, and as I said below I think he made that signing in the most needy area – irrespective of the timing of Gibbs injury.
2. Nuri Sahin. Remember him? Much fanfare about him and nashing of teeth when we didn’t clinch his loan/signature. Well he’s gone back to Dortmund. Lesson one: loan deals to big clubs for players in their prime are rarely good. If you want them – buy them outright. Must be (small?) questionmarks about Sahin’s ability now – flopped at Real and inconsequential at Pool. Filenote: maybe Klopp is a bit like Wenger, in having the ability to make a player look better than he would elsewhere (and vice versa – winky face).
3. The striking situation is frustrating. Yes a few weeks ago we looked light and needy. Now, Giroud is bedding in, with goals and lovely assists. Podolski is scoring as well as assisting. Walcott is showing signs of more consistency in scoring. Summary: in Giroud, Podolski, Walcott and Cazorla we are sharing around the scoring/assisting burden. Why is this frustrating? Because it will take a season for this integration to ‘work’ well. So 2012/13 is yet another season of transition.
My want. A big signing of a super super quality player. You know, the type Wenger refers to but never buys. Maybe he’s too scared? Maybe he prefers the lower risk buys? The problem is we never create enough momentum to win anything that ‘lowrisk’ way.
I dunno CK, has Wenger ever bought really big-name established stars? For me he has almost always bought either under the radar players (UTRs) or younglings. Perhaps only Sol Campbell and Marc Overmars meet the criteria of genuine superstar signings during his reign and both came with caveats. Sol was a rare find ‘fee free’ and Marc was a discounted price due to coming back from a major injury with a questionmark over his future/recovery.
Auclair argues that Henry was a big-money signing, but I would argue he was not a ‘superstar’ when we signed him. He was a young player who had bloomed (for Monaco/France) and faded quickly from view at Juventus. Auclair also points to Wiltord, but Sly was never really superstar for me.
The closest we’ve come in modern times is Arshavin, and yet frankly, for most observers he was UTR before Fred and I mentioned him as a possibility worth looking at.
My hypothesis is; “Wenger has never bought a big-name ready-made superstar at market value”.
And the implication is that we are wanting Wenger to move away from a fundamental cornerstone of his M.O. I suggest it won’t happen.
The other observation I would make is that Wenger has changed. The team he crafted under Vieira had some fundamental structural differences to the team that emerged post-Vieira. Vieira’s team had size and power and was explosive. The team that evolved around Fabregas was more akin to Barcelona – mobile, nippy yet slower in pace. The second generation team(s) have never imposed themselves on the EPL.
So, my second hypothesis is that; “Wenger’s thinking on how he wants to shape a team to play the game has changed”.
The implication is that it is futile to look to Wenger to do something that is simply not (or no longer) in his thinking. Big imposing centrebacks or defensive minded central midfielders, or regimented defence drills (Adams, Keown et al), or explosively quick physical strikers, aren’t on his radar.
The more you think about it, the more you have to thank ‘good luck’ that Wenger inherited building blocks that he himself would never have bought or built – Bergkamp and the famous back 5.
So when seen in that light, Nacho Monreal is consistent with his original UTR approach. And why it’s really hard to see Arsenal ever doing what is needed to win anything again.
Agreed 100% Kiwi, selling Song merely reinforced my belief that he’s trying to once more build a Barca version without the infrastructure to do so. He tried it once when he got rid of Gilberto and Diarra and installed Flamini as the box to box MF beside Cesc. It failed then and it is failing now.
And that’s why he needs to jump on Galahad’s steed and return to France where he can continue to work for Al Jazzera and French TV as a professorial pundit. First Manager I know who does TV work for 3 different sports’ networks, especially when making 7 Mill in his primary job.
That puts a whole new meaning to the term “moon-shining”. How does he find the time to be coach, manager and football director for Arsenal, global defender and spokesman of football social mores and have three part time jobs.
Now, that’s what I call multitasking.
Typical Arsenal deal of recent times, 10 Million on an under the radar player(because of a recent injury to Gibbs) with a minute to go before the .transfer deadline. Obviously AW is an ardent admirer of Alfred Hitchcock, nothing without suspense.
Here’s the prequel:
– We have money to spend
– We will be active in the transfer window
– I decide on wage structure
– We need to re-sign our players and get them back from injury first
– Buy, buy, buy, that’s all everyone talks about
– We will only sign players who can benefit the team
– Our team is healthy
– Wilshere, Rosicky and Diaby are LANS
– January window has no bargains
– I am working hard to sign quality players
– Send Chamakh (our only other true striker), DJ (our 4th best CB) and Frimmers on loan
We lose games, draw with Liverpool, fans grumble, fans unfurl “get out” banners, Arteta, Coquelin and Gibbs get injured, fans grumble some more and unfurl more banners.
