EPL Match Day 13: Arsenal v Everton; Match Preview
And now for something completely different . . . consistency
I have a confession to make – these types of matches worry me. As I mentioned on Wednesday, these are quite simply matches Arsenal should have no major issues with. Everton of course are an improving side but they have always been a team that Arsenal can handle – especially on visits to the blue part of the Mersey. However, I think as we have all come to learn lately, nothing is easy for this Arsenal side.
And you know what, maybe that’s okay. Maybe the true test of a team’s championship calibre is to do it (win) but do it having to work for it. Sure, it’s not great for the fans because it leads to cardiac moments (like minute 2 through 90 against Wolves) but if they win and they have to work for it, then in my opinion it builds something for this team. Something they are accused of not having – a tough underbelly.
That tough underbelly is what gets you through difficult moments. It is what carries you through the season of ups and downs and hopefully it is what can hopefully change your course when things seem down.
The loss last week against Newcastle was dispiriting. You can take a loss, but not a loss where you basically didn’t show up. Ah, but I digress I have moved on from that loss. Heck I’ve even moved from the win against Wolves. We now have the sticky situation with the Toffees.
Arsenal must continue to push and win if they are to keep pace with United and Chelsea. Both are capable of dropping points. Well, actually everyone seems capable of dropping points this season. The top 4 seems pretty set right now but its getting crowded in the race for the title. Arsenal look capable of securing their CL spot but for Gunners fans and likely for the team, that is not enough. There has to be a concerted effort to push for the title. A win at Everton and that continues. A draw, eh still but the doubt creeps in. A loss, well, I wouldn’t want to be someone who worked for a suicide prevention hot-line if we lose.
As for the team itself, players are coming back. Aaron Ramsey while not with the first team, is practicing again and is set to make his debut in the reserves this month. Kieran Gibbs is back and could be on the bench for the match. We all know Van Persie is back and will likely start the bench. All in all we are getting healthy and hopefully that means we can start to see some consistently in lineups.
I mentioned on Wednesday that I thought the added focus this season on the Carling Cup while admirable could also be working as a detriment to this team. It was always a blooding that the Carling Cup was used for so that youth players could gain some valuable experience against bigger sides. But after 5 seasons without a trophy it looks like the club are all in as first team members are being interspersed with the reserves. This is in my opinion tiring us out.
Another thing that could be contributing to some of the issues we are having is inconsistency in the lineup. With all the injuries people are in and out of the line-up with no cohesiveness really being developed. The senior teams of the past played together for a few years and the sleakness and rigidness of their play showed. They knew the tendancies and habits of the players on the pitch with them. Recently, I am not sure the squad went into each match knowing who would be on the pitch from one match to the next. Hopefully, that sorts itself out with players returning to the squad (of course those pesky international friendlies are coming up and we know how we fare during those.) It is not the only reason and there are some player issues that need to be sorted out but this is a glaring one for me and one I hope gets sorted out so we can enjoy our football again.
One thing you need to know, I expect this weekend a rather sharp message to be sent to one Niklas Bendtner. Not sure if you’ve caught but he of the fleeting pink boots is now demanding via the press that he start. He figures that he was starting last season and he is in better shape this season than he was last. I won’t be surprised if Nicky B doesn’t find himself even in the squad this week. Wenger doesn’t like whingers. And expects players to bide their time and work for their spot.
Nicky shouldn’t need to be reminded that a.) he’s only just come back and b.) there happens to be a certain Morroccan who is playing infinitely better than him. Nicky is his own biggest fan and his own worst enemy. He is a talented player but in my opinion still isn’t where he needs to be in terms of being a top knotch striker. He can’t (or doesn’t) hold the ball up to bring either the wings or midfield into the action. His shots tend to be more than often – off the mark. And his passing isn’t as crisp as it should be. But he is good in the air, when he does get his shot on target is solid and when he focuses on being direct and attacking defenders (like he did at the early part of last season) he is a menace. So Nicky my boy, calm down, watch how Chamakh brings players into the action and how direct he is – you add that to your game son and well you might actually be as good as you think you are.
Useless fact of the Day (or Reasons For Hope):
Arsenal currently sit bottom of the “fair play league. The last time they were in that position, they won the league.
Okay now that I have suitably digressed from the match let’s get to the meat of this rambling of mine
How the Match Should Play Out:
Ah the Merseyside. The Gunners love to play here. In their last 7 trips they are undefeated against either Everton and Liverpool. And who can forget last season’s opener where we drubbed the Toffee’s 6-1. Yeah, I don’t think that’s going to happen. David Moyes, a manager I like, has his slow starting team on fire again and they have had a good run of late. I think Arsenal need to come out with the same mentality they did against Wolves and be direct from the get go. The need to attack the center of Everton where they will softest without Fellani in the line up (some rule about only one Marouane being on any EPL pitch at any given time). Arsenal score the early goal and I like our chances. However, our defence has to be solid against the likes of Pienaar who has been making some players in this league look stupid. Figure Arsenal to be a little more pumped up for this than last week. Look for a direct attack and more creativity with Nasri on in place of Walcott. Walcott though is the super sub as he breaks a 1-1 draw in the 69th minute with a cracker racing in the from the side (if I get this right, I will be giving out lottery numbers).
Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Andrei Arshavin. I think he reads YAMA, I really do. The lad didn’t score but the midweek match was the most direct and threatening I had seen him play for some time. I really think in a match like this, he is the x-factor for Arsenal.
Everton: Tim Cahill. He is the Toffee’s leading scorer and the benefit of some sweet Pienaar set ups. He could cause use MF problems if Song doesn’t sit in the middle and play more defensively.
Probable Starting XI:
Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Koscielny (suspended -1) Almunia (elbow) Vermaelen (achilles) Ramsey (ankle) Frimpong (knee) Diaby (ankle)
Everton: Fellaini (suspended – 3) Heitinga (knee – D) Anichebe (knee) Barkley (leg) Osman (ankle)
Last Meeting (EPL):
Arsenal: 2
Everton: 2
Last 5:
Arsenal: WWWLW
Everton: WDWDD
Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Chamakh 8 (5 league) Nasri 7 (4 league) Walcott 7 (5 league) Arshavin 5 (2 League)
Everton: Cahill 5 (5 league)
Match Officials:
Referee: Howard Webb
Assistant Referees: Andy Madley & David Richardson
Fourth Official: Anthony Taylor
Broadcast Information:
US:Foxsoccer.tv 9:00AM
UK: Sky Sports 1 1400 BST
Feeds:
www.atdhe.net
GAMEDAY CHAT: It’s Open!!!!!!
www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2
Everton : 1
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WOW. Robert Pires returns to the EPL.
I am glad he is going to a decent team.
Gotta wish him lots of luck… and would love to be there for
a match at the Emirates to give him a standing ovation.
Robert Pires to join Aston Villa!
Aston Villa have confirmed that former Arsenal and France midfielder Robert Pires will join the club later this week.
The 1998 World Cup winner has been in talks with the club as a free agent following his release by Spanish side Villarreal in the summer.
Villa boss Gerard Houllier is currently short of options in midfield due to injuries while Pires has been training with Arsenal and could be thrown into action quickly.
Pires, 37, won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups with the Gunners as well as the European Championship trophy in 2000 with France.
Villa assistant manager Gary McAllister told the club’s website, avfc.co.uk: “Robert has been training at Arsenal.
“I know the boss and Arsene Wenger are very friendly and I believe he’s going to join us in the next two or three days.
“It’s perfect. I am sure he will arrive at the training ground in good condition. He’s a player everyone can look up to because of what he has achieved.”
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8690_6511331,00.html
God is returning…well one of my Gods :)
His first home game might come against…Arsenal. Some of the Villa players might learn something from him.
To respond to a couple of the comments above….
Sesh: For me it was a very interesting match in that our attack was significantly more direct, or maybe it’s better described that we didn’t commit too many bodies forward and rather than our usual dilly dallying near the top of the box, we took a few early shots (Arshavin twice from distance, Song once; Nasri blocked early and Wilshere with a promising run across that also got stopped). Then we scored the opener, which began with another quickly taken (Nasri) attempt. Overall, I would guess (I haven’t seen the stats) that possession was very even and, except for a spell between 70 and 80 minutes, we weren’t keeping the ball for long periods. AW later criticized that part of the match, suggesting that it led to complacency, and the “squeaky bum” ending….My point is that there is an emerging change into a more balanced, more direct element in the attack and less of the pretty (sometimes pointless) possession football of which we’re usually guilty.
All of which is fine by me. In my time watching Arsenal I think our (oft-criticized) “over-elaboration,” while maybe not being a killer in terms of exposing us to counter attacks (which, of course, do occur) is more troublesome because it wears everybody down, physically AND mentally, especially in home matches against weaker opponents who’ve parked the bus. “Shoot” yells the anxious crowd, and the nervousness gets worse if our defense is tested and the clock ticks on….. I think we have the talent these days to be a lot more decisive/direct and it was good to see this element at work in the Everton match.
Fred: Early season vs late season teams….I don’t buy it….You can say that Chelsea/ManU are late season teams in that they’ve won trophies in the Spring and we haven’t (an “experience” issue that IS huge)….Every season, however, is different and Chelsea, benefiting from enough squad health AND an easy schedule, up until very recently, have done well, while ManU and Arsenal have both dropped some bad points. Us with the home losses/Sunderland draw, and ManU with some bad (and good) draws. It’s all shaping up (and intensifying) for a big December, with lots of head to head clashes. It’ll be very interesting which team or teams come through that period with the points AND the confidence for the new year and which clubs are struggling and looking for reinforcements in the January window (and maybe an early exit from the FA Cup). Points in the League are big, but the other trophies, I think, will also be set up by what happens in the head to head encounters. If we can do enough in that period and manage the health (and happiness) of the squad (the deepest, I think, of the three clubs) we’ll set ourselves up well for the business end of the season, though actually getting our hands on the trophies will be the toughest part, because it’s uncharted territory (for this group)….
And the games before then are huge as well, starting with the Derby. We need leadership within the squad and the recent comments (and play) of Nasri seem especially strong. (Comments about wanting to play the Derby rather than the friendly, citing Gallas and his BS of not talking to players, etc….) Big, big, big, as is the trip to Villa, where both Chelsea and United drew. Our other attackers, Cesc and Arshavin, I thought, are looking better and it’s good that they’re taking shots (and in Cesc’s case at least) converting them. It will be very interesting how others (esp. Theo and RVP) get worked into the squad in these important matches, given that they were both disappointing in the loss to Newcastle and took no part in the recent wins. Of course they both have to survive the friendlies.
As usual, apologies for the long post….
You dont need to “buy” the statement that they are a late-season team. Chelsea and Man U win more points in the second half of the season than any other team. Infact Man U on average win more points in the second half of seasons than in the first. These are facts.
The only thing you can argue about is that it *might* change THIS season. But there is no real proof. If Terry, Rooney and all the rest are out or injured now, then they are likely to come back strong in time for the … late season!
Till we win we wont change the current reality. Chelsea and Man U ramp up and squeeze out the points at the crunch. For example in April, Chelsea are more likely to squeeze out three points from Sunderland in the away fixture. At least more likely than Arsenal beating Newcastle in the reverse fixture. When it matters, will we be there? It needs to be proven.
We can argue and claim the top two are weaker. But are they weak enough for us to prevail?
There is nothing spectacular about what we are doing right now. In the last six years we have actually topped the league in the first half of four of those seasons. Even in the dreadful 08-09 season we topped the league in October!
We should just concentrate on getting as many points as possible in the league and do EVERYTHING we can to win the Carlings Cup. Winning the league or CL is a very big jump for a team that has won nada in 6 years. But a Carlings Cup win would be a very solid middle step, a launching pad to give that much talked about “belief”.
Actually….I totally agree with what you’re saying….I guess my point is really that every new season is a new season and team dynamics change–often very, very quickly. A week ago Sunday, after our loss to Newcastle, we “should” have fallen 8 points behind. A week later the gap is 2, and the momentum is completely changed….
I’m often amazed when I hear commentators (including writers/bloggers) say things about “Arsenal” in reference to things that happened to an entirely different cast of characters. (Although, of course, they are often referring to Arsene Wenger teams, so in that manner, for good or for bad, there maybe is some continuity….)
The “parity” argument which keeps cropping up is very interesting and while I don’t quite “buy” it (I think, also by the new year, we’ll have a much better idea of which teams will be scrapping for the relegation spots, etc.), I also think there are more and more teams “going for it” (i.e., goals/3 points) in their matches with the top clubs. As such there are fewer and fewer “gimmes” in the league and the team that can handle the psychology of that dynamic, in addition to the head to head battles, is likely to prevail.
But in the meantime, like you say, keep getting points, use our depth to push hard for the Carling Cup, (avoid injuries), etc., etc….
Stag, you’re right about me mis-reading your comment above. My bad. So many Arsenal “fans” don’t appreciate how difficult it is to win even at home when you’re missing even one key player, let alone several. Maybe watching even the great Chelsea struggle will change their mind. I doubt it but you never know.
As it stands, Chelsea may have to do without their skipper for an extended period. We’ve been without our first choice CB for an extended period too. Let’s see who copes the best. I mean it’s not as if they’re missing their first two CB’s and their first choice keeper for an extended time all at once.
I won’t downplay their injury woes, they have the injury bug bad… they are rightly fecked in some positions.
But we deal with this virtually EVERY year… nice to see someone else have to deal with it this time around.
They’ll probably try and re-load in the January transfer window if they need too, but that gives us 1 1/2 months to make a run at them.
AHEAD OF THE DERBY:
Spurs announce another long-term injury – Huddlestone is out for 3 months.
Also Arsenal target Afally (sp?) is joining Barca in January, both PSV and Barca websites announced it today
Saw the same announcement…..Afellay to Barca. (maybe Afellay will part of the sale of Cesc to Barca)
Missed the Everton match – only caught the edited high lights……
I’ve tried to follow the comments above, but most commentary centers around our defense/back four and Fab.
Would some venture to critique our attack?
as compared to West Ham/Newcastle/Wolves. (did we seem to create more goal scoring opportunities OR many of the attacks dead ended in midfield?????
Cesc scored a nice goal but not many other comments here about the balance of his performance. Is his touch returning?
Cesc is not yet back to full form although it was a distinct improvement over the past two games.
As usual, we created chances but non-clinical finishing by Chamakh, Arshavin and Nasri, kept the score low.
Although numerous folk touted our defensive prowess, the game could easily have been 4-4 without the efforts of Fabianski and Howard.
Clichy also made two clear cut errors which could have resulted in goals, but did not, due to profligate finishing on the part of Everton. Squill’s tackle could easily have been a red card also.
Not trying to be a pessimist here, but better teams would have scored more against us on that given day.
CK – thanks!
There can be taken some encouragement that we are not playing that well “in attack” and still taking the points.
Assuming RvP returns from Interlull with no injury, I wonder who will be the sacrificial lamb? (whom he replaces)
But aren’t I the one to put the cart b4 the horse!