– Freeze ticket prices
– Sign cup tied Nacho at the last moment
Wenger, “That should shut up those stupid fans and the press, Ha, Ha, Ha.”
LANS = awesome
Pity it will never go viral because it’s all ours.
Loved the quip Vibe on Nacho…
Perhaps ironically given my constant gripping at Wenger I think a deal for Monreal is exactly what Arsenal need. It is a position on the field where we sadly lack cover and competition. I’ve warmed to Gibbs recently as he’s managed to stay on the field and his comfortable ball-playing style reminds one a little of a certain Ashley Cole. And yet… we all know he’s yet to prove he can be fit for 35 EPL games. Santos didn’t work. So on the back of that, buying a below the radar Spaniard, ala Cazorla, a specialist fullback with no pretensions of being a wingback seems a good move. Yes it will result in a certain amount of angst for Wenger, Gibbs and Monreal once both players are fit… but isn’t that life in a big club. Handling that is why managers and players get paid such incredible sums. There’s nothing wrong, and a lot right, in Gibbs and Jenkinson battling for their place for a couple of seasons.
One other thing hit me in the Liverpool game and that was how demise-ic Pepe Reina looked in the Liverpool goal. Shades of David Seaman in his torturous latter years. For those who never saw the George Graham era, you missed something (in fact a lot). One highlight was a regal David Seaman in goal. The best goalkeeper I’ve witnessed ever. But time is a harsh thing on sportsmen, just look at the leaden footed Reina.
Hey Stevo, sorry about the pain man. That’s no good.
Yeah, feel better, man.
Thanks boys….It improved as the evening went on and I got some rest overnight. The doctor today said it’s pretty much to be expected in folks as they get older….Gotta try to stretch it out and “listen to my body”…. :-O
Interesting how my post-match comments and yours, kiwi, focused on similar themes even if mine was (a lot) angrier than normal. I’m surprised that there hasn’t been more backlash on the lack of subs. And if it’s true that Santos is on his way out and the Nacho man was on the radar, TV5 moving to LB would have been the obvious change when Gibbs pulled up lame.
Frankly, I’m very pleased with the signing and it’s a bit of money for a LB. I would’ve liked more and I got just a bit excited when vibe broke the Reina news. Even if he’s not the keeper he once was, he could provide back-up/challenge for Sneezy. Truth be told, a lot of keepers match that description. Instead we’ve got Mannone.
So, overall, a better day than yesterday (though I’m missing out on some lovely sunshine and very ski-able snow)…. A day later I still feel very concerned about the way AW is rotating and (not) using his subs. We’ll see if the squad can bounce back for a win vs Stoke. A corollary is the lack of confidence it would seem to transmit to the players left unused in favor of exhausted ones…..
To better days….
Wha?
BREAKING NEWS: Sources at Melwood have confirmed #Liverpoolhave accepted a bid for Jose Reina from #Arsenal.
Aww. Fake Twiiter account. But still, at least Fake Arsenal is making moves that would have made sense 4 years ago.
So we’re really (panic) signing a back named Nacho? Any bets on how long before Santos tries to eat him?
I’m in a ton of pain….And not just because of my football team….Somehow, I think I have sciatica–extreme difficulty getting into any position that doesn’t send shooting pains down my leg….Hospital for me tonight if it doesn’t improve….
More pain: Is the team that bad or is the manager a dimwit? The captain is a bag of nerves whose whiff leads to an early away goal….next, the hamstring waiting to happen, Kieran Gibbs, goes out (2 weeks, 2 months?….). Why not move the captain to a spot where he can get forward? Or Ramsey out there and bring in Diaby or Sicky? After all, we’re chasing the game…. instead, we get Andre 2 S**ts…Boom, now, we’re really chasing it….
But alas, THAT was our final sub!!! Is it any wonder that our gassed
players (Santos being the most tired, but Lulu and Santi and Jack looking pretty pooped) couldn’t close the deal? In the end it’s a “good” point, but if that’s what the manager is thinking he should have the balls to bring on Kos to seal the draw. I seriously doubt that Stoke City only used a single sub when they played yesterday. Smart money should be placed on them at “physically jaded Arsenal” on Saturday.
At least we’ve got 24 hours left in the window…..
Painkillers, please…..