I know everyone is cautious about our silverware prospects, as Fred states, too many seasons of surviving through December, then Arsenal are decimated by injuries to key players and they somehow finish the 15 round to the bell – remaining in the top 4.
This season, I see the tables turning. ManU, Chelsea, and Pool are NOT the clubs of the previous 5 years.
Arsenal are out of the spotlight and under dogs. Excellent way to take pressure off the players.
Nice win on the trott. NEED to turn this short run into a long one … because we are an early-season team while Chelsea and especially Man U are late season teams.
In the last 5-6 years (other than the woeful 08/09 season) we have been in this exact situation … being near the top or even leading the league but then crashing at the crunch.
We need as many points on the table as before February starts … so that with the confidence gained from say winning the Carlings Cup … we would be able to push on with some “belief” for the big two trophies.
If we beat Spurs and Villa … and get past Wigan into the semis of the Carlings Cup, then we are in f#cking business.
So if Arsenal are bottom of the fair play league so far that means they have to try to win real hardware otherwise they won’t have a moral high ground to stand on come the end of the season. The profit league will surely be won but if Arsenal don’t win a trophy and fail to win the fair play league, they would just be a dirty team with no nice chaps and no trophy. Gasp. A richer version of Bolton, Stoke or Blackburn but with better passing and an amazing stadium. Oh the horror.
:)
LOL.
yes, our nice guys, are BOTTOM of the fair play league!
I like it.
though our stadium is amazingly boring… zero character… pretty, shiny and devoid of the quaint charm of Highbury. But oh boy, 60,000 a match!
Everyone that’s moved on has been replaced by a better player. Everyone that’s returned is playing improved football. We may have the most experienced bench in the league. The arsenal bench is young but deep, talented, and very experienced.
For me, that translates into this being a stronger team than it’s been over the past few years. Is it strong enough to beat the likes of Chelsea or Man United to the title over a long championship race? That’s yet to be determined but stay tuned. With so many players available and playing a higher level of football, and with so many top players still yet to return from injury and find their form, Arsenal pose a legitimate threat.
You can download the Match of the Day 2 video highlights here:
https://youaremyarsenal.mystagingwebsite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=36
Much appreciated. Found the Chelsea-Sunderland ones too, for those interested:
http://www.soccerclips.net/videos/chelsea-v-sunderland-motd-highlights-14-11-10
Right. The way the season is shaping up, with all the talk of parity and what not, I think it would still be a safe bet to say that Arsenal, Utd and Chelsea will make the top 3 in some way or another. 3 points between the 3 at the moment and here are the next 6 fixtures:
Us- Totts (H), Villa (A), Fulham (H), ManU (A), Stoke (H), Chelsea (H)
Chelsea- Brum (A), Newcastle (A), Everton (H), Totts (A), ManU (H), Arsenal (A)
Utd- Wigan (H), Bburn (H), Blackpool (A), Arsenal (H), Chelsea (A), Sunderland (H)
The last 3 weeks in these 6 sees all 3 play against each other. On paper, United’s run into that period seems easiest. They are also unbeaten (which comes with its own confidence) and getting Shrek back soon. Chelsea have just lost 2 in a row and look to have the toughest of the 3. Our fixtures look so-so, but if we can hit the purple patch Kiwi is talking about, then we can go into that period top of the lot and with confidence.
This damn week has brought hope all over again. Argghhh. But we really need to capitalize on these next few weeks because I doubt another opportunity like this presents itself again. All this makes the North London Derby even bigger. Bring ’em on! Everybody get praying to the football gods to be nice during the midweek…
To me, quite often the North London derby mostly comes at the wrong time. I can’t remember the league circumstances of the past instances but then again, I suppose there is no ideal time for this fixture. I am sure even if it was the first game of the season, then it would have carried extra weight.
Atleast, the derby game is at home after an away league game and an away mid-week European fixture. Spurs were at home in the league, play their CL game on a wed at home as well. In a way, they would not have left London at all in a week so all the more good reason that Arsenal are at home.
I didn’t realize the Braga game is next week so my comment about the mid-week CL game are invalid. Ofcourse, the international games are a bigger headache and yes that requires praying. I was wondering why you wanted to pray to the football gods for the Braga game :)
Lol. Might save a prayer then as well. Who knows we might need it. At least the french are playing in England. That means half our squad won’t have to travel too far. On the other hand, we may have some good ol’ English tackles flying around… Hmm.. Back to the praying board
Dunno Art, it’s easy to talk parity after a weekend where the results have gone well for us, yet the revelation for all footballing faiths comes in May and that’s along way away. Over the last 5 plus years Chelsea and United have demonstrated the ability to compete to the end – we haven’t. It really is that simple.
That’s not to say that Arsenal won’t win a title again – it just means it’s just talk until we prove again over a season that we have the metal.
United have been through these flumps before and bounced back under Fergie, Chelsea present as having the most mature, balanced and battle-hardened squad despite some of the results. For me I’d like to see a few things form this Arsenal team. First, I’d like to see them really going toe-to-toe at the top and showing the mental toughness to really pressure the top 2. If we did that it would build real confidence in our team and generate doubt in Chelsea and United.
Second, I’d like to see the team really buzz for a period, to hit that purple patch I’ve referred to recently and that has been almost wholly lacking. I’m talking about watching the team look a compelling and cohesive team that backs up Wenger’s claims that this is his best footballing side. Because, frankly, they aren’t even close to being that from what we SEE week to week. In most EPL games they’re perpetually trying to redeem themselves from their last flop result. Again, I think hitting a purple patch would generate a belief in the team and in our attacking game.
I hear you Kiwi when you talk about what we need to do to take advantage of the current “parity”.
We have not been in good form in recent weeks despite our victories, there has always been something lacking. The cohesiveness you are talking about, but every team goes through bad patches… lets just hope it is just one of those rather than an inherent flaw.
But when I talk about parity I am referring to the drop in level of Chelsea since Hiddink and the inevitable weakening of ManU post Ronaldo, ageing of some of their best players and lack of funds due to debt. The fact is neither Chelsea or ManU have been able to spend big. Chelsea have not been as convincing since Hiddink despite the double and look more vulnerable than they ever have, under Ancelotti. The contenders Man City, the Spuds and Arsenal looked to have closed the gap somewhat.
The newly promoteds have shown this season more than ever before that they have the quality in personnel ala Newcastle, or the playing style and confidence ala West Brom and to a lesser extent Blackpool, to mix it with the top PL sides. The more defeats or the less points a team have to win the title with will show the falling of standars at the top or the raising of standards below to some extent. Thats the parity I am referring to. The amount of teams involved in the dog fight at either ends of the table will also be indicative of this “parity”.
Right now it is wide open. You have the “average” teams in Euro slots, I expect a yo-yo season. No one is going to run away with it, Chelsea and ManU are the deserved favourites but it will be close, they will continue to underachieve against the also-rans, the unfortunate thing is so can we :pain: .
You note that Chelsea WON THE DOUBLE last year… but that’s not convincing?
What do they have to do? Anything besides winning the CL is not convincing?
They won the double but the opposostion made it easier for them than ever before.
When I look at Chelsea performance last team I see a shadow of the performances under Morinnho. In other words I am not referring to what they achieved but rather how they performed. How much points did they get? how many defeats?
they won the double, but they didn’t play pretty, and didn’t get enough points to be convincing?
HILAROUS stuff.
That’s like the arguement that the Invincibles had a 12 draws, so it wasn’t so great of a year!
“That’s like the arguement that the Invincibles had a 12 draws, so it wasn’t so great of a year!” Now that is hilarious :-D
If you put Arsenal in Div 2 and they win the double is it as convincing as Arsenal winning the double in 98? Not rocket science is it Stag :-D
The old Trafford test will be crucial to gauge the squad. Rooney will probably be ready and sharp by that fixture as well but what shape will Arsenal be in? Still, almost a month to go so plenty of football to be played.
I think it was Arsesession that mentioned parity a thread or two ago. I think this is the kind of parity he was alluding to. The league has levelled out somewhat.
Contrary to Monger theology Chelsea and ManU are not in a league of their ow,n they are not much better than we are and at this moment in time. They can are as vulnerable as we can be against reputedly inferior opposition.
That doesn’t mean one of the “big two” will not win the league though, but we have as good a chance as any of them, both of their standards has dropped and our squad has become stronger so who knows.
I’m really disappointed I missed the match. Sounds like we played really well. I have got to find highlights of this- a Bakary Sagna goal is a rare thing. And I also must see highlights of Sunderland- congrats to them on a job well done.
No we didn’t play really well Cago, not a game to watch again, but we won and it was a very important win,
That 0-3 Chelsea result was a you-beaut. We need a lot of breaks to go our way to win our first title post-invincibles. We need the injury-thing to play in our favour, we need some of the young guys to actually come good, and we need our competitors to under-achieve. I’m talking things like Rosicky actually staying off the treatment table, Walcott scoring critical money-goals off the bench, and Chelsea having serious speed wobbles ala Stoke. It’s impossible to predict the composite effect of these factors – only time will tell.
Scary to think where we be if we hadn’t signed Squillaci on the transfer deadline?
Really like him. Just gets on with it without fanfare and fuss, and is a real team man.
JD looks composed playing alongside him as well.
Agreed.
I don’t know Josh. Squillaci has looked competent but no more than that.
A great back up, better than Djourou but not as promising as Kosch (despite his two red cards).
I don’t think there can be much complaint about ANY of our 4 CB’s. Since Vermaelen went down, the other 3 have done a pretty damned good job, especially considering the lack of time they have played TOGETHER in matches.
I think Fabianski has helped solidify the back 4 as well… as has Sagna and Clichy.
Who’s complaining?
Squillaci has been better than “competent”.
Competent is a positive statement Stag. But he has not been outstanding.
I quote you response to me above
“you see a positive comment about the club, and read it as a swipe at the team”
I sense a large dose of hypocrisy in that statement
Squillaci has looked “competent” which is a damn sight better than anything we got out of Silvestre as our backup. I don’t expect backups to blow us out of the water. Steady and not too many accidents is exactly what you need out of a CB.