Once again the touch by Giroud for Walcott’s goal was exquisite – that’s a gem-ic aspect of the centre forward’s game. One senses that the forward line is slowly gelling together. Cold comfort, as we press repeat again. How many times does Wenger reinvent a team during these wilderness years?
Santos is a lazy little sauntering sod. Truely and utterly lazy. The injury to Gibbs is worrying. We could be left with Santos for a while. It’s not just what Santos does or doesn’t do in his own play, it’s the negative flow-on impact as he undermines the fragile confidence in this defence. We don’t need a weak link in defence. What are the options? Use Sagna and Jenkinson – who would you move left? Is there a midfielder that could do a fill-in job, can Coquelin do a Flamini? Santos is comfortable on the ball, but he’s a first rate defensive liability.
One question, why didn’t we bring on any subs late on? I felt Diaby and Rosicky could have added a little more midfield thrust and invention as the game wore on and the legs tired.
So let’s see. More brilliance from Giroud and Theo. More crap defense. More inconsistency from half to half. More of the same from Arsenal. Meh.
If this game proves anything, it’s that they are exactly where they belong on the table.
So very true Vibes, we are mediocre and will be fighting for Europa Cup place.
Not sure about your initial premise–that 3 matches will determine how Arsenal will finish in the table. Clearly we need a result tonight and at Spurs but I think the performance vs United (in London, btw) seems more important than the actual result, given that we’ve already sold them (at least) the league title. In truth, we must avoid slip-ups vs the other 14 teams and our match with Everton is a bit of a six-pointer…. Otherwise no qualms with the preview…..(But I agree with Anto, given Abou Diaby’s performance at Anfield back in September, mightn’t he play?….)
This is where I should shut up and just link to my blog…..but I don’t have one, so here goes. (Thanks for reading to any/all who do and cheers to the DAG for hosting….)
From the previous thread….and the notion of managers and when you started watching, etc., etc. I agree with kiwi (and Stag): the view of the Wenger-only Arsenal supporter means that AW is central to ALL drama for ALL (viewing) time. It almost seems so self-evident that it doesn’t bear saying, but you’re right, it does…..
But more than just his tenure, the love (or hate) with Wenger, I think, is intrinsically linked to the incredible manner in which he has purged all dissent from the hierarchy of the club, meaning that current results (which pale compared to past ones) are perfectly acceptable. Usmanov, of course, is the lone voice, but he’s just a voice and an awfully ironic one at that, as he complains about us being a selling club while using the Deins (legendary David, but also uber-agent Darren) to legitimize his position. The only comparable figure is SAF, but he manages it by being focused solely on results while maintaining a disdainful view of his ownership. Winning would seem to mitigate debt as a financial strategy and it certainly is nice for the fans. Long term, I wonder, but maybe the Glazers will get out when Sir Alex does, meaning that Alisher could put his money behind the club he actually supports. So, if you’re a big club, winning (the league) gives you another go round. Cue Bob Mancini, sending champagne and flowers to Joey Barton….. Otherwise, unless you’re Sir Alex, you’d better get in line with the owners’ goals…..
But there I go, talking about other clubs (again). AW has made himself inseparable from the club and grabbed the spotlight with such fervor it only seems natural to have a polarized viewing audience. Given that he’s ceded truly competing and/or “winning” to the future, his true legacy will have to be judged at that point. It is what it is and if you can’t take it, I understand. In the meantime, for those that can, there are games to be played and plenty of room for nuance beyond the slogans.
On that note, I appreciate kiwi’s impressions of Giroud who seems (to me at least) undroppable. Comparisons with RVP will always find him lacking, but, if he can start throwing his (impressive) weight around and stop trying to work the refs in the continental style, he will fit right in with the more pint-sized combatants we have out there. Santi got away with his dive vs West Brom (and got Ade sent off vs Spurs), but he’s a sharp guy and is learning quickly to conserve that sort of capital. Theo got his big payday “playing to the whistle” and it would be a fine irony if Arsenal as a team started to follow suit. We’ve backed ourselves into a bit of a corner this season so a fighting spirit (rather than gamesmanship and whining) seems essential….
But, quickly, back to the bigger picture and the previous thread. Nick Hornby has an e-book out about last season and the big changes in English football since he wrote Fever Pitch. Google his interview with Timmy the Tooth (7am kickoff)–it’s a good read, as I would guess the e-book is too….
Anyhow, here’s to 3 points (for the Arsenal, sorry Stag….) tonight. Go On…..
no diaby? he destroyed liverpool at anfield at the start of the season.diaby for ramsey any day of the week