Are you kidding, Kiwi? The young guys have stepped up this season. As I mentioned a few weeks back, we’ve already been decimated with injuries to key players and our guys with little to no BPL experience have stepped up. Who else in the league can play as many games as Arsenal with their third and fourth choice CB as a pairing as well as the back-up keeper and still be in second place? That’s not to mention all the games that Cesc and van Persie have missed.
Walcott, Song, Denilson, Wilshere, Djourou, Almunia, Fabianski, Squillaci, Nasri, Chamakh, they’ve all played better than last season and have helped Arsenal win games.
Rosicky had an injury that was poorly managed and his surgery was delayed way too long by Arsenal. Now that he’s fit, he doesn’t appear to be such a perma crock. I know, the jury’s still out but maybe he didn’t deserve that title.
Lastly, I agree that Nasri has been sensational this season. We talked about the apparent tactical maturity in the summer. However, for my money, Sagna has to be the man of the moment. I believe he’s the best RB in the world. The way he rotates from RB and makes blocks in the middle. Especially in the Chelsea game and the Wolves game last week. That boy is world class.
No, not kidding.
Sagna’s biggest test of the season is up next week in Gareth Bale. Song’s going to have his work cut out with VdV roaming around all over the place. Thank god their strikers are shite and their defence is something we can expose.
Well, it’s a bit too early to call it (the plot) either way, we had this type of yoyo journey last season as well. Where our competitors failed to put daylight between us and them until ‘the clutch’. Yet truth is, despite not being too far behind we never really looked liked sustaining a challenge and our football was rarely compelling (last season).
I thought Everton did a pretty good job of interrupting our game, our passing game was mostly unconvincing. They harried us perfectly. I was surprised that Everton didn’t do a bit more route-one-high-ball-in-box-cause-chaos-type-stuff. When they did do it at the end it worked, although I agree with Steve ‘Blocker’ Song was fouled in the process. I’m happy with our performance, we won, we should really have killed the game off (Makh), but an away game against Everton is not a walk in the park and a win’s a win as they say.
Which Arsenal will turn up next week? I’m guessing it will be an applied performance. The fans, the history, of a derby game will help generate that response. After Spurs we have a CL game and then Villa away – the yoyo journey might continue.
you can say which team will turn up at the moment for just about EVERY team in the league!
Funny, merely a couple of weeks ago it’s the end of the world for Arsenal, and Arsene apparently had lost his plot, again, in many people’s eyes following the Newcastle defeat…
Now we are two points off the league leader.
Boy, I love football. ‘Cos no where else serves more humble pies than the world of football.
It’s funny. I’m certain you said the exact same thing as this about this time last season. How did that work out?
Funnier still how some people just disappear from the site for a few months, rather than pull up to table when humble pie is being served their way.
But at least we can all enough a good laugh today.
Do you have any idea why Andez has been away from the site? Do you have any insights into his private life or what he may have had to focus on during that time?
Don’t be so presumptuous dude.
Anyway I what humble pie did Andez have to eat in those few months he was away?
I coulda been talking about you, Art. Or a third person, not even here. Don’t be so presumptuous.
The insinuation did cross my mind, but as I never had any humble pie to eat at the end of last season I thought I would give you the benefit of the doubt :-D
I will remind you, I like almost everyone else did not make any bold predictions of what great things we would achieve last season as we almost all unimously agreed we were a weaker team then we were the season previous. The difference was how we as individuals chose to express our disatifaction with the apparent lack of depth/transfers.
My absence from the site was because I could not take the drepressing negativism that you Mongers enjoy divulging when we go thrpugh a rough patch, nothing to do with humble pie :-D just a healthy hatred for Monger parties.
yes, its true Andez, but the pendulum swings BOTH ways… the humble pie eating goes BOTH ways…
as noted above, Chelsea’s line-up was decimated with injury, but we have dealt with that every season, so it is NO EXCUSE.
Take the 3 points in a solid win, over an Everton team playing well… on the road.
AND a great performance by Sunderland smashing Chelsea… United should have LOST, (they are undefeated still)…
and ManCity played a boring draw at home as well.
GREAT results for Arsenal all around, but it matters in the SPRING…
be happy … and enjoy the wins.
Fabianski played well again, very encouraging. We have been without Vermaelen, so our CB’s have performed well enough… also encouraging…
and what a nice goal for SAGNA! Top Shelf… only his 2nd ever for the club.
So you give Chelsea a pass because they have injuries but Arsenal get no such reprieve because they “have dealt with it every season”? Wow!
Yep it is so sad. That’s why I go on the offensive on days like after the Chelsea defeat.
It pisses me off when our “fans” deride our team after a good performance but make excuses for the likes of Chelsea and hold them up like they are the model football club.
Some of our comrades who are talking about Chelsea injuries now, did not afford the same sympathy to their own team who outplayed but eventually went down to the Champions away from home.
PATHETIC! Stag PATHETIC!
Ummm. Josh/Art.
wipe off your glasses… re-read the above sentence.
I said “Chelsea are decimated by injuries, but we deal with that EVERY YEAR”… so it is NO EXCUSE.
Your ability to READ is pathetic.
I said Chelsea have NO EXCUSE for being beaten at home, and that we’ve dealt with injuries every season… and you 2 take that as a negative comment towards ARSENAL somehow, and run with it.
?:-)
I saw the CAPS perfectly well Stag.
But having studied politics for some time I understand if you really didn’t want to use it as an EXCUSE, then you wouldn’t have mentioned it in the first place.
To be fair you may have mentioned our injury woes when we played Chelsea too but I cant remember it, all I remember you doing was moan.
“Your ability to READ is pathetic.” LOL nice one Stag, perfect retort almost Fred like in it’s application :-D
not my fault your reading skills are shit.
you see a positive comment about the club, and read it as a swipe at the team…
and I’m supposed to be the negative one?
get a clue.
For me, this was the best Arsenal match of the year, even though, it could be argued, nobody was truly outstanding.
The Makh miss was “incredible” and, combined with Arshavin’s stunning lack of mobility and/or fitness, provides an opening for RVP to come back into the team, provided he survives the midweek friendly, while Almunia and Bendnter compare “injuries” in the physio-room….
Arshavin, losing a step (just like I did at his age….), however, froze the defense enough for Bac (of-the-Net, Baby!) and should get some credit. He seems good for an hour nowadays and Sicky did well settling things in his stead.
It was a good sub as was Jack (a real star in the making) for Denilson who created the 2nd….Eboue, late on, however, scared the crap out of me. At least we’ve got options….see by comparison, Chelsea (today at least).
Makh should’ve killed the game but didn’t. Webb, the ultimate in “creative refs” should be blamed for Everton’s goal as Song (who was everywhere) was climbed like a ladder for Saha’s assist. Over-ruling it would’ve caused a riot, however….
In general they were fouling the crap out of us while we remained calm (despite the foul on the goal, and the goal itself)…a bit of maturity, perhaps, in seeing out the one goal margin….I think we were less panicky, maybe, because our makeshift defense (see Chelsea, for example, again) is starting to believe it has a keeper backing it up….the other Polish keeper, (new, “unmerited contract,” and all, sorry Kiwi….) was unimpressed http://yfrog.com/jj880gj (credit to DAG for the photo….)
Most of all I liked that we were OK without possession, trying things without committing too many forces forward, and just looking the higher quality team.
And Chelsea, whoa….not too much of a performance in front of their supporters, (who, to their credit didn’t boo them off the pitch), but I would expect them to bounce back….
All told, not the worst day to be a Gunner….
What’s amazing is that Sunderland totally outplayed Chelsea at home where they had not conceded a goal so far this season.
Must admit that the Chav’s were without Essien, Lampard, Terry and Alex, and Ashley Cole decide to repay Wenger for mentoring his huge Chelsea salary.
Sunderland even help take a bit off Chelsea’s goal difference. And now Sunderland are just 3 points behind Man City for 4th.
wohh. Sunderland leading 3-0 at Chelsea? Amazing stuff.
Arsenal truly profiting from this weekend’s win.
Wow. Just wow.
‘Profiting’? Finally in a manner we really care about. :-)
LOL! Don’t let the other Stag hear you say that
And even the board would like this profit as well. I am sure they would like Arsenal’s current position as opposed to staying in 4th which might end up being an interesting dogfight. Just hope the board or Wenger don’t start dreaming about 4th again.
Two great results on the spin – no mean feat after the Newcastle debacle.
Thought we played a bit better than Wednesday – even Denilson started playing like a good midfielder for a spell at the start of the 2nd half – but once again we started messing about in the final fifteen minutes ala West Ham away last season, so not quite reached ‘maturation’. Probably never will, but if we can sort out the home tempo(and Sunderland hang on), the season could become exciting.
Agree with Oz on Nasri. Improving rapidly and I prefer him on the right side than left.
Great job on the score prediction DAG.
I think this was Cahill’s 4th goal against Arsenal but for whatever reason, I always seem him as a major scoring threat against us. Before the game I feared him scoring but as the game went onto, I thought a clean sheet was possible but…
Still 3 points are soooo welcome.
Off to Portugal.
Solid win. Very disciplined performance I thought. We tracked their runners really well. Specific player notes:
-Fabianski looking more and more assured. Good for him!! And us… Keep it up.
-Djorou was big in the air. Good to see we have our own big, english-style CB (though he’s swiss). No sendy jokes pls…
-Squilacci seems a bit lacking. But then I though back to how last season’s 3rd choice CB was Silvestre, and I’m happy we have him. No CB’s on the bench though. I wish we had Nordveldt or someone on the bench.
-Song, for all the talk of his recent offensive escapades, was good at tracking back and filling the void left by Djorou when he moved to cover for Clichy when required.
-How Chamakh missed that I do not understand. Shocker! Could have been punished on another day, and if he scores that, could well have blown up into another big goodison park win.
-MOTM contender Nasri: Kid is getting better with every game. He doesn’t stop running, is very versatile, tracks back in defence, got amazing skill and control, smart on the ball, good shot. We have a monster in the making if he keeps up this rate of improvement.
All of that said, still not our best. Not fluid enough, but Everton away are no mugs and I’m very happy with an ugly 2-1 win (btw spot on with the prediction as well as the lineups DAG)
I thought Chamakh did his best Bendtner impersonation :) There was a time when NB used to miss sitters like that but he claimed himself to be the best, so Chamakh thought he would experience life as an NB type best in the world.
Ofcourse, Chamakh had more of a chance to score that if he had just flattened himself on the ground and headed it.
I am puzzled as to who the man is in our goal and what he has done with Fabianski. ?:-) Or maybe the question is where this current GK was when his evil double was in net last season and the early part of the current campaign.
If you remember Sachin, I defended Flappianski’s flapping for 2 years until he started to make stupid mistakes which were not defensible. He totally lost his confidence and it’s amazing he has shown the mental fortitude to reclaim his wits.
He helps our game a lot more than Almunia because of his ball distribution.
Having said that, I fervently believe he and CZ have swapped brains because of their close Polish connection.
Maybe Fabianski and WZ are probably trying to channel some inner Tyler Durden :) Next time, if the camera shows WZ and he is looking serious and throwing imaginary punches, it would certainly mean he is trying to whip Fab in shape, and Fab is playing for his life because he is afraid of Szczęsny.
Yeah its far fetched but I will take anything that keeps the Arsenal goal safe. An invisible force field would be ideal but those are still not available for some bizarre reason :)
Damn I am good. Nailed the starting XI again:
Fabianski, Sagna, Squillaci, Djourou, Clichy, Song, Wilshere, Nasri, Fabregas, Arshavin, Chamakh.
Sub: Szczesny, Rosicky, van Persie, Walcott, Denilson, Eboue, Gibbs
Nicky B gets a message sent – you bitch – you don’t play.
Everton Starting XI:
Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Coleman Arteta, Heitinga, Pienaar, Cahill, Saha
Subs: Mucha, Hibbert, Bilyaletdinov, Beckford, Gueye, Yakubu, Rodwell.
Good job on the Line-ups DAG….I was wrong about Yakubu. With him and Felliani out Everton is going very small…Kinda makes me wish our faster CBs (Kos & Vermaelen) were available….
Big match today, and I’m thinking no matter the result we should get a little more chatter here afterwards….
Sitting in the GDC, if anyone cares to join me….
Also, is the info up for ordering T-shirts? (Cheers….)
Sorry to hear about QPR Stag. I saw Cardiff went above them in the Champo, despite having 3 more losses. My 2nd-favorite team (Charlton Athletic) is also in 2nd… in League One that is. It seems we’ve brought the 2nd-place curse with us to these clubs.
QPR is still undefeated, and getting 2nd is automatic promotion.
So it still going well.
I am a Charlton fan as well… so I would like to see them climb the latter again… love their smallish Stadium in The Valley.
For those teams, 2nd place is just as good = promotion.
What did Fellaini do to get a 3-match ban? I know he got a red card midweek, but why did the suspension get extended to 3 matches?
Violent conduct I believe
2 yellows = 1 red = 1 game
Red for denial of goal scoring opportunity or last man = red = 1 game
Red for excessive force, intent to injure or violent conduct = 3 games
2 Reds in first half of season = 2 games (ie. koz)
Why no mention of Yakubu? He’s a strong player and I would expect him to spear-head their attack. Everton, to me, seem a much better team when he’s playing just because he’s such a physical presence. Saha, I think, is more regularly a sub. With Yakubu up front smaller guys like Cahill and Arteta can then occupy the spaces left behind.
It all cries out for Song in his old role. We’ll see….
Yup. And Yakubu is much better at bringing in his teammates, particularly Cahill. And I do not fancy any of our guys in the air vs that midget. If he gets good service in the box, we’re going to struggle in the air.
I read somewhere, can’t quite remember where, that Arsene said he is going to rest Wilshire. If that’s the case, the ever erstwhile Denilson will be starting alongside Cesc and Song. There goes the midfield creativity.
Would love to see Song as the DM,DM,DM,DM (Oh, did I repeat that?)with Fab and Rosicky paired in the MF. It wont happen though.
The more likely set up would be Walcott and AA paired up front with Chamakh with Nasri, Cesc and Song in MF. The back 5 picks itself.
@CK:
Watched your highlight of JET’s goal against the Everton reserves. Holy shit!! Give that kid some first team appearances. Everyone should watch it, CK posted it at the end of the prev. thread.
It was beautiful, wasn’t it.
Nice write up DAG.
Everton are dangerous… and its an away game.
in the EPL this season… teams have played either 12 or 13 matches.
5 have ZERO wins on the road
6 or 7 only have ONE… including ManU, who drew again today at Villa, and really should have lost… after being down 2-0 with 10 minutes left.
Life on the road in the league continues to be an adventure, just like it was last year…
United draw, Chelsea are HOME against Sunderland without Bent.
So a win would be massive, but a draw would be acceptable.
—-
in regard to Nicky Bendtner, and his demands?
F-off Nick. Go play for some mid-table team… or maybe a “big” team will overpay for you…
I agree on Bendy. Hasn’t done shit to deserve a higher wage except for crash his Maserati.
YAMA T Shirt has a vendor. $15 US and £10 BP
Arsenal v Wolverhampton MOTD highlights available here for download (for free):
https://youaremyarsenal.mystagingwebsite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=34